Westcountry Rivers Trust, which protects and restores rivers, has been crowned overall winner at the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards (CSA).

Josie Westcountry Rivers Trust
Josie Purcell (left), from Westcountry Rivers Trust, with Caroline Carter, from Business Cornwall

The trust also won the environmental growth category in the awards, on its way to the top honour. It was praised for its work in bringing rivers to life for almost 30 years, and its vision to see the region’s freshwater environments flowing freely and teeming with life for all who depend on them.

It was singled out for using science, evidence, and experience to underpin its restoration work, as well as its commitment to the resilience of freshwater resources.

Now in their 21st year, the Cornwall Sustainability Awards, hosted by Cornwall Council, celebrate organisations and individuals across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for their contribution towards sustainability, environmental growth, the circular economy. and carbon neutrality. 

Laurence Couldrick, chief executive of Westcountry Rivers Trust, said: “This is testament to the hard work our team puts into our Cornwall-based projects, caring for freshwater habitats, and our collaboration with partners and volunteers to tackle the myriad issues facing our rivers.

“As we enter our 30th year in 2024, I am proud of what our charity continues to do to help sustain rivers, and I am delighted the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Sustainability Awards have bestowed these accolades.”

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