27th September 2005 - PRESS RELEASE
Rivers Awards Highlight Environmental Achievement

The prestigious 2005 Association of Rivers Trusts Awards, supported by WWF & HSBC, Salmon & Trout Association and the Atlantic Salmon Trust, included over £12,000 in cash awards for recipients. The money, to be spent on a river conservation project of their choice, together with a certificate and specially commissioned, lead crystal, water themed vase, is given in recognition of excellence and achievement.

The seminar in action	The presenters	Pembroke Mill Ponds

The packed Awards Dinner held by the Association of Rivers Trusts (ART) in conjunction with the Association’s Autumn Seminar, was attended by VIP’s and enthusiastic supporters of the Rivers Trust movement from across Great Britain and Ireland , who gave each popular winner a rousing round of applause. Tense nominees waited in time honoured fashion for the opening of each envelope; and as always there were a few surprises!

The “Award for Contribution to Science”, for £2000 sponsored by the Atlantic Salmon Trust, was presented by their Director, Seymour Monro to: Dr Stephen Marsh-Smith of the Wye & Usk Foundation,for applying best science to headwater regeneration.

The “Award for Contribution to Best Fisheries Project with Environmental Improvements”, for £4,000 sponsored by the Salmon & Tout Association was presented by their Director, Paul Knight jointly to: Alistair Maltby and Lucy Dugdale of the Eden Rivers Trust, for their innovative RARE (Rapid Assessment of the River Environment) project and electro-fishing surveying programme.

The “Award for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer”, for £4,000 sponsored by WWF & HSBC was presented by HSBC’s Regional Community Manager Sue Farthing to: Michael Martin of Westcountry Rivers Trust for a decade of unstinting service.

There were an unprecedented three “Special Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Rivers Trust Movement”, totalling £4,000. The first, presented by ART’s Chairman Ian Gregg jointly to: Brian Marshall of Wessex Salmon & Rivers Trust and Niall Greene of Stop Salmon Drift Nets Now, for their campaigning work on salmon conservation and the removal of the Irish drift nets.

The second, presented by ART Trustee, Prof. Lynda Warren to: Pat O’Reilly, for angling and environmental improvements in Wales .

The third and final Special Award being presented by ART Director Arlin Rickard to: Peter Gough of the Environment Agency in Wales , for his contribution to the environment through partnership working. This is the first time the work of an agency officer has been recognised in this way.

Peter Gough accepting his award	Brian Marshall and Niall Greene *The award was accepted on their behalf by John Carroll of the Slaney River Trust	Pat O'Reilly accepting his award

Arlin Rickard, Director of the Association of Rivers Trusts who acted as MC for the evening said, “With so many outstanding nominations the judge’s task was a difficult one. These popular and valuable awards recognise individual achievement through technical excellence and a level of commitment and effort, which has defined the development of the Rivers Trust Movement. ART and our award sponsors WWF & HSBC, Salmon & Trout Association and the Atlantic Salmon Trust are delighted to be able to mark each of the winner’s achievements in this way and raise the profile of Rivers Trust’s activities.”

Commenting on the Special Award to Peter Gough of the Environment Agency Arlin said, “An award recognising the excellent work of our Agency partners is long overdue. Peter is a very popular winner and I hope we will see other work colleagues nominated in future. It is ART’s intention that the Awards help give some recognition to the many people that work tirelessly behind the scenes to protect our environment.”

This year’s award winners will be invited back to next year’s ceremony to give a short presentation on how they have chosen to spend their money. Nominations for the 2006 ART Awards programme will open next year with generous support from WWF, HSBC, Atlantic Salmon Trust and Salmon & Trout Association.

For further information and digital pictures from the awards and seminar contact:

Alan Hawken (ART Secretary) on 01726 822343 E-mail: alan@associationofriverstrusts.org.uk

or Arlin Rickard (ART Director) arlin@associationofriverstrusts.org.uk Tel: 08707 740689