Led by Ribble Rivers Trust and the North Atlantic Salmon Fund, Hodder Together for Salmon is an ambitious, community-driven project focused on restoring the River Hodder and supporting the recovery of the endangered Atlantic salmon.

Flowing through the heart of the Forest of Bowland, the River Hodder has long been a stronghold for salmon, with generations of fish returning each year to spawn. However, decades of pollution, habitat loss, and climate pressures have led to a worrying decline in their numbers, prompting urgent action to protect the river and the wildlife that depends on it.

A River in Need, and a Community Ready to Act

The Hodder Together for Salmon project will deliver practical, on-the-ground solutions to restore the river’s health. This includes improving habitats for young fish, restoring spawning gravels, and tackling pollution at its source. Alongside this, the project will reconnect people with their river through education, citizen science, and volunteering opportunities, helping to build a lasting culture of care for the Hodder and the wider Ribble catchment.

World Water Day is the perfect moment to launch this campaign. The River Hodder is an incredibly special place, but it’s under real pressure. Salmon are a symbol of healthy rivers, and their decline shows us that action is needed. The encouraging news is that recovery is possible, and this project is about bringing people together to make that happen.

Local Businesses Backing the River

The campaign has already attracted strong backing from local businesses, reflecting a shared commitment to protecting the landscapes that make the Ribble Valley so special. Businesses including ICycle, Studio Bakery, Roefield Leisure Centre, Fitright Clitheroe, The Beer Shack, Fairham Gin, Brainstorm Games, and Cowgills have pledged rewards such as vouchers, experiences, and products. These rewards will be available to supporters who donate, helping to drive engagement while showcasing the amazing local businesses that are giving back to their community.

Donations Doubled for Maximum Impact

The campaign aims to raise £20,000 in four weeks. Thanks to funding from the North Atlantic Salmon Fund through the Orri Award, every donation will be match funded, doubling the impact of public support and turning contributions into immediate, tangible action for the river.

A Chance to Be Part of the Story

Healthy rivers support far more than salmon. They provide habitats for birds, mammals, and insects, improve water quality, and create places where people can connect with nature. By supporting Hodder Together for Salmon, individuals and businesses alike have the opportunity to play a direct role in restoring one of Lancashire’s most important rivers and securing its future for generations to come.

We created The Orri Award to back the kind of projects that make a real difference on the ground. By restoring river habitat, particularly spawning gravels, we can deliver rapid ecological gains while also engaging communities in meaningful, hands-on conservation. This is about securing the future of wild salmon while rebuilding people’s connection to their rivers.

Some of Ribble Rivers Trust’s apprentices and volunteers, who will be benefit from the funds raised.

The Hodder Together for Salmon campaign is now live. To find out more, donate, or explore rewards from local businesses, visit: crowdfunder.co.uk/p/hodder-together