In 1993, a group of friends got together to discuss an issue that had been concerning them for some time. These friends were passionate conservationists who cared deeply about the rivers. They could see that over a period of time, despite the best efforts of statutory bodies and government departments, the integrity of the rivers was diminishing. Therefore, they proposed to do something about it, and they decided to establish the Westcountry Rivers Trust.

A few months later, they appointed Arlin Rickard, a young man with a background in the countryside and the issues surrounding it as the inaugural director. Arlin, together with his good friend Stuart Gardiner set about gaining charitable status which would prove to be important not just for reasons of tax effectiveness, but also to engender trust in the people with whom they worked.
They could have just begun to raise funds in a small way, but in a trend that has yet to be abated, the Trust applied for the first large-scale project not just examining but actually delivering integrated catchment management.

They carefully chose some strategically important partners: The Environment Agency (or NRA as they were then) gave them influence and technical backup. WERG (Wetlands Ecosystem Research Group based at IGER in North Wyke, Devon) contributed much of the initial modus operandi and taught the Trust the importance of the Ecosystem Approach. BDB Associates provided agricultural expertise which allowed the Trust to offer win-win solutions to long term problems, resulting in environmental gain and economic benefit for the farmer.

Over the next few years, the Trust deliver its first major project, Tamar 2000 which is still held up today as the pathfinder for what many regard as the best solution for dealing with diffuse pollution. An early appointment was Simon Evans, who after enjoying 9 years with the Trust, ending his stint as Head of Fisheries is now Deputy Director of the Wye and Usk Foundation. Simon will be fondly remembered for many years to come I am sure and brought to the Trust his own inimitable style along with the most chaotic desk and diary that has yet to be rivaled by anyone!

Since then, the Trust has evolved and moved on, though staying at all times true to its philosophy of “Think Global, Act Local”. Over the decade it has been in existence, it has delivered:

• 1800+ farmers & landowners given advice
  
• 1400+ Integrated Land & River Management Plans
  
• 200 km+ vulnerable riverbank fenced
  
• 16 wetlands restored/improved
  
• 74+ km ditches prioritised for re-vegetation
  
• 400+ sites of accelerated erosion controlled
  
• 450 demonstration sites developed and operational
  
• 180+ sites of habitat improvement
  
• 50+ buffer zones created

In April 2004, a number of changes took place including the retirement of Arlin Rickard, who left to head up the newly established Association of Rivers Trusts and the appointment of his replacement in the form of David Haines. At the same time, Tamar Consulting was launched as the commercial arm of the charitable Trust. This company is headed up by Alex Inman, and concentrates principally on ecological services, environmental market research, and running training courses to teach people how to write EU project bids.

In 2005 the Trust went through further changes as the Directorship transferred to Dr Dylan Bright who, together with the Trusts financial director Lynne Hyland, have furthered the long term sustainability of the Trust by increasing core funding through expansion of Tamar Consulting, improving the Trust's membership scheme and encouraging bid writing in all staff.

The Trust now employs almost 17 people, rents its own offices in Launceston, delivers around £1 million worth of work every year, and comes into contact with many thousands of people every year. All this combines to make it an organisation with a passion for water and nature, and the determination to deliver its brief.