Big River Watch: 2026 Autumn Survey Results

Between the 18th and 24th of September 2026, we once again invited everyone across the UK and Ireland to spend some time by a river and help us create a clearer picture of river health. Something that was especially important after a challenging summer dominated by drought, low rainfall, and high temperatures. 

For our seventh Big River Watch in just three years, an incredible 1,973 people took part, submitting 1,444 surveys and collectively spending 28 days watching our waterways. A huge thank you to everyone who got involved.

From memorable wildlife sightings to clear evidence of the pressures facing our waterways, the observations collected during the week provide a valuable snapshot of river health and how a tough summer impacts our freshwater ecosystems. Read the September 2026 Big River Watch report to explore the data, discover the key findings, and see what people spotted from the riverbank.