UK Rivers Network

Glass half full shocker!

31 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Some 25 or so years ago, when we scoured every public record we could find to track down every UK and Ireland community river group in existence, we notched up a grand total of about three dozen groups, many of them moribund or deflated. Amid the endless drip-drip (splash-splash?) of bad river news, the sewage and the outrage, the growing bills and the dirty spills, one huge truth often goes unspoken: slowly and steadily, collectively, we are turning the tide, and making a difference. Today, our informal list of community groups stands at an amazing 226! Scarcely a week goes by without an email from a new group of citizen scientists, litter pickers, natural flood "managers", upholders of river rights, and other community champions. Some things take time... but we will get there. The glass is half full!

River Kent Litter Pickers chart massive amount of trash

31 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The Cumbria group's Simon Raven said: "The problem of rubbish in the river and littering in general is not getting any better. It is such a shame that this country has, in general, a very bad attitude to littering as can be seen by the rubbish left in lay-bys, on grass verges, in parks and town centres."

Beavering away on the River Ness catchment

31 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

NatureScot has approved the release of up to 15 beavers over the next three years, after concluding, despite concerns and objections, they "...could significantly boost biodiversity in the catchment, with the landscape at low risk of negative impacts".

River Teifi artwork to be displayed at Senedd

31 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A community artwork celebrating the River Teifi and the people who live alongside it is to be displayed at the Senedd in Cardiff. The Llais yr Afon project, led by Cardigan-based Small World Theatre, will feature in an exhibition at the Pierhead Futures Gallery from 14 November this year until 11 February next year. The project brought together schoolchildren, artists, scientists and conservationists from communities across the Lower Teifi Valley to explore the river's natural environment, history and cultural significance. You can also browse it online by following the link above.

Another COP out on biodiversity?

31 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

COP17 nears, but critics are stepping up pressure on the UN biodiversity summits, "as countries fail to deliver on their promises to halt the destruction of the natural world".

Derided boss of Yorkshire Water finally throws in the towel

30 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Nicola Shaw, the much-criticized boss of Yorkshire Water, has finally called it quits. She rode out a huge storm of criticism over her massive pay packets, and the company's dire performance, but hasn't survived the latest, appalling downgrading of its already mediocre environmental rating (more below).

Yorkshire Water given lowest environmental rating

30 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

And here's more, from the BBC, on why Nicola Shaw hs departed: "Yorkshire Water has been given the lowest possible environmental rating by the Environment Agency (EA) after a sharp rise in pollution incidents. The regulator formally downgraded the company from two stars out of four to one, meaning it is now classed as a 'poor performing company' for its impact on the environment".

River Action: Water company annual performance the worst on record

30 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

James Wallace, CEO of River Action, said: "It is time to build a water system that puts people and nature first. That means clean rivers, protected wildlife and a service run in the public's interest, not private profit. You can help secure that future today by telling Andy Burnham to place Thames Water into Special Administration".

Friends of the River Dart take aim at South West Water's poor performance

30 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A great update this week from the Friends of the River Dart highlights baffling omissions in a new water regulators' joint report, including the complete failure to mention storm overflows and spills.

Eight of England’s nine water companies still failing on environment, report finds

29 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

There were 74 serious pollution incidents, the category that causes significant harm to the environment, in 2025, the Environment Agency report said. That was just one fewer than the previous year, despite billions of pounds of investment, bans on bosses' bonuses and a public outcry.

Be afraid, water companies! Environment Secretary threatens to "shine a harsh light"

29 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Water company bosses are doubtless quaking in their wellies this week after news that Dame Angela Eagle is "intending to shine a harsh light" on water pollution, "ministers will visit a number of sites to interrogate companies' responses", and "will also be looking at options" to strengthen the ban on executives' bonuses. Let's hope her "harsh light" has new batteries.

England needs 120% of normal rainfall to come out of drought this winter

29 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Hannah Cloke, Professor of Meteorology and Climate Science at Reading, explains just why it will take so long to move the country's water "bank account" back into the black.

York campaigners say River Ouse bacteria levels too high

29 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Intrepid citizen-science campaigners Ouse It or Lose It have called for action to be taken after discovering bacteria levels in a York river were "well and truly above satisfactory".

