A NEW volunteering initiative aimed at improving the health of south Cumbria’s rivers is to go live online next month.

The Becks to Bay scheme - a partnership of local organisations led by South Cumbria Rivers Trust (SCRT) - is bidding to get individuals and organisations working together to combat problems with pollution, water abstraction, invasive non-native species, a lack of habitat and a legacy of channel modifications, which have all combined to influence the state of local rivers

Those behind Becks to Bay say the initiative will help achieve improvements by supporting the landscape, nature, economy and cultural identity of the area.

The scheme aims to “co-ordinate and collate the actions needed to deliver benefits for all” and the partnership has published a range of information and actions about the area to inform future management. Those invited to take part include communities, local businesses, landowners and tourist organisations.

SCRT points out that the landscape is interconnected and what happens on land also affects rivers. Therefore, Becks to Bay is taking a catchment based approach to looking after rivers. Among the habitats needing protection are those which support species such as Atlantic salmon, otters and the native white clawed crayfish.

SCRT’s Jayne Wilkinson said: “This work is fundamental for protecting our area for future generations, ensuring it can continue to provide the benefits we all rely on, including clean drinking water, water for industry and agriculture, an area for recreation and a home for native wildlife.”

To find out more and get involved, visit the Becks to Bay website - www.btob.scrt.co.uk - which goes live on Tuesday, May 2.