Ribble Rivers Trust is a Lancashire-based charity dedicated to improving the health of the River Ribble, the River Darwen, and all their tributaries, for both people and wildlife. From their base in Clitheroe, at the heart of the Ribble Valley, the team works closely with local communities, landowners, volunteers, and partner organisations to deliver practical river restoration and conservation projects across the catchments.
Established in 1997 by a group of volunteers passionate about wildlife, angling, and the outdoors, the Trust was founded on the principle that rivers are central to every ecosystem. Over the past 25 years, it has grown into a professional organisation while maintaining that volunteer spirit, tackling the impacts of industrial and agricultural pollution, water abstraction, and sewage on river habitats.
The Trust’s mission is to restore, protect, and enhance the water environments of the Ribble and Darwen catchments, ensuring that both current and future generations can enjoy thriving rivers, abundant wildlife, and the natural beauty they bring to Lancashire.
Ribble Rivers Trust website: https://ribbletrust.org.uk
Volunteer with Ribble Rivers Trust
Ribble Rivers Trust welcomes volunteers of all ages and abilities to get involved in hands‑on river conservation across the Ribble catchment, including activities that support local waterways like the River Ribble and River Darwen. Their dedicated conservation volunteers are an essential part of the Trust’s work — providing the “people power” needed to deliver practical improvements on the ground and act as valued eyes and ears across the catchment.
Volunteering is flexible and open to everyone, with no experience required. The Trust provides all tools, safety equipment and training — so you can turn up, get stuck in and learn as you go.
Typical volunteer activities include:
- Tree and hedge planting to improve habitat, shade rivers and reduce flood risk
- Fencing to protect riverbanks and reduce pollution
- Brash bundling and riverbank work to help stabilise channels
- River clean‑ups tackling litter and plastic pollution
- Invasive plant control, such as pulling Himalayan balsam
- Tree nursery and wildlife habitat work
- Citizen science surveys tracking species, barriers, water quality and more.
Volunteering with Ribble Rivers Trust is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, meet like‑minded people, develop new skills and make a real difference to local river environments. All activities are fully insured, professionally supported and suitable for volunteers joining from near and far.
Discover upcoming volunteer days and sign up on their volunteer page linked below:
Ribble Rivers Trust Volunteering: https://ribbletrust.org.uk/volunteer