Reversing the damage: Cumbria’s success story

Cumbria’s River Eden is an excellent example of how by working together, we can restore our waterways for everyone’s benefit. Like many of England’s rivers, the Eden has suffered from upland drainage, bankside destruction by farm animals, agricultural run-off and urban pollution.

In 1999 a £415,000 civil claim was settled, after seven miles of the river was polluted with agri-chemicals. English Nature and the Eden Rivers Trust worked together with local farmers to restore the river, including promoting less polluting farming methods, easing barriers to migratory fish such as salmon, and restoring 90km of riverbank. The River Eden is now on the road to recovery and is drawing tourists and visitors from around the UK.