Our Work > Waterways & Stewardship > Living Rivers, Living Communities Programme
Living Rivers, Living Communities
Protecting waterways and supporting communities as long‑term stewards
Living Rivers, Living Communities supports work that protects and improves our waterways while strengthening the communities connected to them.
The programme reflects the Society’s role as a long-term custodian of waterways and fishing rights across both the Lower Bann and Foyle systems, and its commitment to ensuring that rivers remain healthy, accessible and valued as shared community assets.
We focus on practical environmental action and the role of communities, organisations and stewards in sustaining these environments over time.
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What this programme is about
This programme supports work that improves the condition, resilience and long-term sustainability of rivers and waterways.
It focuses on environmental activity that delivers clear, practical benefit while strengthening the role of communities and organisations in protecting and managing these shared assets.
Who can apply
We welcome applications from organisations and groups involved in the protection, management or sustainable use of rivers and waterways.
- This includes:
- community-based organisations and environmental groups
- organisations working in conservation, access or waterway management
- clubs and organisations that lease fishing rights from the Society or play an active role in managing fisheries
We are particularly interested in organisations that combine practical environmental work with long-term stewardship and community engagement.
- What we are seeking to support
We are looking to support projects that deliver clear environmental improvement and contribute to the long-term stewardship of waterways.
- This includes:
- activity that improves river health, water quality or habitats
- work that supports safe, sustainable use and access to waterways
- projects led by or involving clubs and organisations responsible for maintaining and protecting fisheries
- practical environmental action delivered in partnership with communities
While the programme recognises the importance of strong organisations, funding is intended for environmental activity rather than general organisational or core running costs. Projects must clearly demonstrate how they will deliver tangible benefit for waterways and the environments around them.
- What we do not support
The programme is unlikely to support activity that does not demonstrate a clear environmental outcome.
- This includes:
- activity that is primarily commercial in nature or delivers private gain
- projects without a clear link to waterway improvement or environmental stewardship
- applications seeking general organisational or core funding without a defined environmental project
- work that does not demonstrate long-term value or sustainability
How applications are considered
We are looking for applications that clearly show:
- the environmental need or challenge being addressed
- what the project will do and how it will be delivered
- how it will benefit waterways and the communities connected to them
- what difference the work will make over time
Strong applications demonstrate clear evidence, practical delivery and a commitment to long-term stewardship.
- Application guidance
Before applying, we recommend reviewing the guidance on preparing your application and ensuring your project clearly aligns with the programme’s focus on environmental improvement and stewardship.
Supporting long-term stewardship
This programme supports the long-term stewardship of waterways as shared community assets.
By investing in practical environmental work delivered by organisations, partnerships and local stewards — including those directly involved in managing fisheries — the programme helps build a stronger, more connected approach to caring for our rivers over time.