RiverLife Blogs
Here you can find all the blog posts from throughout the RiverLife project
Tracks to Tributaries: Connecting Nature, Water and Communities
Over the past year, we’ve been working on Tracks to Tributaries, a project that set out to explore...
Tree planting volunteer opportunity in Callander: 26/3, 27/3, 28/3
Volunteers needed for tree planting next week in Callander!🌳 We are working in partnership with...
Climate Springboard: How Forth Rivers Trust made fuel-saving driving into a contest
“It was a team building exercise. People were saying: OK, so what's next?” You don’t need to know...
Twelve Years by the River: A Farewell from Jonathan
A message for Jonathan Back when I joined FRT 8 years ago it was a much smaller team, but even...
Personal development: Obtaining my spraying certificate for INNS treatment work
The staff team at Forth Rivers Trust regularly undertake training to further their knowledge and skills, and Elijah, having seen the impact of several different Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) around the Forth Catchment, wanted to find out more and complete some training to allow him to treat INNS and support other Trust staff in our efforts to manage INNS around the Forth. In August 2024, he undertook training for his PA1 and PA6 LANTRA certificates which provide safety training and skills to allow the appropriate treatment of Invasive Non-Native plant species. Read more about his experience below.
INNS Explorations in the Leven Catchment
For the past three weeks, I have explored the depth of the Leven catchment and its tributaries. I...
Forth Rivers Trust: Unblocktober 2024
Unblocktober is the world’s first month-long national campaign and awareness month to improve the...
Forth Rivers Trust’s ‘Stream Team’ of runners TAKE ON 50 MILE OCHIL ULTRA RUN CHALLENGE!
Rivers aren’t the only thing running in the Forth… in September, some of the FRT staff will be competing in the almighty Ochils Ultra, a 50-mile run from Perth to Stirling! Click here to read more and to find the GoFundMe link you can donate to to continue Forth Rivers Trust’s protection and restoration of rivers around the Forth catchment. Share the news!
Nature Restoration Fund to support Forth Rivers Trust’s habitat restoration efforts across Forth catchment
The Trust is delighted to announce the allocation of over £265,000 in development funding from the Nature Restoration Fund which will support 3 critical projects aimed at restoring nature across the catchment. These works will identify and map priority Invasive Non-Native Species around the catchment, identify methods to further build climate resilience on the Allan Water, and explore habitat methods to support our local and migratory fish on the Kelty Water. Read more in our announcement here, and stay in the loop by keeping an eye on our social platforms as the projects develop.
TENDER OPPORTUNITY: Barrier removal at Balcaskie Estate
We are currently tendering for experienced contractors to conduct a barrier removal on Balcaskie Estate.
The contractor will undertake works to completely remove the concrete barrier, recycle or repurpose concrete on site, and conduct green bank reprofiling. Read on for more details.
Forth Rivers Trust Nominated for Peoples Choice Award
Forth Rivers Trust Nominated for Peoples Choice Award WE NEED YOUR VOTE! The Forth Rivers...
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES – Devon Restoration Development: help us balsam pull along the river Devon!
As part of the Devon Restoration development project, Forth Rivers Trust is looking for keen volunteers to help us pull Himalayan Balsam along the river Devon and support community efforts to tackle this plant. Read here to find out more.
Morton Quarry Weir Removal – a helping hand for nature
For our #weirremovalweek campaign, Eli shares his experience overseeing the removal of Morton Quarry Weir as a banksman. See more about what goes into a weir removal – done entirely by hand – in his blog here!
New species conservation initiative announced for endangered Freshwater Pearl Mussel in Teith catchment
Forth Rivers Trust is pleased to announce an ambitious environmental project focused on studying and conserving the Freshwater Pearl Mussel population in the River Teith, Stirlingshire. The project focuses on Freshwater Pearl Mussel (FWPM), a species classified as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, and seeks to restore floodplain habitat and boost population recruitment to support the species’ future survival. Read more details here.
