A TEAM of intrepid canoeists made an epic 210-mile journey along the River Severn to highlight its importance for people and wildlife.
As part of the Love Your Magnificent Severn project, the ten canoeists paddled down Britain’s longest river, from the source in the Cambrian Mountains, through Shropshire and Worcestershire, all the way to the Gloucester Docks in 11 days from June 1 to June 11.
During the voyage, numerous individuals, organisations and partners joined in by walking, cycling and paddling whilst carrying a traditional carved figurehead of the river goddess Sabrina, the Roman name for the Severn.
A series of pop-up events were held along the way, including a day-long stop in Worcester hosted by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.
The canoeists, consisting of staff from Shropshire Wildlife Trust, Tuerena Adventure, Forestry Commission and Shropshire Council, paddled into Worcester’s Le Vesinet Riverside Park, opposite The Hive library on Wednesday (June 8) where visitors took part in free activities, face painting and learned about the river’s heritage.
Pete Lambert, River Projects Manager at Shropshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We wanted to demonstrate that the River Severn isn’t just part of your geography lesson at school, it is full of meanders, otters, kingfishers, insects and it should be appreciated, cared for and looked after.
“On the way we had a Sabrina River Chest where we collected people’s memories, stories and comments about the river which we will pull together to create something for our website. We also collected 350 new biological records about the plants and wildlife in the Severn which will go into databases.
“It is a massive sense of achievement and seeing all the big smiles of the canoeists as they reached the Gloucester Docks was amazing.
“The group has worked really hard, it’s a culmination of two years planning. We met lots of different people and have a better understanding of the communities and types of wildlife along the river.”
The Love Your Magnificent Severn project aimed to highlight the key role the river plays in the lives of many people, from providing food, energy, recreations, transportation routes and water for irrigating and drinking.
Jane Sedgley-Strachan, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s Wild Worcester Project Officer, said: “Our county’s capital has relied so heavily on the river for so long, from trade and strategy in historic times to leisure and recreation in modern times. And, of course, it’s such an important corridor for many species of wildlife.
“We’d love to inspire people to do their bit to help preserve, protect and enhance not just our Magnificent Severn but all the rivers and streams they come across in their lifetime.”
The information gathered along the way will be collated and presented in the form of a short film, slide show presentation and an exhibition.
Visit www.shropshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/LYMag7 or www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk for more information on the Love Your Magnificent Severn project.