Freshwater Habitats Trust: Why surveying the whole freshwater landscape matters

29 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

This summer, Freshwater Habitats Trust carried out the first surveys for Headstart, a major new Ofwat Water Innovation Fund project. Technical Director Penny Williams explains how the team went about gathering vital data for the project and the importance of broad surveys for future success.

Freshwater Biological Association: New funding to support Cumbrian leeches

29 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Don't tell Tony Hanccock, but leeches are back. As the FBA report: "Despite its spooky, bloodsucking reputation, the medicinal leech is an important part of Cumbria's freshwater ecosystems. However, populations have declined across Britain due to overharvesting, habitat loss, changes in land management and deteriorating water quality. There’s still much we don’t know about where medicinal leeches survive in Cumbria and what they need to thrive. Working with Freshwater Habitats Trust, Buglife and Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the FBA will begin by investigating historical records and habitat data to identify potential sites for future surveys. We'll also visit ponds and tarns to assess habitat condition and deploy light and temperature sensors to help us understand the environmental conditions that influence medicinal leech activity".

Freshwater pearl mussels make a comeback in England's River Kent

29 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Supported by Rewilding Europe's European Wildlife Comeback Fund, nearly 2,000 young mussels have now been released in Cumbria's River Kent, offering fresh hope for the future of this endangered species.

Record-breaking Big Paddle Cleanup brings communities together

29 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Building on the momentum of previous years, 2026 has been another record-breaking year for the movement, with more than 12,000 paddibng volunteers taking part in cleaning local waterways.

York campaigners say River Ouse bacteria levels too high

28 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Intrepid citizen-science campaigners Ouse It or Lose It have called for action to be taken after discovering bacteria levels in a York river were "well and truly above satisfactory".

SAS Autumn Round-Up: Taking The Fight For Clean Water Further

28 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

From Downing Street to the docks of Liverpool, from citizen scientists testing their local rivers to communities lobbying their policymakers en masse, the fight for clean water has been rapidly gathering pace, and there's plenty to celebrate, according to the last update from Surfers Against Sewage.

Buglife responds to Lords inquiry into environmental contamination from pesticides

28 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Another step forward in the process of tackling pet medicines gone wild. This week, Buglife considers and "welcomes the Government's recognition that pet parasite medicines can contaminate the environment and that significant improvements are needed in environmental monitoring, risk assessment and the responsible use of these products".

Bristol RiverBlitz 2026: Citizen Science data highlights impact of drought

28 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

How does drought impact our rivers? Data collected by citizen scientists this summer tells us part of the story. For the eleventh year, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust coordinated its annual Bristol Avon RiverBlitz, a nine-day citizen science event where communities monitor water quality in the rivers and streams of the region. More than 200 volunteers collected water quality samples from 283 sites across the catchment, testing for phosphate and nitrate, two nutrients which when high indicate a river is polluted. Here's a report on what they found.

Honouring the rivers, becks and springs of Yorkshire - with permission

28 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Amy-Jane Beer tells us more about The Confluence of the Rivers ceremony, and why it makes another significant step forward for the growing river right movement.

Embrace lazy autumn gardening to protect wildlife

27 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

It's official: you can happily slack on the gardening this week and do your bit your biodiversity, as Kat Hamill from Nottingham Trent University explains.

[PDF] What your household can do to protect the River

27 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Clean rivers begin at home, as Clean River Kent Campaign's new leaflet for households in Cumbria makes clear.

Embrace lazy autumn gardening to protect wildlife

27 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

It's official: you can happily slack on the gardening this week and do your bit your biodiversity, as Kat Hamill from Nottingham Trent University explains.

YDRT: From Stream to Screen: Our Stop-Motion Rivers Film

27 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Catherine Mason of Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust updates us on an inspiring river education project: "One of the highlights of our recent Rivers4Life exhibition, which brought the environmental science of rivers to life through art, was a brilliant two-minute stop-motion film created by Years 3 and 4 at Applegarth Primary School, Northallerton entitled 'Everyone Loves Rivers'. Think Wallace and Gromit − but 2D and all about rivers!"

