This partnership was formed in September 2023 with the aim of applying for Council funding to enable us to finance various projects in the Duddon Catchment area. It is led by South Cumbria Rivers Trust who are the account holders and provide advice and practical guidance for volunteers working on different projects.
The other members of the partnership are Duddon River Association, South Lakes Red Squirrel Group and Sustainable Duddon. These 3 groups have been working in the area for many years. Each group has its’ core of active volunteer members, many of whom are involved with more than one of these groups. Thanks to the expertise of Nick and Jackie in formulating an excellent grant application, we received generous funding initially from Cumberland Council. This funding was designated for capital items only. It does not cover consultants, contractors or staff wages. Hence the need for volunteers with knowledge and time to study to enable our different projects to proceed successfully. The list of equipment purchased with this grant funding is quite extensive and varied.
- Water quality monitoring unit
- Weather stations
- Trail camera
- Sound monitors
- Electrofishing unit
- Riverfly survey equipment
- Squirrel feeders
- Squirrel traps
- Remote monitoring units for traps
- Dormouse boxes
- Mink rafts
- Trees
- Bat monitors
- Thermal imaging cameras
These items of equipment have enabled us to set up many different projects. We need enthusiastic volunteers to help with these. If you would like to help, please make contact via the volunteer link on this website or via the individual websites or Facebook pages for each group.
DCP PROJECTS
- Water quality monitoring
- Weather stations
- Electrofishing surveys
- Riverfly surveys
- Trail camera monitoring
- Sound monitoring of birds and animals
- Bat monitoring
- Dormouse boxes and tunnels
- Mink rafts
- Grey squirrel control
- Tree and hedgerow planting
- Leaky dams
- Fish refuges
- Himalayan Balsam control
- Natterjack toad monitoring
- Thermal imaging camera
- Community orchard
- Community garden
- Litter picks. Freshwater pearl mussel project
- Wildlife reporting
- Sustainable transport
- Community and schools engagement
As you can see from this list, we have developed into a very busy active group. Not only do all these projects give us opportunities to get out into nature in areas not always accessible to the general public, but there is a wonderful friendly, sociable and mindful aspect to working with likeminded people.
