The Lowther Estate takes great care of our Kendal Calling home during and after the festival, with incredible rewilding and environmental projects. They have been able to reintroduce animals and plant life to the fields and neighbouring land.
It is due to the continued efforts of Lowther and other friends of Kendal Calling that we are able to put on our festival every year, and we are continuously thankful that we are able to call Lowther our home as the wildlife flourishes.
Another friend of ours, South Cumbria Rivers Trust, have recently been nominated for a Dam Removal Award for their successful efforts to remove the Bowston Weir. They were able to accomplish the first major weir removal on the River Kent, standing 3 meters high and spanning 37 meters. It was constructed in 1874 to divert water to power Bowston Mill for the local paper making industry. Redundant weirs and dams are scattered across our rivers, however there is a growing movement to remove these structures as we now understand the ecological damage they cause.
This removal has stemmed from collaboration with the Environment Agency and Natural England to identify, investigate and deliver work that benefits the River Kent and its tributaries, as a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Bowston weir removal forms part of the highly acclaimed Cumbria River Restoration programme, which aims to restore the gorgeous rivers that neighbour Kendal Callings home, benefiting the people and wildlife.
This one weir removal alone has seen an improvement to river form and function, improved migration, navigation, flood benefit and provided a 44% biodiversity uplift!
We are so excited to report that The South Cumbria Rivers Trust is a finalist for the Dam Removal Award 2022 (just when you thought you’d seen everything!), alongside four other finalists from across Europe.
We need your help in casting votes, lets help congratulate everyone for their amazing efforts in maintaining and improving the land around our great county:
Please show your support and vote here for the Bowston Weir removal by South Cumbria Rivers Trust!