In Search of the Vanishing River Mole!

24 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Few rivers behave quite like the Mole. In some dry summers, it simply vanishes midway along its course, leaving a dry riverbed between stretches of flowing water upstream and downstream. It's one of England's most extraordinary river mysteries. This week, River Mole River Watch published a fascinating account of their investigation into "a river balanced on the edge".

An introduction to the 'wee beasties' of the river

19 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

In a new blog for South East Rivers Trust, placement student Eilidh Vass Payne discusses riverfly monitoring and how you can get involved.

Spotlight On: Litter Heroes Ambassador Ben Thornbury

1 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

When Ben first picked up a litter picker at the age of 15, he never imagined it would grow into a community movement that has transformed his hometown. For fellow Litter Heroes, Ben has one simple piece of advice: "Talk to people while you're out litter picking because one conversation can inspire someone else to get involved. The more people who join in, the bigger the difference we can make."

The River Tees fisherman turned activist dubbed the Mr Bates of the seas

23 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The Guardian looks at "All Rivers Spill Their Stories to the Sea", a new film about the North East Fishing Collective (NEFC) and their battle to save the seas, in cinemas from 23 October.

Denmark nurdles may be from Tyne spill, agency says

23 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Nurdles found along the Danish coast are likely to originate from the spill in north-east England, according to the country's environment agency. "Dirty Man of Europe", anyone?

Norwich's rivers may be in their worst ever state

23 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Norwich's rivers are "possibly in their worst ever condition" and could cost hundreds of millions of pounds to repair, councillors have been warned. Saving the Wensum and the Yare could take up to 30 years, with the rivers battered by sewage spills, polluted runoff, exceptionally low flows and the longer-term degradation of their natural habitats.

Sea aster mining bee recorded on WWT saltmarsh for the first time

23 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The rare invertebrate was found in Somerset by local naturalist and WWT life member Nigel Phillips.

Atlantic Salmon Trust auction opens for business!

23 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

From world-class fly fishing adventures and exclusive conservation experiences to original artwork and unique gifts, the Atlantic Salmon Trust's annual fundraising auction is officially open... and every bid helps support the recovery of one of our most iconic species.

Scottish Back Burn river restoration celebrates completion with recognition in prestigious nature awards

23 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

An ambitious partnership project to restore the Back Burn to its more natural state in Glenrothes and Markinch has been recognised by a prestigious award scheme – just as the restoration work has been completed.

As flood risk rises, some communities question the idea of "resilience"

23 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Resilience is often considered to be a positive idea. It suggests that people can adapt to uncertainty, to prepare for disruption, and recover quickly when floods strike. But research by Paul O'Hare of Manchester Metropolitan University suggests many communities are deeply uncomfortable with this messaging, and some reject it altogether.

Here's Everything You Need to Know About Volunteering!

22 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

How do you get involved in community river work... and just what's involved? For Ribble Rivers Trust, Charlotte Ireland explains.

MPs say Burnham's plan to fix sewage crisis and lower water bills 'could fail'

22 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A group of 28 Labour MPs have urged Andy Burnham to go further in his plans to take control of England's privately owned water companies to bring down bills and reverse environmental damage.

Salisbury's rare rivers face pollution and climate threats

22 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Salisbury is home to some of the world's rarest and most important rivers, but there are "worrying signs" that all is not well beneath the surface, according to Dave Rumble, chief executive of Wessex Rivers Trust. The warning comes as The Rivers Trust's new State of Our Rivers Report 2026 finds there has been no overall improvement in the health of England's rivers since 2024.

Norwich campaigners renew push for Wensum bathing status

22 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Campaigners hoping to secure bathing water status for a stretch of the River Wensum in Norwich say they are trapped in a familiar "Catch-22" that is preventing progress: additional testing would come with bathing water designation, but proving the need for improvements can be difficult without more testing.

Worldview: When Rivers Run Low in the American West

22 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The Atlantic looks at how the history of the Colorado River has a habit of repeating itself. William Smythe's prediction (when water becomes scarce, society will languish) remains just as true today.

