The Rivers Trust

🌳 Almost half a million trees planted, and so much more! Today we're releasing our 2023/24 Impact Report, which tots up the incredible work done by our Rivers Trust Movement all across the UK and Ireland over the past 12 months. Our rivers are in crisis, but there are many things that can be done to help restore them to their natural function. The Impact Report includes just some of the highlights and case studies of the past year, from restoring freshwater pearl mussel populations and creating weir bypasses to allow fish passage, to partnering with British Rowing to more deeply engage a community of river champions, and launching our Big River Watch citizen science initiative. And this year, as we celebrate 20 years of The Rivers Trust umbrella organization and 30 years of the first trust that eventually led to the formation of our movement (West Country Rivers Trust), we're also looking back over the long-term impact of our collective work. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ee-sxkNY #ImpactReport #restoreourrivers #togetherforrivers #rivers #nature #wildlife #riverhealth #envronment #theriverstrust

📢 Big River Watch is just over a month away! Last September, our amazing Big River Watchers submitted over 2,800 surveys, packed with valuable data that's helping to protect and restore our rivers. 💙 And now, it’s time to do it again. The next #BigRiverWatch runs from 25th April – 1st May, and it couldn’t be easier to take part: 1️⃣ Download the free app 2️⃣ Visit your local river stretch 3️⃣ Complete a short survey about what you see, from wildlife to pollution Every observation helps us build a clearer picture of river health across the UK and Ireland. The more that we know about them, the better we can restore our vital waterways and demand action for rivers. ✊ 📲 Search for 'Big River Watch' in your app store to download and get ready. Don't forget, if you've signed up for Earthwatch Europe's Great UK WaterBlitz, you can complete two brilliant citizen science activities at once and deepen our understanding of what's happening below the surface. 🧑🔬 Learn more about Big River Watch and explore the data 👇 https://lnkd.in/ek2_zFEg

Blue-green algae are appearing more and more in news headlines, particularly in relation to Lough Neagh, the UK’s largest lake. But have you ever wondered how and why algal blooms occur? Or what their effects are and how we can mitigate them? Join our Annual Conference, A Bloomin’ Disaster: The Causes and Costs of Blue-Green Algae, on Thursday, 9th April, as we dive deep into the science, hear from experts around the globe, and gain a better understanding of potential solutions to the problem. Tickets are FREE, and can be booked here 👇 https://lnkd.in/eNMeh5-B

Want to know how you can help our rivers? 📨 Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news, campaign updates, and opportunities to take action for our waterways. Stay informed and get involved! Click the link below to join our newsletter today and be part of the movement fighting for wild, healthy, natural rivers. 💙 https://lnkd.in/ebDDwzP5

🎟️ Tickets for Hay Festival 2025 are now live! Every year the Hay Festival brings together brilliant writers, thinkers, and artists for a celebration of literature, ideas, and creativity in the heart of the Welsh countryside. This year, The Rivers Trust is proud to sponsor two fantastic events: 💙 Is a River Alive? — Thursday 22nd May, 5:30pm Join acclaimed writer Robert Macfarlane as he explores the ancient belief that rivers are living beings—an idea more urgent than ever in our changing climate. A powerful conversation on nature, climate, and our deep connection to water. https://lnkd.in/ePnt_MCu 🎨 Make and Take Crafting — Friday 30th May, 10am - 11:30am Get hands-on with eco-friendly crafts. From printmaking to junk modelling, this fun, interactive session, delivered in collaboration with The3Engineers, is the perfect opportunity for kids to let their creativity flow. https://lnkd.in/eN9bDiNp Secure your tickets now via the Hay Festival website, we hope to see you there. https://lnkd.in/eYCQ2has Photo credit: Robert Macfarlane — Billie Charity and Hay Festival

🏊❌ Today the government announced its review of bathing waters, and we have some concerns. Tessa Wardley, our Communications and Advocacy Director and keen wild swimmer, explains from the shores of Coniston Water.

💧 Big news for Merseyside! Mayor Steve Rotheram has announced a major partnership with Mersey Rivers Trust and United Utilities to clean up the River Mersey and improve local waterways. The agreement commits the partners to a five-year action plan aimed at: ✅ Reducing sewage discharges ✅ Boosting biodiversity ✅ Cutting flood risks ✅ Exploring nature-based solutions John Sanders, Co-Director of the Mersey Rivers Trust, says: “The Mersey Rivers Trust is proud to be part of this pioneering partnership. Over the years, we’ve seen the Mersey recover from one of the most polluted rivers in Europe to a symbol of environmental regeneration. "This agreement ensures that we continue to build on that success, helping to deliver the Government’s national water quality goals while making our local rivers cleaner and more accessible for everyone.” Learn more 👇 https://lnkd.in/enat9tyY

We did it—thanks to YOU! 💙 After trying to back out of their commitment to protect millions of fish in the Severn Estuary, EDF is now reconsidering the AFD at Hinkley Point, and we'll be keeping a close eye on their updated proposals. Our CEO, Mark Lloyd, says: "We are very pleased to see that EDF is reconsidering and will continue to examine their proposals as they develop. However, any deterrent at Hinkley won’t be completely effective, so they must also commit to restoring degraded areas of the Severn Estuary—home to several iconic fish species—and improving fish passage in all its connected rivers." It's not over yet. Add your name to the petition to help keep the pressure on 👇 https://lnkd.in/ex8JHfqe And don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on our progress 👇 https://lnkd.in/ebDDwzP5 💪 Thank you for standing up for nature! The petition is proudly supported by Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, Angling Trust, Severn Rivers Trust, West Wales Rivers Trust, Afonydd Cymru, Wildlife and Countryside Link, River Action UK and many more. If your organisation would like to lend its support or receive the comms pack, please get in touch!

🐟 With millions of fish at risk every year, EDF must honour its commitment to install an acoustic fish deterrent at the Hinkley Point nuclear power station. In a letter published in the Financial Times, Graham Thomas, Chair of The Rivers Trust, warns of the devastating impact that failing to do so would have on fish populations, stating, "Due to the location, many of the fish at risk will be juveniles and also endangered migratory species such as salmon, sea trout, eels, lampreys, and shad." We are not against the power station providing vital energy for the UK, but we are demanding that EDF install the agreed-upon fish protection measures. As Graham puts it: "One cannot call energy 'clean' if it causes significant and unmitigated damage to sensitive ecosystems." ✊ Join nearly 4,000 people who have signed our petition to hold EDF accountable. Visit the link below and add your name today! https://lnkd.in/ex8JHfqe 📖 Read Graham's full letter on the Financial Times website: https://lnkd.in/eNPrry3r The petition is proudly supported by Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, Angling Trust, Severn Rivers Trust, West Wales Rivers Trust, Afonydd Cymru, Wildlife and Countryside Link, River Action UK and many more. If your organisation would like to lend its support or receive the comms pack, please get in touch!

🎉 Positive River News! As February comes to a close, let's send it off with some uplifting stories. We have the return of wild beavers, stunning river-inspired art, and a community transforming a tough situation into a story of hope. What has been your February river highlight? Share it in the comments 👇