15 April 2025

As part of its commitment to maintain and make rivers beautiful, United Utilities offers a Community Fund which supports groups by providing funding for much needed equipment and training.

The fund promotes active participation within community groups to keep the North West’s waterways clean and tidy, foster a positive connection with nature and develop valuable life skills.

Open to community projects, grassroots organisations, schools, volunteer groups and parish councils, the Community Fund is offering up to £2,500 worth of equipment for groups that: 

• Have a focus or objective to improve local watercourses and riverside environments
• Act as catalysts for improved community and environmental wellbeing​
• Seek to reconnect communities with riverside environments​
• Promote sustainable drainage​ through their work

One group that has recently benefited from the Community Fund is Haverigg Primary School. The donation provided the school with a range of equipment such as gloves, litter pickers, and water-testing kits to help them continue their vital work in the area.

Pupils and teachers met with United Utilities’ River Rangers as they handed over the equipment donation and undertook a group beach clean together on Haverigg Beach

Andrew Knowles, teacher at Haverigg Primary School, said:

“We want to say a massive thank you to United Utilities for all their help and patience in providing us with the tools we needed. The children are so enthused about keeping the beach clean and show great understanding of how a litter-free coastline can benefit the wildlife, too.

“We are lucky to have the beach and clean water on our doorstep and we hope that with our clean-up efforts, the children will learn to take ownership of these spaces, ensuring they’ll be safe, tidy and clean for years to come.” 

United Utilities has helped many other organisations in the Cumbria area, such as The North West Ocean School, Penrith Swift Group, Wasdale Valley Volunteers and The Windermere, Ambleside and District Angling Association. 

If you or someone you know champions environmental change in your area – especially when it comes to local waterways, click below to find out more and apply.