Unsafe water, burning eyes and kerosene slicks: residents demand answers on River Taff leak

22 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Oily slicks of kerosene still appeared to be leaking into the River Taff this week, several days after a breach of thousands of litres was spotted by members of the public. Residents along the Taff were advised to keep windows and doors closed last week, after it emerged that thousands of litres of kerosene from a GE Aerospace site in Nantgarw, Rhondda Cynon Taf had entered the river.

Delivering Natural Flood Management with Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust

22 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A fascinating look at some practical NFM projects YDRT has recently delivered, with Matthew Lyall.

Light at the end of the tunnel for Windermere?

21 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A giant tunnel is one of the solutions proposed to tackle the long-term problem of sewage in Lake Windermere.

Save Windermere: "A historic moment... But our fight is far from over"

21 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Matt Staniek, founder of Save Windermere, welcomes the current plan, but notes that it's just the "end of the beginning".

Eden Rivers Trust: 1.7 million invasive Himalayan balsam plants removed in 2026!

21 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

This year, Eden Rivers Trust joined forces with a growing number of communities, helping to reclaim riverbanks from this invasive and destructive species at our Balsam Bashing events held throughout the summer months. Residents and volunteers joined balsam bashing events in Daleraven, Cummersdale, Caldew, Great Salkeld, Stainton, Hunsonby, Heads Nook, Engine Lonning, Thackthwaite, Wetheral, Warcop, Ormside, Great Musgrave, Gilsland, Melmerby, Frenchfields, Ploughlands, Mains Farm, Penruddock and Long Marton.

£43m a year invested in restoring the River Trent could generate £10bn in economic benefits

20 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A new report, The Rivers 2040 Vision, published by the Wildlife Trusts, Trent Rivers Trust and Intact Insurance estimates that investing £43m a year in restoring the River Trent over the next 30 years could generate about £10bn in economic benefits. The river, which is about 350km long and passes through Staffordshire and six other counties, could be a blueprint for how waterways across England could be restored.

Talking entomology and rare caddisflies with Sharon and Peter Flint

20 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The Malham Sedge is an incredibly rare, and rather elusive, caddisfly in Britain that is found exclusively at Malham Tarn in North Yorkshire. Much of what we currently know about this caddisfly comes from the dedication of local entomologists Sharon and Peter Flint, whose passion for Malham Tarn and its unique wildlife has helped transform our understanding of this remarkable species.

Hot summer takes toll on chalk stream ecosystems

20 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A summer of consistently low rainfall and high temperatures has damaged the fragile ecosystems of chalk streams, conservationists have warned. On the River Pang in Berkshire, stretches of the waterway have dried up in places where residents and anglers say they have never previously seen.

Legal victory: WildFish wins pesticide case against the Health and Safety Executive

20 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

WildFish has welcomed a new ruling by the General Regulatory Chamber (GRC) which reaffirms that pesticide users "hold" pesticide records on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and that they can be requested by members of the public. The tribunal also confirmed that WildFish's requests weren't "manifestly unreasonable" and that there is public interest in disclosure.

Freshwater Habitats Trust: How our monitoring is guiding freshwater conservation

20 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

As Freshwater Habitats Trust completes its biggest ever season of freshwater surveys, Technical Director Dr Naomi Ewald explains how almost four decades of research is helping us understand the state of freshwater biodiversity – and carry out practical conservation work to restore it.

Paddling volunteers tackle floating pennywort on the Lee Navigation

19 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Paddle UK has been leading the award-winning River Lea Floating Pennywort Project alongside partners and volunteers, helping to tackle the spread of this invasive plant and protect waterways. The project continued to make progress in 2026, with a series of clean-up sessions along the Lee Navigation. From 2025-2026, the project has helped clear 22.5km of waterways and remove 250 tonnes of floating pennywort.

Now MPs call out Natural England's "Cash for Trash" rivers scheme

19 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

MP Chris Hinchcliffe has become the latest critic of the plan to "offset" housebuilding damage with river "restoration" projects in Norfolk, which we've been calling attention to over the last few months.

Crucial ocean protection target 265 years off pace as UN nature summit begins

19 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A new report from Greenpeace International reveals that, at the current rate of progress, it could take 265 years to fully protect 30 per cent of the ocean, which scientists say is the minimum required to give it a chance at recovery.

