Appleby pupils’ artwork celebrates River Eden biodiversity

The artwork is set to be displayed alongside the river later this year, where the Environment Agency and contractors VolkerStevin are constructing a flood risk management scheme.

VolkerStevin donated art materials to Appleby Primary School, allowing pupils to create their own interpretations of the wildlife they have seen along the River Eden.

The majority of the children said they have seen the animals they are painting, which are rarer in other parts of England, including red squirrels, otters, and crayfish.

The young artists from Year Six are also decorating wooden designs of trout, swans, beetles, and rabbits.

A selection of the pieces are set to displayed around the play area next to the river in the town.

Terry Caygill, deputy head and year six teacher, said: “It is a wonderful opportunity for the children to be able to celebrate the wildlife we see in our town, and have it displayed for everyone to see.

“It is amazing how many of these animals the children have seen, and many regularly when in the town.”

Ross McKeown, Environment Agency project manager for the Appleby Flood Risk Management Scheme, said: “Our team have been fortunate to see a number of the animals the children are creating for the art display in and around the river where we are working.

“We look forward to opening the outdoor art exhibition of their work in the spring for locals and visitors to enjoy.

“This is a great opportunity to celebrate the biodiversity of the River Eden whilst we construct the scheme which will better protect 64 properties and infrastructure from flooding from the river, including road access to homes and businesses.”