About The Trust
CATCHMENT
The source of the Ribble is located at Ribblehead in North Yorkshire at the confluence of two streams, Cam Beck and Gayle Beck. Numerous tributaries subsequently adjoin the Ribble as it flows along its 70 mile journey to the Irish Sea at Preston, resulting in a sizeable river with a catchment area of over 860 square miles. The estuary itself is among the largest in the UK at over 10 miles wide, and is an important protected site for overwintering sea birds.
PURPOSE
The Trust was formed by locals back in 1997 in an attempt to restore the surrounding flora and wildlife to its former glory. Over the years, industrial and agricultural pollution as well as water abstraction and inadequate sewage treatment have caused severe habitat damage to the Ribble and its tributaries, to such an extent that the wildlife supported by the river has been put under threat. In recent years, water quality in our urban rivers such as the Calder and Darwen has improved, but the smaller streams of the Ribble and Hodder have deteriorated – the intensity of modern agriculture being the main source of the problem. Diffuse pollution is particularly damaging to small streams, as even small amounts of pesticides and herbicides can greatly harm wildlife. It is our mission to protect and enhance the water environments of the Ribble catchment for the benefit of current and future generations.
Our work extends over a catchment of 900 square miles, the majority of which is concentrated on the smaller tributaries and feeder streams as these are the “arteries” of a river and are much more vulnerable to pollution and physical damage. If these are healthy, the main rivers will be healthy. However this is no small task as there are a significant number of small tributaries, and very few people realise just how many there are. The map above shows what the Trust considers to be important tributaries, all of which support various invertebrates, fish, birds and mammal species.
STAFF
Stephen Hatton: Habitat Project Manager
Stephen is the Habitat Project Manager for the RCCT and has been in post since April 2005. His role is to manage existing habitat improvement schemes, and work to expand the area covered by such schemes.
Before joining the RCCT Stephen worked for Lancashire Rural Futures working on farm diversification grant schemes. Stephen has lived and worked in the area all his life and has vast experience of the area.
Stephen enjoys a range of country pursuits including fishing and rough shooting.
Jack Spees: Fisheries Scientist
Jack Spees is the Fisheries Scientist for the RCCT, who started April 2008. His role is to set up and undertake surveys to assess the conditions of the Ribble Catchments fish populations, and water quality. The surveys will also help to form the basis for identifying new Habitat Schemes and other fisheries management projects, as well as reporting on the effectiveness of existing projects and schemes.
Prior to working at RCCT Jack worked for Landmarc support services managing a Rural Estate for the Ministry of Defence in South Pembrokeshire. Jack also helped Pembrokeshire Rivers Trust, and Pembrokeshire Anglers Association.
Jack was brought up in Pembrokeshire, where he worked in agriculture, and then moved away to study. He has a Masters with Distinction in Conservation and Land Management. After completing his Masters he moved back to Pembrokeshire.
Jack enjoys all outdoor activities, including Fishing, Walking, Photography and Shooting.
Catherine Birtwistle: Administration Officer
Catherine is the Administration Officer for the Trust and takes care of all the office based work. She is the newest addition to our team, only recently starting in March 2010.
Having been brought up in the Ribble Valley, Catherine has a sound knowledge of the catchment area. In 2003 she moved away to study for a degree in Physical Geography at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, before returning home to the Ribble Valley.
Catherine enjoys many outdoor activities, in particular walking, camping and skiing.
TRUSTEES
The trust is a registered charity and its trustees are;
J.P. Lord (Chairman), Dominic Bradley, Chris Howarth, Dr. M.W. Horner, D. Wilmot, C.H. Marchbank, A.T. Rowntree, J.B. Wells.