Nature

Riverwoods, the London premiere – ecological fundraising event at BFI

Team Ecohustler
28th March 2022
4 min read

The European Nature Trust invites you to support the restoration of Scotland’s degraded river catchments, wild salmon populations, and the ecological systems we all depend upon

In partnership with SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, The European Nature Trust (TENT) will be hosting the London premiere of Riverwoods at the prestigious British Film Institute (BFI) Southbank. Shot across multiple locations in Europe, this urgently needed feature-length documentary shines a light on the perilous state of wild salmon populations and degraded river catchments, and what we can do to secure their future.

We all depend on rivers. They provide the water we drink; they transport the essential nutrients and conditions for life; they provide habitats that sustain the ecosystems on which we depend. Yet all is not well. In Scotland, many rivers fail to meet “good” ecological and chemical health standards.

Today, wild salmon are on the brink, having declined by 70 per cent in the last 50 years. A cold-water adapted species, salmon need cool temperatures in our riverbanks to survive and grow. But in Scotland, our riverbanks have been deforested. They now fail to provide the cooling shade that salmon populations require. Scientists from Marine Scotland have found that just 35% of rivers in Scotland have adequate tree cover for salmon survival. We must get trees back on riverbanks, and fast.

Every one of us can make a difference. By purchasing tickets, you can support a burgeoning movement for river restoration; you can help get trees back on our waterways; and restore the keystone species riparian ecosystems need.

In what promises to be a truly unforgettable evening, the premiere will be followed by dinner, drinks and a party, while serving as a crucial fundraising platform to support and raise money for the restoration of Scotland’s treasured rivers.

The Purpose:

The premiere serves as a direct fundraising platform. 100% of the proceeds raised from ticket sales will be distributed to Scotland’s most effective water charities. By attending the premiere, guests can make a direct contribution to restoring natural hydrological flows; support riparian tree planting initiatives; and help kickstart wildlife conservation projects (including beaver reintroduction efforts) to improve the ecological condition of our waterways.

Thomas Sabo and Newcore Capital’s sponsorship has made the evening and fundraising platform possible. Through ticket sales TENT aims to raise figures in the tens of thousands for distribution to riparian restoration projects.

Alladale Wilderness Reserve - photo credit - Peter Cairns

The Opportunity

By attending the event, not only can guests contribute to river restoration initiatives, but you’ll have the chance to win an exclusive three night stay at Alladale Wilderness Reserve, as the guest of the conservationist and custodian, Paul Lister.

Alladale Wilderness Reserve is one of Scotland’s most exciting rewilding projects; more than a million native trees have been replanted along the rivers here, red squirrels have been reintroduced, golden and white-tailed eagles have soared.

Attendees and businesses who purchase 4 or more tickets will automatically enter a prize draw for the three night stay at Alladale, usually retailing at £3,000.

Glorious Scotland - photo credit Murdo Macleod

The Evening:

The screening will take place at the prestigious British Film Institute (BFI), London Southbank. BFI has over 50 years of showcasing the very best of cinema. Riverwoods will be screened in the historic BFI auditorium – a setting that has played host to cinematic history, royals, and stars of the acting world.

17:30 - Doors Open
18:15 - Introduction and screening of Riverwoods
19:15 - Panel discussion, with experts in fisheries management and river restoration
20:00 - Food, drinks and networking
23:00 - END

Venue: The British Film Institute (BFI) Southbank, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XT

The Sponsors:

Joining TENT in our vision for restored and thriving river catchments, the evening has been made possible by our generous sponsors Thomas Sabo and Newcore Capital. Through the sponsorship, all proceeds from ticket sales will be able to be donated to the most effective river restoration projects.