New natural flood management project announced to revive floodplain habitat along Allan Water
The Forth Rivers Trust is pleased to announce the launch of the ‘Greenloaning phase 2’ project, an extension of our ongoing efforts to enhance the Allan Water and its surrounding habitats. This project follows the successes of ‘Revive the Allan’ and ‘Greenloaning phase 1’. To find out more, read the full release here.
New environmental restoration project announced to boost biodiversity and build climate resilience in East Neuk
Forth Rivers Trust is delighted to announce the launch of the Balcaskie Wetlands Project, a habitat creation effort focused on the upper reaches of the Dreel Burn in Fife. This project aims to combat the twin challenges of climate change and declining biodiversity by supporting the creation of a crucial wetland habitat on the Balcaskie Estate. Read the full release here for more information.
Riverlife and Blaircreich projects shortlisted for Nature of Scotland Awards
Our blog announces the exciting shortlisting of two of our projects at the Nature of Scotland Awards! Stay tuned with us to find out the results – the award ceremony is tomorrow, Wednesday 22nd of November – where the final winners of each category will be announced.
Nature Restoration Fund awards over £400k for Forth Catchment Rejuvenation
The Trust is delighted to announce the allocation of over £400,000 in funding to support three critical projects aimed at restoring nature across the catchment. These works represent a significant step toward the conservation and protection of Scotland’s natural heritage by supporting fragile habitats and species. Read more here about the project names and planned works, and stay in the loop by keeping an eye on our website for full details on each project coming soon.
Leven Landscape Enterprise Network Secures Funding to Revolutionise Green Finance in Scotland
The Leven Landscape Enterprise Network (LLEN) is thrilled to announce a major funding boost from NatureScot’s Facility for Investment Ready Nature in Scotland (FIRNS) and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This exciting project, spearheaded by the Forth Rivers Trust, in collaboration with Nature Scot, SEPA, 3keel, and other partners, aims to revolutionise the approach to green finance within the Leven catchment around the breathtaking Loch Leven in Perth and Kinross.
Unblocktober 2023 with the Trust
Eli discusses the Trust’s efforts in the awareness campaign of Unblocktober this year, rounding up the posts we’ve put out throughout the month and sharing how you can get involved, carrying on the legacy to save our sewers and seas.
Merlin attends Skein Dial Launch at RSPB Loch Lomond, High Wards Farm, Gartocharn
Newest staff member Merlin Planterose discusses her experience attending a community engagement event: the launch of Skein Dial at RSPB Loch Lomond. Read on to learn about her experience and how the Trust staff take opportunities to learn from other organisations in the sector.
Forth Rivers Trust at Braco Show
Members of the Forth Rivers Trust team Niall Provan, Charlotte Neary and Sandra Stewart had a stand at the recent Braco agricultural show and enjoyed chatting to local people about work the Trust is undertaking in the Knaik catchment and near the Allan Water. Read more about it in this blog piece.
New to Nature trainee – Nature Communications Assistant, my experience so far
Elijah discusses his time so far with Forth Rivers Trust on the New to Nature placement. From a New to Nature ‘trainee exchange’ visit with Water of Leith Conservation Trust, a trip to London, and more – read on to learn about how he’s found the placement and his experiences so far.
Diseased Salmon and Sea Trout
In this blog post we discuss discoveries of diseased fish in our river catchments, some of the steps we take at Forth Rivers Trust to reduce these occurences, and how anglers can help.
Pool of Muckhart Natural Flood Management – Project Update
Elijah discusses the works that have been delivered onsite so far, highlighting the benefits of natural flood management and the way in which the local community have shaped the delivery of this project. Working with Muckhart Church, Pool of Muckhart Flood Group and Clackmannanshire Council, the project has been funded by NatureScot’s Nature Restoration Fund and matched by money from the European Union via the MERLIN project. There is also a volunteering opportunity to get involved in willow weaving in November: read for details.
Water Scarcity – 30 Days Wild – Wild Takeover Day 13
For day 13 of 30 Days Wild, Elijah discusses the hot temperatures we’re seeing this Scottish summer, how these and a lack of rainfall contribute to water scarcity, and why we should care.
