People on the Keekle

A three-year (2020-2023) project of environmental improvement works along the river Keekle and Longlands Lake with a community and education programme included.

People on the Keekle also delivers community engagement and habitat improvements on the lower reaches of the river Keekle that runs through Cleator Moor Parish, eventually merging into the River Ehen at Longlands lake.

The project also made imp Longlands Lake itself – a well-used and popular community asset, nestling between Egremont and Cleator Moor. The lake is an important wildlife site with a variety of habitats including woodland, grassland and aquatic vegetation. It is an important site for breeding birds. However, it is under threat from invasive non-native species such as Himalayan balsam which threaten both biodiversity and water quality.

Sellafield Investment

£229,210

Timeline

2020
Project start

2023
Project end

Outcome

Funding enabled the West Cumbria Rivers trust to do environmental improvement works around the longlands lake area. School educational programme has been developed.

Successes to date include:

8 hectares of Japanese knotweed/Himalayan balsam have been treated and/or cleared
50 metres of gravels have been raked to improve fish spawning habitat for trout and salmon
350 willow pegs/stakes have been hammered into the riverbanks. This helps prevent further bank erosion while also providing improved habitat both in terms of shading and for fish shelter to prevent predation. Willow will also provide food and shelter for wildlife & insects.
6 fish surveys have been undertaken to collect relevant data and assess fish habitat and numbers
25 metres of riverbank stabilisation has taken place. This included the translocation of 21 freshwater mussels prior to the work. This work has secured the long-term future of the Longlands site by preventing the complete erosion of the footpath.
Made significant improvements to the river habitat and water quality by reducing silt & sediment getting into the river and impacting on spawning fish and the endangered freshwater mussels.
In 2021, 15 community events were held involving over 450 participants. These included Green Gyms, family bat walks, river dipping and Forest School taster sessions, willow hide creation and maintenance, guided walks, introduction to environmental work for unemployed residents and a 2-day Longlands Christmas weekend. All activities focused on wildlife, environment, improving skills and knowledge, & getting active outdoors with others.
A total of 330 learners experienced Forest School sessions including groups of students with special educational needs.