A PROJECT which works with people of all ages to protect and conserve a river has been nominated for a national award.

Discovering the Esk is a project which works with schools and angling clubs to inspire people to help conserve the River Esk in the North York Moors.

Its activities include monitoring water quality, learning angling skills and even exploring the life cycle of salmon in a classroom fish tank.

The Esk and Coastal Streams Catchment Partnership project is supported by the North York Moors National Park Authority and the Yorkshire Esk Rivers Trust.

Now it has been shortlisted for the 2018 Park Protector Awards, run by the Campaign for National Parks.

The winning project will be announced at a parliamentary reception in October and will receive a £2,000 boost to its work. A highly commended prize of £500 will also be awarded. The parliamentary reception will be attended by Julian Glover who is leading the Government’s review into England’s designated landscapes.

Kate Bailey of Esk and Coastal Streams Catchment Partnership said: “We are very grateful that Discovering the Esk has been shortlisted for the 2018 Park Protector Award. The grant would enable us to offer support and training to our volunteers who play such an important part in helping to care for the Esk catchment.

"It would also give us an opportunity to engage with new members of the local community, who will be able to learn new skills, meet new people and most importantly help to look after the Esk, ensuring that this special place in the North York Moors National Park is protected for everyone to enjoy.”

Other shortlisted nominees include a project to protect woodlands in the New Forest, the restoration of a bog in Dartmoor, a volunteer scheme in Snowdonia and a conservation project in the White Peak of the Peak District.

The winning project will be announced at a parliamentary reception in October and will receive a £2,000 boost to its work, a highly commended prize of £500 will also be awarded. The parliamentary reception will be attended by Julian Glover who is leading the Government’s review into England’s designated landscapes.