Biosciences researchers join major £54m effort to tackle biosecurity threats

16 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Durham University biosciences researchers are playing a leading role in a major new study investigating how pollution accelerates the evolution of drug-resistant bacteria, often called superbugs. CARMA (Co-selection of Antimicrobial Resistance by Metals Alliance) is one of 18 research projects being supported through a £54 million investment from the UK Government and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).

Car wash bans and low water pressure could hit millions as severe drought declared

15 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Severe drought (the highest status possible) has been declared in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex, areas that cover more than 4.5m people. It is the first time this level of drought has been used in England. The situation is deemed so serious that it merited a meeting of ministers and officials at Whitehall's emergency planning committee Cobra on Thursday last week, and insiders say it is rapidly moving up the agenda for Andy Burnham's government.

Scotland is finally consulting on protecting its inshore seabed. But are the proposals enough?

9 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

OpenSeas takes a critical look at the Scottish Government's consultation on fisheries management measures for Scotland's inshore Marine Protected Areas.

River Evenlode 're-naturalisation' in Cotswold flood defence plan

17 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The "rewilding" of a section of Oxfordshire river is a proposed solution to frequent flooding, which has seen a "whole valley" become a "sink". A proposal to build a "naturalistic landscape bund", water basins and channels to hold back and store flood water in a field, away from a repeatedly flooded Grade II listed building on the banks of the River Evenlode, has been shared with West Oxfordshire District Council.

Southern Water shares new water recycling plan

17 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Water recycling is a topic we don't hear anywhere enough about. So, yes, bring on the public consulation over Southern Water's proposed new water recycling plant in Ford, West Sussex, about which they say: "The project would allow us to replace water currently taken from the River Rother, helping to protect this precious environment. The project would create a new source of water by taking treated wastewater from Ford Wastewater Treatment Works and putting it through additional advanced purification processes to create highly purified recycled water. This recycled water would then be transferred through a new underground pipeline and safely returned to the River Rother near Hardham". Find out more in a webinar and public-drop in events in early November.

Anglian Water fined £1.6m for polluting Essex River Brain

16 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Anglian Water has been fined £1.6m after repeated sewage pollution of the River Brain over six weeks in 2022. District judge Timothy King heard that Anglian Water's local mismanagement led to a general decline in water quality between April and June 2022. In addition, the company ignored alarms telling them that poorly-treated sewage was being discharged into the river due to the faulty valve. Staff didn't talk to each other about the incidents. The resulting pollution stretched for nearly 14km along the Brain between Braintree and Witham.

Danny Dyer in floating poo water protest on Thames

16 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Yes, giant protest turds, first made popular by Surfers Against Sewage in the 1990s, are back once more! Actor Danny Dyer has delivered a petition to Downing Street calling for water companies to be nationalised after floating a giant poo sculpture down the River Thames on a boat. Dyer and Sittingbourne and Sheppey MP Kevin McKenna sailed along the Thames with the "sculpture" as part of a protest calling for the water industry to be brought into public ownership.

Top tip for flooding: duct tape keeps out more flood water than sandbags in laboratory tests

16 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

It's worth keeping the duct tape handy if your home is prone to outside flooding, explain researchers from Hull University this week: "In controlled tests, correctly applied duct tape on the outside of a household door reduced water leakage by 97-98%."

RSPB: "We're taking action for nature at COP17 to get things back on track"

16 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

RSPB explains the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its biennial Conference of the Parties (COP). This year is COP17, and it's taking place in Armenia from 19-30 October, with the theme of 'Taking Action for Nature'.

Project River Soar aims to clear Leicestershire's river of pennywort in five years

16 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Amy Cipriano, organiser of Project River Soar, said the group had created the "dream" goal of clearing 30 miles of the river with the help of experts who successfully removed pennywort from a section of the River Stour in Essex.

Practical Farm Advice That Makes a Difference to Rivers

16 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

How do we get farmers more involved in cleaning up our rivers? Ribble Rivers Trust explains why the personal approach (a friendly "pinpoint" visit from a farm adviser) can often work wonders.

