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Ribble Rivers Trust

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Ribble Rivers Trust

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Local charity restoring rivers and wildlife habitats across Lancashire and North Yorkshire. Working with communities to help nature thrive.

01/11/2026

Don’t go dumpin’ your pumpkin this Halloween! 🎃

Each year thousands of pumpkins end up in local woodlands and parks, where well-meaning people leave them out in the hope of helping local wildlife. Unfortunately, it does the opposite.

Pumpkins aren’t a natural food source for most of our native wildlife, and feeding them to birds and other animals can make them seriously ill.

This is especially concerning for smaller mammals like hedgehogs who can get severe diarrhoea from pumpkins, which can lead to dehydration and death. ☠️

Read more about pumpkins, wildlife, and the alternatives in our latest blog 👇
ribbletrust.org.uk/pumpkins-wildlife-nature-friendly-halloween/

31/10/2026

👻 River Halloween Horrors! 👻

From the Sewage Spectre to the Poo Poltergeist, we've rounded up some of the spooky threats haunting our rivers this autumn.

The good news? Like all the best movie monsters, most of these can be defeated if we work together!

Let us know in the comments and tell us which river horror you'd most like to banish! 👇🎃

30/10/2026

What happens when you combine bats and brownies? 🌈

You get a whole lot of fun!

Over the last couple of weeks, we've been leading bat walks for youth groups in Clitheroe and Whalley.

Listening to a bat's echolocation calls through a bat detector is a fascinating.

But when you pair that with a nighttime walk, and you've got magical evening discovering these mysterious, nocturnal mammals.

These super cool mammals are highly adapted to their surroundings, living a quiet nocturnal life, preferably away from humans.

So, whilst we’re talking bats, let's bust some spooky myths!

🩸 Blood sucking bats: there are only three species of bat that drink blood-and none of these bats live in the UK.

☠️ Rabies spreaders: your likelihood of catching rabies from a bat is slim to none, and you could only catch it if you touch an infected animal.

🪰 Hair raisers: bats won't get stuck in your hair. Bats are very agile so, if they fly close to you, it’s because there are tiny insects flying around you that they want to eat.

We love to educate our next generation of wildlife enthusiasts about the amazing variety of species which call the Ribble catchment home. 🖤

Find out more about native bats, and which species you're likely to spot 👇
ribbletrust.org.uk/native-bats-hibernation/

29/10/2026

🍄 It's that time of year again! 🍄

Fungi are popping up everywhere- pushing through the soil, clinging to tree trunks, and even appearing in the middle of lawns.

They might seem mysterious, but fungi are some of the hardest-working organisms on the planet.

🍄 They recycle nutrients by breaking down organic matter
🌱 They team up with plants and trees to absorb water and nutrients
🍄‍🟫 They improve soil health and structure
🌍 They play an important role in storing carbon through vast underground fungal networks

So, this autumn, take a walk and see how many of species of fungi you can spot.

Our circular walks will take you to the exact type of places where fungi thrives.
🔗 ribbletrust.org.uk/get-outside/circular-river-walks

But remember- no picking, no kicking, and no licking!

Have you spotted any fascinating fungi?
Share your photos in the comments below! 👇

27/10/2026

Autumn adventures await! 🍂

When young people explore the outdoors, they develop curiosity, confidence, and care for the world around them.

And we want to make sure that it's a connection that lasts a lifetime.

So, this October half term, take time to slow down, get outside, and discover the magic of autumn.

From muddy adventures to creative nature crafts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Plus, spending time in green spaces is proven to boost mental health and reduce stress- for kids and grown-ups alike! 🧡

Find some fun, nature-filled activities to try with your family this half-term 👇
ribbletrust.org.uk/autumn-activities-connect-with-nature

25/10/2026

Spooky season is here 🎃

Love it or hate it, pumpkin carving is a fun family activity that we all love.

And you can spread that joy further by supporting your local farmers this Halloween!

Farmers and growers across the Ribble catchment are working hard to find new, exciting ways to diversify their farms.

And pumpkin patches are becoming more and more popular.

So, instead of a boring trip to the supermarket, hunt down your local grower and pick your own!

You’ll be adding to the half term fun and supporting a local business 🧡

P.S. when you’re done with your pumpkin, don’t chuck it in your local woodland or park.
Pumpkins aren’t a natural food source for most of our native wildlife. They can cause serious illness and even death. 💀

24/10/2026

🌊 Nature is untamed, rivers are wild, and conservation doesn't always go to plan... 🙃

Instead of our usual monthly highlights, we thought we'd share some of the moments that didn't *quite* go to plan.

🐶 Overly enthusiastic dogs
📸 Photography fails
🌿 Unexpected interruptions
🤦 And a fish survey we'd rather forget...

The thing about working outdoors is that nature doesn't always follow the script.

🎬 Here's a look behind the scenes at life at Ribble Rivers Trust.

23/10/2026

Why are we so interested in slurry storage? 💩

Let’s face it, when you think of rivers, you probably don’t automatically think of slurry.

But when slurry storage runs low during wet weather, the risk of pollution incidents can increase, affecting water quality, wildlife, and the rivers we all enjoy.

That's why we work with farmers across the catchment to help reduce risks before they become problems. Good slurry storage planning helps protect nearby streams and rivers, particularly through the wetter winter months.

If you're a farmer, now is a good time to check you're prepared for winter:
✅ Are you aware of any closed periods for spreading that apply to your farm?
✅ If you're in an NVZ (Nitrate Vulnerable Zone), are you meeting storage and spreading requirements?
✅ Have you checked the Farming Rules for Water when planning nutrient applications?
✅ Does your storage comply with Silage, Slurry and Agricultural Fuel Oil (SSAFO) regulations?
✅ Have you accounted for rainfall, dirty water, and slurry production over the winter housing period?

A little planning now can help prevent emergency situations, reduce environmental risks and keep your farm running smoothly.

Need a hand reviewing your slurry storage or checking the requirements for your farm? Get in touch and make sure you're prepared for winter.

👉 ahdb.org.uk/slurry-wizard
👉 ahdb.org.uk/knowledge-library/slurry-storage
👉 ribbletrust.org.uk/pinpoint-practical-farm-advice/

22/10/2026

Trees have been hiding a secret from you all summer... 🍂

All those beautiful reds, golds, and yellows of autumn have actually been there all along.

During summer, leaves are packed with green chlorophyll, the pigment trees use to turn sunlight into food.

That green colour is so strong that it hides the yellows, oranges, and reds underneath.

As the days get shorter and temperatures begin to fall, the chlorophyll breaks down. And suddenly, the hidden colours are revealed!

But the story doesn't end there.
🍂 Fallen leaves become food for creatures like bacteria, worms, and woodlice
🪲 These critters recycle the nutrients back into the soil
🌳 The trees get lovely compost, and a head start ready for spring

But why does a Rivers Trust care about trees?

Because trees help tackle many of the challenges facing our rivers.

🌳 They provide shade, helping keep rivers cool
💧 They help reduce pollution reaching waterways
🌊 They slow the flow of water through the landscape
🦦 They create habitat for wildlife

That's why we're planting thousands of trees across the Ribble catchment every year.

Read our latest blog to discover the science behind autumn colours. 🧡

🔗 Discover more: ribbletrust.org.uk/why-do-leaves-change-colour

Address

Clitheroe

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441200444452

Website

http://www.ribbletrust.org.uk/

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