Community Salmon Conservation Award Raises Over £44,000 for UK River Restoration
The inaugural Community Salmon Conservation Award, established by North Atlantic Salmon Fund UK, has raised over £44,000 to support wild salmon recovery in UK rivers. The initiative exceeded its targets with contributions from more than 300 donors.
North Atlantic Salmon Fund UK (NASF) announced that its first 'Community Salmon Conservation Award', named 'The Orri Award', has successfully raised more than £44,000 (totaling £44,700) for endangered wild salmon conservation efforts in UK rivers. The award, which surpassed its initial fundraising targets, saw participation from over 300 donors.
The Orri Award was launched by NASF UK to address a funding gap for community-led, direct-action projects focused on wild salmon conservation. This year's award supported two selected projects: the River Cree Hatchery and Habitat Trust and the Ribble Rivers Trust Hodder project. Both projects received £10,000 in match funding alongside campaign support.
The River Cree project generated £22,750, which will fund hatchery expansion to increase fry releases and support its educational programs. The Ribble Rivers Trust Hodder project raised £21,578 to support habitat restoration and community monitoring initiatives along the Hodder River.
Robert Sloss, Chairman of NASF UK, commented on the success, stating that the results demonstrate the effectiveness of empowering local communities to implement tangible conservation measures. He highlighted that this approach allows for swift, impactful action to bolster wild salmon populations.
NASF UK plans to open applications for the 2026 Orri Award in the autumn, continuing its commitment to supporting grassroots conservation efforts for wild salmon.