Riverfly Parnership: October update

16 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

What is sewage fungus and why does it matter? In this month's update, you'll also find also important guidance on protecting salmon, trout and bullhead while you're out sampling for flies.

Severe drought declared in parts of southern England

15 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex are affected by the announcement from the Environment Agency, which followed a review of water resources and drought conditions across England by the National Drought Group. Water supplies have been significantly impacted by high demand following the hottest summer on record.

Crayfish vs crayfish: Who will win our rivers?

14 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

In The Sheffield Tribune, David Bocking charts the long (and ongoing) battle between the alien-invading American signal crayfish and its native rival, the white-clawed crawfish.

WWT: Nature must be at the heart of our response to flooding

14 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

To tackle extreme weather, we must work with water, not against it, writes WWT Chief Executive, Sarah Fowler.

Climate: Why hot El Niño could spell a cold winter for the UK

14 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Oxford University climate post-doc Chloe Brimicombe explains the complex connection between far-off El Niño and the risk of colder or wetter weather closer to home.

Rivers Trust: No improvement in England's river health

14 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The Rivers Trust has reported no overall improvement in the health of England's rivers since 2024, with none of the country's 4,000 river stretches achieving good overall health, according to its latest State of Our Rivers Report. The report calls for stronger regulation, action to tackle pollution at source and greater investment in nature-based solutions, following two summers of drought.

Wildlife Trusts: Every £1 invested in restoring rivers could generate over £7 in benefits

14 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Rivers2040, a groundbreaking new vision for rivers in England, released this week by The Wildlife Trusts and partners outlines how nature must be at the heart of plans to restore waterways across England in order to unlock significant economic, environmental and societal benefits.

Government backs organic with landmark action plan for England

14 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

"Cleaner" farming means cleaner rivers. The Soil Association has welcomed the government's long-awaited Organic Action Plan for England, describing it as "a major opportunity to grow homegrown organic food and build a more resilient farming system... the plan sets an ambition to increase the proportion of England's farmland managed organically from around 3.4% to 10% by 2036. It is the first English action plan to set a clear ambition for organic land growth".

Economics: Insurance industry "fudging the numbers in the face of the climate crisis"

14 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

In The Guardian, a whisteblower explains the "moral hazard" of an industry ill-prepared for major climate change: "Our sector is carrying more risk than we realise. The warming global climate has caused more frequent high-intensity storms, rising sea levels, flooding, wildfires and drought. While the immediate impact of these events is plain to see, the long-term effects will be compounded as insurers withdraw from affected areas, leaving the economy in freefall and people’s day-to-day lives in ruins."

Can productive farming and freshwater conservation work together?

13 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Freshwater Habitats Trust publishes an interview with Dr Jenny Bussell, Principal Scientist and Head of Agri-environmental Sciences at Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust’s Allerton Project, who explains why a catchment-scale approach and collaborative working with landowners is so important.

Making River-Friendly Choices for Our Pets

13 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

More and more river groups are trying to persuade their local communities that cleaner rivers are ultimately our own responsibility. Last week, we had the brilliant new "Household River Care Manual" from Friends of the River Dart. This week, Clean River Kent Campaign are urging locals to "think river" when they use chemical treatments on their pets.

Drought Reveals a Changing River Mole

12 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

River Mole River Watch presented their latest update on the Surrey river this week, with some very impressive data analysis: "Our September citizen science testing revealed continuing severe phosphate pollution and some new hotspots. The prolonged summer drought also prompted us to investigate more than 50 years of river flow records, revealing an intriguing finding: the Upper Mole's lowest summer flows appear to have increased, possibly due to rising volumes of treated wastewater".

Removing barriers and restoring flows with river restoration projects in Cumbria

12 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

West Cumbria Rivers Trust explains three recent restoration projects where removing barriers and opening up fish passage were the top priority.

Thames Water claims 86% drop in sewage discharges into Thames

11 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Thames Water's first annual Tideway Benefits Report "has revealed significant improvement in river health following the opening of the super sewer in 2025" the company claims in a press release this week. We've not had time to dig into the detail, but we'll be watching closely for reactions and comments from local river groups.

Champion kayaker complains of human waste in River Trent

11 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A British kayaker and nine-time world champion says she is "disgusted" and at "breaking point" over pollution after being surrounded by human faeces on the River Trent.

