Celebrate 30 years of enhancing and protecting Eden's rivers with talks and trips featuring great projects that in the Eden

Eden Rivers Trust's 30th Anniversary Celebration Day 2026

Sunday 13 September, Upfront Arts venue, Hutton-in-the-Forest and surrounding area

You’re invited

Join us for a special day celebrating 30 years of Eden Rivers Trust and our work to make Eden’s rivers better places for people and wildlife. We'd love to see you if you are one of our supporters, partners or just interested in finding out more about how our river conservation charity is working to give Eden's rivers a brighter future for all!

What to expect

We’re delighted to be based at Upfront Arts Venue, near Penrith - a creative hub with lots of facilities and a cafe offering vegetarian food, sweet treats and refreshments.

The day will include talks and field trips offering insight into the work that we and our partners are undertaking to enhance and protect rivers in the Eden catchment.

Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

There is an easy access entrance for wheelchair users to the building, plus easy access toilet and baby changing facilities. Please note, there may not be any facilities at some of the afternoon field visits!

The day is aimed at an adult audience, but older children (13+) are welcome with a parent or carer.

Tickets and donations

Tickets are free so that the day is accessible to everyone. However, it costs our charity £18 per person to host the event. If you would like to support us, you can choose to make a donation when booking your place. Thank you.

MORNING: Upfront Arts Venue

10.00 Welcome and Introduction from our new CEO, Harvey Hamilton-Thorpe

10.15 Talks from the Team: find out more about some of the exciting projects we've been working on in the last year, including searching for Freshwater Pearl Mussels (well, it is our Pearl Anniversary!) and other topics to give a flavour of the wide variety of work we undertake.

11.15 Refreshments

11.40 Keynote speaker - Professor John Quinton, Lancaster University

The ground truth about floods and droughts – why land use, soil and water management matters more than we think

From parched fields and dry becks to sudden, intense downpours leading to flooding, the signs of climate change are all around us. But while much of the debate focuses on cutting CO₂ emissions, could part of the solution lie beneath our feet?

In this thought-provoking keynote speech, John explores how changes in land use, soil management, drainage, and modern farming practices and machinery are reshaping the movement and storage of water across our landscapes. He argues that these often-overlooked changes are amplifying floods, droughts, and risks to food and water security. Drawing on decades of research, he makes the case that better soil and land management could be one of our best defences against the impact of our changing climate.

Professor John Quinton is Emeritus Professor of Soil Science at Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, about to take on mantle of President of the British Society of Soil Science and has just launched a soil and water research consultancy.

Passionate about the vital role of soil in sustaining life, he has spent 35 years researching topics such as soil erosion processes that degrade soil functions, soil management for flood mitigation and the reduction of surface water pollution, and strategies for protecting healthy soils.

With over 100 peer-reviewed papers, his work combines scientific understanding with practical solutions to improve soil and water management.

12.40 Lunch, including 30th anniversary celebration cake (please let us know any dietary requirements)

AFTERNOON: Field trips - various locations

13.40 – 15.30 Field trips. Join us on one of five field trips in the local area. These include projects led by our staff or our partners, plus other great projects celebrating and protecting Eden's natural heritage that we think you'd enjoy!

See the descriptions below. You will be asked to choose one trip when you book your ticket(s). Places are limited; early booking is advised.

15.30 onwards Scones, tea and home!

Choose from one of the following afternoon field trips

Field Trip 1. Tour of the Upper Caldew

with John Rattray, Head of Conservation Operations

Take a tour on the wild side of the Upper Caldew - the location of our new 3000ha National Lottery Heritage Fund landscape project. Be one of the first of our supporters to view the project before we get started working with the local farming community.

Travelling via minibus, you will be driven along a route that showcases the panoramic views and the intricate farming systems working within this landscape.

Max number: 14

Wear: Sturdy shoes and warm, waterproof clothes

Suitable for: Anyone who can walk a short distance.

Getting there: Minibus from Upfront Arts Venue

Field Trip 2. Modern farming and diversification at Eden Yard

with owners Ben and Jannike Taylor,

Ben and Jannike Taylo

Description supplied by the event organiser.