LIFE R4ever Kent
This exciting project, funded by the EU LIFE programme aims to Restore, Revitalise and Revive the River Kent and make it more Resilient for future challenges.
Over the course of this five-year project (2021 – 2026), we will work with our project partners to improve and restore habitats in the River Kent for the species for which this Special Area of Conservation (SAC) is designated.
This ambitious project will also raise awareness of the impacts of some activities on the river and will engage with local people and interest groups to transfer knowledge and skills to local communities.
Overview of the LIFE R4ever Kent project
This unique river, located on the fringes of the English Lake District is home to internationally important populations of bullhead, white-clawed crayfish, freshwater pearl mussel and water crowfoot (Ranunculus) habitat. The project will work with local stakeholders to improve existing habitat, decrease the amount of nutrient and sediment run-off within the catchment, control invasive non-native species, re-naturalise the river where it has been modified and to increase the extent of important species such as the freshwater pearl mussel.
The mussel population within the Kent has become critically low in recent years and so the FBA will be using our experience of mussel breeding and releases to identify suitable donor mussel populations from which to breed juveniles for release in to the River Kent SAC.
This ambitious project will also raise awareness of the impacts of some activities on the river and will engage with local people and interest groups to transfer knowledge and skills to local communities.
LIFE R4ever Kent - Partners
Natural England & the Environment Agency
Natural England is the government’s adviser for the natural environment in England. Natural England helps to protect & restore our natural world.
The Environment Agency works to create better places for people and wildlife, and support sustainable development.
LIFE R4ever Kent is led by Natural England, working in partnership with the Environment Agency, South Cumbria Rivers Trust, and with Freshwater Biological Association.
Find out more on the Natural England - GOV.UK website
LIFE R4ever Kent: project information note 1 - GOV.UK
South Cumbria Rivers Trust
South Cumbria Rivers Trust (SCRT) have appointed a new project officer, who will be working on this exciting new project. This project officer is responsible for a 5-year program of investigations and practical works that will contribute to improving the River Kent Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation rivers in South Cumbria.
Find out more on the South Cumbria Rivers Trust website
LIFE R4ever Kent project - SCRT
LIFE Programme
LIFE R4ever Kent has received funding from the LIFE Programme which is the European Union’s funding instrument for the environment. Funding is awarded for best practice, innovation & demonstration projects that contribute to the objectives of Natura 2000.
Natura 2000
Natura 2000: LIFE R4ever Kent covers the River Kent Special Conservation Area which is part of the Natura 2000- a network of the very best areas for wildlife across Europe. All Natura 2000 sites have special protection under European & UK laws.