The Big River Watch: 2026 Autumn Survey Results

9 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

For the 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. The results? Half of surveys spotted pollution, many saw livestock near rivers, silt, and barriers to flow.

Lake and river lessons: a free resource and tribute to limnologist Bob Wetzel

9 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

From the Freshwater Biological Association: "For many, over decades, the go-to reference textbook to learn more about inland water ecosystems was 'Limnology' by Robert 'Bob' G. Wetzel. This was first published in 1975, and then updated by Professor Wetzel in 1983 and 2001". A new edition of Bob Wetzel's definitive book has just come out, with lots of free student tutorials.

Atlantic Salmon monitoring project scoops major award

9 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Project Deveron, delivered by the Atlantic Salmon Trust and The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, has won the Integrated Monitoring Across Water, Land and Air category at the 2026 Environmental Monitoring and Measurement Achievement awards. The project develops and applies electronic fish detecting systems to monitor juvenile and adult salmon in the River Deveron and provide information for designing management locally and nationally.

River Wye "Ranunculus Project" kicks off!

9 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Friends of the River Wye's new research project investigating, the decline of water crowfoot in the Rivers Wye and Usk, was officially launched at an event in Rhayader this week. Bringing together conservation organisations, researchers and local communities, 'The Ranunculus Project' aims to understand what is happening to this iconic river plant and help inform its recovery.

From droughts to deluge: listening to what our rivers are telling us

7 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Harvey Hamilton-Thorpe of Eden Rivers Trust writes: "Our rivers are reminding us that every field, woodland, wetland and community is connected. If we listen carefully enough, they may also be showing us the way towards a more resilient future..."

Sussex volunteers remove 867kgs of litter from the River Lavant!

7 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Yes, that's very near a tonne of trash busted by the amazing folk at Western Sussex Rivers Trust, whose horrible haul included 281 cans, 227 plastic bottles, 95 glass bottles, 3 shopping trolleys, 1 paddling pool, 20 shotgun cartridges and even a garden sofa.

Celebrating World Migratory Bird Day this October!

10 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated worldwide, twice a year, in May and October. These mark the twice-yearly movements of millions of birds, as they move between their breeding and wintering grounds in spring and autumn. RSPB explains why this is such a milestone in the UK, where about half of all our bird species migrate.

Free festival invites Norwich to discover the city's rivers this October half term

10 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A brand-new festival, "Where the River Meets Us", will bring six days of activities to riverside and neighbourhood locations across Norwich from Monday 26 to Saturday 31 October. The programme invites residents to experience the city's rivers in new ways, from wildlife walks, following live music along the riverbank and discovering archive films beside the Wensum, to looking for bats, joining family storytelling and contributing to a community poem.

River Severn sewage spills will take years to tackle

10 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Reducing the number of sewage discharges into the River Severn will take time, say water company bosses. Meanwhile, local councillors are demanding action on a problem that's happening far too often.

Government's "reckless" Environmental Delivery Plan risks more sewage in rivers, warns WildFish

9 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) are a new proposed scheme by the government to help developers "tackle" pollution when building new homes. Under the EDPs, developers effectively pay money into a Natural England kitty, which can then fund environmental protection projects. The government calls the plans, drafted by Natural England under the Nature Restoration Fund, a "win-win approach to housebuilding and nature restoration", which can deliver healthier wetlands and waterways alongside new housing developments. But WildFish is concerned that the EDP scheme sets up a worrying pay-to-pollute system, one where developers can simply pay a fee to push through or speed up their development plans. The scheme will result in current environmental protections being lifted, such as developments around rivers where nutrients are a problem, after cash is paid by developers.

Wildlife Trusts also take aim at EDP

9 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Matthew Browne, head of public affairs at The Wildlife Trusts, said: "In a time of stark nature loss, The Planning and Infrastructure Act's approach to environmental protection - substitution rather than an avoidance of harm – could set us on a dangerous path towards further environmental decline. With developers now required to show weaker, more generalised 'overall improvements', the Act has opened the door to environmental harm being allegedly cancelled out by wider benefits. As a result, this first Starmer-legacy Environmental Delivery Plan (EDP) risks being just as we and others warned: specific and significant harms being traded for general, speculative benefits.

