Overdue: 285 days
Public benefits
The purpose of Erne Rivers Trust is twofold: 1. to conserve, protect, rehabilitate and improve the rivers, loughs and water-dependant wildlife of, the Erne River Catchment; for the advancement of environmental protection or improvement, and 2. to educate the public on the importance of our precious freshwater environment. The charity’s direct
beneficiaries are the general public that live, work and go to school in the Lough Erne catchment. Indirectly, the wider public of Northern Ireland will benefit from the work of the Trust through environmental improvement that benefits the water quality and wildlife beyond the Trust’s area. Direct benefits for the public flow from the charity’s purpose of environmental protection and improvement are improved water quality and freshwater habitats in rivers and loughs in the Trust’s area, providing a healthier freshwater environment with greater social, economic and environmental value, and; healthy populations of water-dependant flora and fauna which are an important part of the public’s local natural heritage, and the conservation and protection of these species for future generations to enjoy. The direct benefits from this purpose include: an improved understanding, enjoyment, and involvement in the local water habitat, with resultant “ownership” of care, an attitude change or view of the river from “somewhere to dispose of waste” to a place to enjoy and take care of, thus creating useful amenity space enabling and supporting new groups, sporting clubs, school and projects. Scientific studies will bring long term benefits in education, knowledge, health, cross community development, sustainable future development, and civic participation. These benefits are evidenced through survey work undertaken by the Trust to determine the condition of water quality, habitat or species populations, before, during and after project works are carried out; as a measure of success and achieving the Trust’s aims. Environmental improvements undertaken by the Trust are also evidenced through Statutory monitoring and reporting, undertaken by Government Departments; and by academic institutions as part of research projects. This provides a level of independent assessment of the Trust’s work. The direct benefits which flow from the purpose of education are increased public awareness of our rivers and loughs and the roles the public can play in their protection; upskilled members of the public in river survey and conservation techniques that give the public an opportunity to play a key role in the protection of the environment and; the provision of dedicated education resources and support to schools and education providers, allowing freshwater topics to be fully integrated into education provision in all schools in the Trust area. These benefits are evidenced through numbers of individuals participating in education, volunteer, information and training events supported by the Trust, the uptake and usage of education resources, and feedback from participants, education providers and group leaders. A purpose of our charity is to support and enhance environmental education. Environmental improvement work of the Trust may cause localised disturbance to wildlife and the immediate river environment, however, the Trust utilise best practice, evidence-based, river conversation and rehabilitation methods, which include the mitigation of environmental impact. The Trust also works closely with Statutory Agencies, responsible for the regulation and protection of the environment, ensuring that its work is undertaken to the highest standard and in line with regulatory requirements. The impacts of any works carried out by the Trust are always minimal and are far outweighed by the proposed long term benefits. Incidental benefits to the public come from increased tourism, giving added economic gains and a general improvement in the quality of life and mental state, verified in exposure to the outdoor environment.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
1. Through its core activities: a. the Trust acts as the umbrella organisation for catchment interest groups operating in the Trust’s area of charitable interest. Its policy is to support the development of, and build capacity in these organisations helping to deliver the Trust’s objects and provide wider public benefit to its work. b. the Trust
supports mentoring in the further development of the youth, general public and lifelong learners in the field of river conservation and management, benefiting the environment and the wider public c. the Trust provides volunteering opportunities, helping the Trust to deliver its objects and providing wider public benefit to its work. 2. Through its project activities: a. the Trust pursues mainly public grant funded opportunities to promote and develop practical solutions to environmental issues for public benefit and to educate the community on the importance of the freshwater environment. b. Support of community affecting issues raised by the public affecting the Erne River System.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The advancement of environmental protection or improvement
Who the charity helps
- General public
- Interface communities
How the charity works
- Community development
- Environment/sustainable development/conservation
- Heritage/historical
- Volunteer development
