EDEN Rivers Trust has received £9,900 in National Lottery funding to develop and extend its programme of guided walks in the Upper Eden.

Between now and March, there are 18 walks planned under the banner of Eden River Rambles. These will give people the opportunity to explore different sections of the River Eden and learn about things such as wildlife and river conservation.

There are two types of walks being offered - some will be gentle with no barriers and last around an hour, while others will be longer and more challenging.

The Trust will also offer river-focused training and resources to new and existing volunteer walk leaders.

It is hoped that the walks will encourage people to take action to look after the river, and that they will be positively impacted by physical activity in the natural environment. Jenni Payne, coordinator of Eden River Rambles, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the National Lottery Heritage Fund has chosen to support Eden River Rambles.

"The participants who joined us on the pilot walks overwhelmingly said that they wanted the project to continue"

A taster ramble is taking place at the Westmorland Dales Day this Sunday (July 28). It begins at 11.15am in the churchyard of St Stephen's Church, Kirkby Stephen.