By Emily Parsons

Last updated at 13:16, Wednesday, 24 October 2012

A new project to develop the River Eden has been awarded £107,000.

Eden Rivers Trust has come up with the £2.3 million Cherish Eden project, a partnership involving a range of other local organisations, which includes four complimentary themes.

These include a series of activities which help communities look after their river, an apprenticeship scheme for local youngsters, a new series of walks and cycle rides in the Eden Valley, and a media project about a day in the life of the River Eden.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has agreed to give Cherish Eden £107,000 of development funding, to help the trust progress its plans to apply for a full grant next year.

Simon Johnson, Eden Rivers Trust director, said: “This is fantastic news for the Eden Valley. The HLF grant will enable us to make full use of the beautiful River Eden so that all can enjoy and help to protect it.

“This will save it for future generations while also providing a variety of community activities and opportunities for volunteers, training and recreation.”

He added: “I’m particularly excited that the project will be delivered across the entire Eden Valley, including rural and urban areas, and that we will be creating a number of apprenticeship opportunities for talented young Cumbrians.”

Among those partner organisations is Newton Rigg College, in Penrith, which aims to teach young people about rivers and their importance to man and the environment.

Wes Johnson, campus principal, said: “This new apprenticeship programme will create real opportunities for young people to gather a range of skills, knowledge and qualifications to equip them to make a positive impact in the future of our countryside.”

The media project will see students from Carlisle College using Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery and Cumbria County Council Carlisle Archive Centre for information and inspiration to create a masterpiece to enthuse others.

Sarah McGrath, head of faculty humanities and the arts at Carlisle College, said: “It is such a worthwhile project and also a great opportunity for all of our creative students.

“It will provide a chance for our students to get involved in a real-life project and to have a positive impact on their local community.”

For more information about the trust go to the website at www.edenriverstrust.org.uk

First published at 12:30, Wednesday, 24 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk