For this month’s local business pitch, unLTD’s Holly Dibden spoke with Geoffrey Guy, Managing Director of community interest company (CIC) Riverlution, which focuses on helping communities maintain and transform our waterways and environment.
First of all, tell us about Riverlution…
Riverlution is an organisation dedicated to creating a positive environmental and social impact by empowering individuals and communities to engage with and protect their local waterways and landscapes. As the training arm of the River Stewardship Company, we provide high-quality, accessible training programmes that equip people with practical conservation skills, professional qualifications, and a pathway to meaningful careers in the environmental sector.
Our work extends beyond education. Through partnerships like the Sheffield and Humber Stewardship Partnerships, we unite businesses, volunteers, and community groups to deliver impactful projects that restore habitats, enhance biodiversity, and improve resilience against climate change.
Riverlution is more than an organisation; it is a movement from source to sea, building a future where individuals are empowered to protect and sustain their natural environments.
What is at the core of Riverlution’s values?
At the heart of Riverlution’s values are environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and skills development. We are committed to fostering a deep connection between people and their natural surroundings, equipping individuals with the tools to create lasting change, and promoting collaboration across communities to achieve a healthier, more sustainable future. We believe that empowering people with knowledge and skills not only transforms their lives but also builds stronger, more connected communities.
What different kinds of projects can volunteers expect to take part in?
Volunteers can engage in a variety of impactful projects, including:
- Habitat restoration: Improving riparian zones, managing invasive species, and restoring woodland areas.
- Waterway maintenance: Clearing debris, managing vegetation, and improving access to rivers and waterways.
- Flood resilience work: Supporting natural flood management and creating resilient landscapes.
- Community engagement activities: Educational sessions, events, and public awareness campaigns to connect people with their environment.
These hands-on projects not only deliver measurable environmental benefits but also help volunteers develop valuable skills and contribute to meaningful change.
Why should volunteers and businesses get involved?
Volunteers and businesses should get involved with Riverlution to make a tangible difference in their communities and support the health of our natural environment.
Volunteering provides:
- Skill Development: Gain practical conservation skills and environmental knowledge.
- Community Connection: Build relationships and strengthen local networks.
- Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a collective effort to create a cleaner, healthier planet.
- For businesses, involvement offers a chance to enhance corporate social responsibility, engage employees through meaningful team-building activities, and demonstrate commitment to sustainability and community development.
Together, we can achieve impactful results that benefit everyone—from local communities to future generations.
How can people get in touch?
0114 354 0012 // riverlution@the-rsc.co.uk