World Ocean Day – 30 Days Wild – Wild Takeover Day 8
For World Ocean Day 2023 and also day 8 of our 30 Days Wild takeover, we explore the importance of ocean and coastal habitats, and the important role that rivers play in contributing to these.
World Environment Day – 30 Days Wild – Wild Takeover Day 5
Day 5 of 30 Days Wild and it’s also World Environment Day 2023. In this blog we discuss the history of World Environment Day, why it’s important and what you can do to contribute.
World Peatlands Day – 30 Days Wild – Wild Takeover Day 2
Day 2 of our Wild Takeover, and it’s also World Peatlands Day! We’re challenging you read on and learn about this important, fascinating habitat – learn and go share some of your newfound knowledge as part of 30 Days Wild, or even better, visit some peatland in the Forth catchment to see this important habitat for yourself.
30 Days Wild – Wild Takeover Day 1
The month of June is off to a great start with day 1 of 30 Days Wild upon us already! Our communications assistant Elijah takes us through what 30 Days Wild is, why it’s important, and how you can take part this year.
World Fish Migratory Day 2023
Happy World Fish Migration Day (WFMD) from Forth Rivers Trust. Read more about the pressures that migratory fish face, and learn about the importance of renaturalising our rivers, in our newest blog post.
Pool of Muckhart Natural Flood Management Project announced
An exciting project to boost biodiversity whilst incorporating natural flood management measures has been given the go-ahead in the Pool of Muckhart community.
World Earth Day 2023
Following a significant oil spill in California in 1969, in 1970, former US Senator Gaylord Nelson...
Native Tree Planting – A Collaboration
Forth Rivers Trust (FRT) in collaboration with Sandra Stewart of Farming and Conservation have...
Visiting Allan Water with new Heriot-Watt PhD students
Recently Huw, Niall and Sandra went out with two new PhD students from Heriot Watt and their...
Fish in the Class Crowdfunder 2026 launched
Fish in the Class Crowdfunder Launched! Our crowdfunder has officially opened. Rivers are...
Fish in the class 2022 comes to an end
Fish in the Classroom 2022 comes to an end By Amy Fergusson Another Year Over!! And what a year it...
Outfall Safari on the Almond and the Leven
River Crane - ZSLIn 2022 Forth Rivers Trust is going to be carrying out the Outfall Safari citizen...
Fish in the Class Crowdfunder
Fish in the Classroom Crowdfunder WE NEED YOUR HELP! Tomorrow, we launch our Crowdfunder to raise...
RiverLife: Almond & Avon – Midcalder Weir fish pass, part of the largest fish pass project in Scotland starts
RiverLife: Almond & Avon - Midcalder Weir Fish pass, part of the largest fish pass project in...
Crowdfunding – Clean Rivers, Healthy Rivers
Crowdfunder - Clean Rivers, Healthy Rivers Help us crowdfund for clean and healthy rivers. We are...
New Map & Information Boards for the Polbeth Community
Polbeth Community HUB and RiverLife have worked together to create and install two community map...
Fish in the Class (or home) 2021
Fish in the Class (Or Home) 2021 Each year the Trust runs an education project for primary schools...
Covid-19 restrictions and Trust operations
Covid-19 and Trust operations Due to the COVID 19 Stay at Home restrictions imposed by the...
Delivering Fish in the Classroom during Covid
Delivering Fish in the Classroom During Covid 2020 has been a unique year for many reasons some of...
Water Training Sessions for Local litter Picking Groups
Water Training Sessions for Local Litter Picking Groups As part of our RiverLife small grants...
Resilient Rivers Photography Competition
Resilient Rivers Photography Exhibition During the early stages of lockdown, when people were only...
Nature Activity Kits for West Lothian Communities
Nature Activity Kits for West Lothian Communities This year during the period when people had to...
Virtual Volunteering
Virtual Volunteering As the initial lockdown and response to the pandemic unfolded it became...
Aspen in the Class – Tree Planting
Tree Planting for Aspen in the Class The world has changed in the wake of COVID 19, but some...
