CRKC Urges Riverside Residents: Please Don't Use the River as a Garden Waste Bin

The Clean River Kent Campaign (CRKC) is appealing to residents whose gardens back onto the River Kent to help protect one of Cumbria's most important natural habitats by disposing of garden waste responsibly.

With changes to garden waste collections now in place, CRKC is concerned that some householders may see the river as a convenient place to dispose of grass cuttings, hedge trimmings and other garden waste. Reports of this happening have already begun to appear on social media.

While throwing a few bags of grass cuttings or hedge trimmings into the river may seem harmless, the campaign is warning that the impact on the river can be significant.

"Garden waste might be natural, but it doesn't belong in our rivers," said a spokesperson for the Clean River Kent Campaign. "If you're fortunate enough to have a garden alongside the River Kent, you also have a special opportunity to help protect it. We hope residents will think twice before throwing any garden waste over the bank."

As garden waste decomposes, it removes oxygen from the water, making it harder for fish and other aquatic life to survive. Seeds, bulbs and cuttings can establish themselves downstream, allowing invasive non-native plants to spread. Garden waste may also contain residues of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, all of which contribute to water pollution.

In addition, piles of vegetation can collect around culverts and bridges, restricting water flow and increasing flood risk. Rotting vegetation also creates unpleasant smells and detracts from the beauty of the River Kent.

CRKC is reminding residents that disposing of garden waste in a river can have legal consequences. It is  treated as fly tipping, potentially leading to enforcement action, fines or prosecution.

Reporting garden waste dumped in the river

The campaign is aware that the current Westmorland and Furness Council reporting system does not include a specific category for garden waste dumped into a watercourse.

Until this is clarified, CRKC recommends reporting these incidents as fly tipping.

We are currently in discussion with the Council to establish the most appropriate reporting process and hope clearer guidance will be available soon. In the meantime, we advise you to use this contact form on the Westmore and Furness website to report any River dumping - Contact us | Westmorland and Furness Council

If you are struggling to report an incident, or are unsure which category to use, please get in touch with the Clean River Kent Campaign. We will do our best to help ensure reports reach the appropriate organisation.

Help keep the River Kent healthy

If your property borders the River Kent, please help protect this special environment by composting garden waste, using your garden waste collection service or taking it to your local household waste recycling centre.

The River Kent belongs to all of us. By making the right choices and reporting dumping when you see it, we can all help keep it clean, healthy and thriving for wildlife and future generations.

To read our letter to Westmoreland and Furness Gazette Click here