Environment charity nets £250,000 river work boost

An environmental charity has landed six-figure backing to strengthen waterway protection work.

Tyne Rivers Trust has been awarded £249,579 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Bosses say the cash will help create “a stronger and more resilient organisation capable of delivering greater impact for rivers, wildlife and communities”.

Supporting the 18-month Foundations for the Future programme, they add the funding will support new roles across philanthropy and partnerships, systems, projects and communications.

Further investment will cover internal infrastructure, including a new customer relationship management system, a HR and organisational review and improvements to data management, governance, health and safety and digital systems.

Sophia Stovall, Tyne Rivers Trust chief executive, said: “This funding comes at a pivotal moment; the challenges facing our rivers are becoming increasingly complex.

“Pollution, habitat loss, declining native species and the effects of climate change all require long-term thinking, strong partnerships and an organisation with the resilience and capacity to respond.

“Some of this investment will happen behind the scenes, but the reason for doing it is very much about what happens out on our rivers.

“It will help us make better use of evidence, strengthen relationships with communities, landowners, land managers and other partners, attract new investment and ultimately develop and deliver more ambitious work for rivers and wildlife.” 

Helen Featherstone, The National Lottery Heritage Fund director – England North, added: “Rivers are an important part of our natural heritage, supporting wildlife, shaping landscapes and connecting communities with the places in which they live.

“We are delighted to support Tyne Rivers Trust and very proud to be investing in this project.”

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