The Hodder and NASF Together for Salmon

Aim

Restoring the River Hodder for Atlantic salmon through on the ground river restoration and community action to protect wildlife and rivers.

The River Hodder has always been a special space. Flowing through the heart of the Forest of Bowland, it’s a river shaped by water, wildlife, and people. A place for exploring, walking, watching, learning, and simply being. 

For generations it was also a stronghold for Atlantic salmon in the Ribble catchment. These remarkable fish returned year after year to spawn, supporting wildlife and connecting people to the natural rhythms of the river.

Today, that story is under threat.

The challenge facing the Hodder Salmon

Decades of pressure have taken their toll. Historic pollution, altered river flows, water abstraction, and poor sewage management have all affected the Hodder. Climate change is intensifying floods and droughts, while declining tree cover, invasive species, and damaged habitats are reducing the river’s resilience.

Salmon rely on clean water, cool shaded channels, and loose gravel to reproduce successfully. Many of these conditions have been lost, leading to a worrying decline in salmon numbers.

A practical, hopeful solution

In response, Ribble Rivers Trust is working to restore the river for salmon and the wider wildlife that depends on healthy freshwater habitats.

By restoring gravel beds and reducing sediment and pollution, we can rebuild the conditions salmon need to thrive while strengthening the whole river ecosystem.

Community at the heart of the river

Hodder Together for Salmon is about more than habitat restoration. It’s also about reconnecting people with their river through education, citizen science, and volunteering opportunities that allow local communities to take an active role in protecting the landscape around them.

NASF Match Funding

Our aim is to raise £20,000 in just six weeks. Thanks to the generosity of the North Atlantic Salmon Fund, every £1 you donate will be matched through The Orri Award (up to £250)- doubling your donation and turning your support into immediate, tangible action for the river.  

How you can help

We can’t do this alone, but, together, we can make a real difference. You can help by:

💸 Making a donation, knowing it will be doubled.

🎁 Choosing a reward, generously donated by local people and businesses; from fun family days out and hands on experiences to tasty treats and fine dining.

📢Spreading the word, sharing the campaign with friends, family, clubs, and community groups.

Thank you for being part of this story.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made