The Rivers Trust logo
paddling in river

For thriv­ing rivers and communities.

Rivers shape our land­scapes and pro­vide the foun­da­tions of our cities, towns and coun­try­side. When they thrive, so do we.

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The river Wye

Wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all.

The Rivers Trust are conservation experts with a wealth of data and expertise at our fingertips. We work with our member Trusts to make our shared vision a reality: wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all. 

We want all life to thrive in and around our rivers. Whether you enjoy fishing, swimming or a riverside stroll, our rivers need us more than ever to recover and revive. 

With our expertise, reach and our member Trusts’ local knowledge, we work with farmers, government and businesses to provide advice and resources for their communities. 

We bring together the people, knowledge, data and intelligence to help rivers thrive again; for us and future generations.

Make a difference
Child looking at nature
A man testing water quality using sampling kit people planting a wetland

0% good overall health

0%

of all rivers in England and Northern Ireland are classed as 'good overall'.

Natural barriers

99%

of British rivers have artificial barriers obstructing migrating fish

Species decline

83%

decline in freshwater species globally since 1970

1% of the earth

1%

of the earth's surface is made up of freshwater ecosystems, yet they provide habitat for 100,000+ species

Join the cause.

Our rivers are an integral part of our communities and we are leading the movement to protect them.

Join us to save our rivers and help communities to thrive.

Take action

Get informed

Sewer overflow in river

Storm Overflows Discharge Reduction Plan still too little, too late

  • End Sewage Pollution

Our official response to Defra’s Storm Overflows Reduction plan, published 26th August 2022.

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A CSO with wetwipes clinging to the bars

Raw sewage in our rivers

Sewage is discharged into rivers across the UK and Ireland on a daily basis. This isn’t an isolated problem; it occurs up and down the country, affecting urban city centre rivers and pristine chalk streams alike.

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Children playing with fishing net

Key issues

Explore the major threats that our rivers are facing, get clued up on the latest facts, figures and data available, and source some useful resources that can help rivers thrive.

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Women playing in the river

Enjoy rivers

We want people to enjoy rivers as much as we do. In this section you’ll find helpful information on how to swim, paddle, catch and play safely in rivers. 

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