Welcome to Rotary in
Cumbria and Lancashire

Rotary's 7th Area of Focus - The Environment

In 2021 the Environment became Rotary’s 7th Area of Focus.  Rotary is committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment.  

Rotary Clubs in Cumbria & Lancashire have been undertaking various projects over the last few months, and here are a few examples :

Rotary in Accrington held a litter pick around Hyndburn Greenway when lots of bottles, a broken lawnmower, broken chair and even a whale were all picked up and placed for collection. Volunteers from the Ossy Litter pickers also helped out.

Image : Accrington Rotary litter picking

Two Rotakids Groups supported by Rotary in Darwen had been watching trout raised from eggs, and in March saw them being released into rivers.  Whilst at the river they had the chance to collect samples and identify them.  The groups found Stone Flies, May Flies, True May Flies, Caseless Caddis, shrimps, long wriggly leeches and two Bull fish.  Apparently these samples prove both rivers are clean.

Image : Rotakids in Darwen watching the troutlets being released

Earlier this year Leyland Rotary was delighted to support Leyland in Bloom with the tremendous work they are doing to make their local railway station a welcoming and uplifting site for commuters and visitors to the town.  Due to their hard work, this bed contains colourful plants all year round so is in need of constant nourishment.  Farmyard manure and mulch was purchased to enable the soil to be enriched at the entrance to Leyland Railway Station.  Some of the money was also used to improve the soil at the Leyland Peace Garden which is also managed by Leyland in Bloom.   

Image : Leyland Rotary with the purchased manure

Rotary in West Lakeland hold an Annual plant sale, the latest being held on 1st June 2025.  This is a very well attended event where the public buy plants which are displayed both inside and outside the hall.  Refreshments are available on the day. 

Image : Some of the plants at the West Lakeland Rotary Plant Sale 2024

During April Workington Rotary were busy working with Workington Council, replanting one of the beds in Vulcans Park with over 80 lavender and salvia plants.  It will be a beautiful display of purple and the scent will be lovely.

Image : Workington Rotary planting lavender and salvias

Visit our Environment pages for more case studies.

So what’s happening in June?   Check out your local Rotary Clubs and other community organisations in your area to see what might be happening.  Some useful dates are :

National Growing for Wellbeing Week 2025 - June 8 to June 14 

World Environment Day 5 June – The theme this year is plastic pollution.  The World Environment Day 2025 calls for collective action to tackle plastic pollution.

Open Farm Sunday 8 June 2025 - This is an opportunity to connect farmers and the public to discover the important work farmers do producing food, nurturing nature, and protecting the environment for future generations.