The Hoff and Helm Becks are tributaries of the River Eden and can be found within a spectacular landscape characterised by rolling fells and widespread limestone geology. The becks themselves reflect this landscape through their calcareous nutrient-rich waters, gentle riffle pool sequences, silt beds and shingle bars. This specialised habitat type should support a diverse community of species, some of which are highly adapted and unique to such environments. Most notable of these is the white-clawed crayfish, now seriously threatened within the UK. River and brook lamprey, Atlantic salmon, otter, bullhead and water crowfoot can also all be found and for these the becks are designated a SAC and SSSI.

The Project

Extensive research by the Eden Rivers Trust has identified that the Hoff and Helm Becks are two of the most degraded tributaries of the River Eden and that many habitats and species within the becks are seriously under threat. This research has also identified and located the pressures impacting the river and proposes specific actions needed to restore the balance. The river habitats are in desperate need of restoration if the many vulnerable species are to survive and prosper.

Specific actions identified as needed to restore the habitat provided by the rivers include:

Fencing; to prevent livestock damaging, and polluting, the river.
Erosion Control; includes bank reprofiling and willow spiling to reinstate the river bank and prevent further erosion.
Water Supplies; to provide an alternative water supply to livestock.
Farm Advice; to help farmers work in a more environmentally friendly way.
Barriers and Fish Passes; to reintroduce to allow spawning fish access to all parts of the river.
Stocking; fish populations in areas of the river where they do not exist.
Tree Management; to improve the habitat for wildlife in and around the river.
Instream Works; to create gravel spawning grounds in canalised stretches of river.

How donations will help

Donations to this project will ensure that the catchments of the Hoff and Helm Becks are appropriately managed to restore their former rich diversity of freshwater species and habitat. The Eden Rivers Trust is confident that through carrying out these actions there will be a considerable improvement to the ecology and sustainability of the Hoff and Helm Beck ecosystems.