Once termed the ‘Jewel of the Eden’ research has shown the River Petteril to be one of the Eden’s most heavily impacted tributaries.

• It is predicted by environmental models to a high to very high risk of receiving diffuse pollution;
• There are high levels of riparian damage and little bankside cover due to intensive grazing (over 19km of banks are impacted by stock poaching);
• It receives runoff from the M6; 
• It is impacted by the urban expansion of Carlisle; and
• Electrofishing surveys have found only small numbers of  juvenile trout and salmon. 
• Project improvement works in 2010 include fencing, tree planting and installation of large woody debris. 
  See the full story in our River Petteril Press Release.

Poor water quality is also an issue in this sub-catchment. Shap Waste water Treatment Works is considered the major contributor but the catchment is also predicted by environmental modelling to have a high risk of receiving diffuse pollution from agriculture. This is further exacerbated by low flow issues which can reduce the dilution potential for pollution.

Crayfish surveys have found abnormal recruitment and a high incidence of disease suggesting the water quality issues are impacting on ecology. The level of riparian damage due to intensive grazing is also high. For more information see our White-clawed crayfish projects page.

Aerial surveys showed these two tributaries to have the highest concentration of riparian habitat damage in the Eden catchment due to intensive grazing. A staggering 30-40% of the bank length surveyed was severely degraded and cover for aquatic species was sparse. Our survey work has found populations of white-clawed crayfish and juvenile salmonids to be fragmented as a result of this damage. For more information see our White-clawed crayfish projects page. 

The Trout Beck sub-catchment has been a restoration priority for the Eden Rivers Trust since 2004.  Over the last six years we have carried out a great deal of work including:

•  9000 metres of riverside fencing;
•  Planting of 2900 trees;
• 420 trees coppiced;
• 6 farm holdings receiving advice on reducing diffuse pollution;
• The installation of 2 fish passes.

The Trust also puts great value on working with the local community and to that end we have attended shows, carried out school visits and given various evening talks.  The project has been a great example of best practice and innovation to solve complex problems. 

The main achievement of this award winning project so far has been the establishment of two “super-refuges” for trout in the Upper Eden.  These are areas where we have carried out extensive habitat restoration work – fencing, nutrient planning, and on-farm projects - targeted after extensive surveys of the rivers and trout populations. 

These areas should now form a stronghold of good quality, well connected habitat and clean water for trout at all stages of their life cycle – from spawning to fry to adult.  We will continue to monitor and look after them for years to come.

The project also included elements of research into trout life cycles, lots of volunteer input with Himalayan Balsam control and habitat creation, and a strong dissemination element – culminating in our “Trout Stream Management in the Real World” workshop which was held in Appleby in March 2010.