The name of the Liza derives from the Old Norseljós á, conferring a meaning of "light (or shining) river".[citation needed]
Rewilding
The river is subject to the Wild Ennerdale Project which aims to introduce more wildlife to the Ennerdale Valley. The Wild Ennerdale Project uses a policy similar to managed retreat which means the river is subject to no human interference or maintenance such as dredging, straightening or even flood defences. This means the river is free to flood as the effects would be felt by very few people as the Ennerdale Valley is sparsely inhabited.[1]
The river is used as a spawning ground by Arctic char and the project has increased their numbers.[2]