Three new faces for the Great Yorkshire Rivers project

9 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Great Yorkshire Rivers (GYR) has made three full-time appointments to help the organisation in the delivery of its mission to to remove artificial barriers that prevent fish moving freely through Yorkshire's rivers and reaching important breeding habitats.

Two-year project to install eel screens begins

9 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

An £11.8m project to install screens to help eels safely navigate a river has begun. The screens will be placed at Barrasford raw pumping station on the River North Tyne in Northumberland over the next two years and are designed to prevent European eels from entering the station workings.

[£££] Feargal Sharkey, patron saint of rivers

9 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Patrick Galbraith celebrates the one-man clean-river campaign in this month's Critic (requires subscription).

Water companies take at least £1.4 billion from industrial waste in six years

9 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Companies reported nearly £340 million in the latest year alone for accepting industrial wastewater, but the true figure is likely to be higher because one water company (South West Water) refused to disclose their trade-effluent revenues on commercial-sensitivity grounds. Water companies have reported at least £1.4 billion in trade-effluent revenue over the past six years, including £336 million in 2025/26, according to a major investigation by Watershed Investigations and River Action, first reported in The Guardian.

SAS: Sewage spills not recorded on time, report claims

8 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Campaigners claim South West Water failed to report more than 3,000 sewage discharges within the legally required time of an hour, in the first half of this year. In its annual report into water quality Surfers Against Sewage said the water firm's sewage spills during dry weather last more than 12,000 hours.

Mercury has long sickened and killed. Could the tide finally be turning?

8 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Toxic mercury continues to pop up in everything from cosmetics to fluorescent lights and is widely used in small-scale gold mining. But that is changing thanks to a landmark international agreement: the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The pact, which celebrates its 13th year on October 10, has placed controls on the supply, trade and use of mercury, helping to protect people and the planet from its harmful effects. More than 153 nations are now party to the agreement, which its backers say represents an important example of international cooperation amid rising international tensions.

PaddleUK announce new 2026 strategy

8 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Places and blue spaces matter, paddling should be easier to access and navigate, strong communities make paddling happen, and coaching and leading should work better for people: these are just some of the areas PaddleUK will be focusing on following feedback from members of the paddling community.

Wildlife populations have declined - but many animals still aren't being counted

8 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Edinburgh University and CEH ecologists explain the difficulty in figuring out what's happening to the world's biodiversity.

Words with Andrew McDermid: River Water Quality Champion at Forest of Dean District Council

8 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A campaigning councillor explains his work fighting for water: "Our rivers, streams and wetlands are among the Forest's most precious habitats; protecting them is an investment in the future health, prosperity and resilience of our communities".

High pollution levels found in Bristol rivers and streams

7 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Drought conditions led to higher than usual levels of pollution in rivers and streams in the Fishponds area during tests carried out this summer. A survey by "citizen scientists" for the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust found high levels of phosphates and nitrates in the River Frome and other waterways in the area.

Friends of the River Dart launch Household River Care Manual

7 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Brand new this week, a simple guide that helps households reduce their impact on rivers: "The manual goes room by room, from the kitchen and bathroom to drains, the garden and the dog, with the evidence behind every action. There is a page for homes that aren't on mains drainage, with advice on septic tanks. If you only have a few minutes, start with ten things you can do this weekend: a fat jar by the cooker, a bin in the bathroom, old medicines back to the pharmacy. You can print a one-page fridge sheet or download the whole manual as a PDF". It's a great idea we hope other groups will copy.

Toxic 'forever chemical' linked to reproductive harm found in almost all rivers and groundwater tested in England

7 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A highly persistent 'forever chemical' linked to reproductive harm has been found in virtually all rivers and groundwater tested in England, according to Environment Agency data obtained through Freedom of Information by investigative journalists from Unearthed and Watershed.

New report finds UK off track to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030

6 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Ahead of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity's COP17, The Wildlife Trusts warn urgent action is needed to get the UK's nature commitments back on track. The UK is off track to meet its global commitments to halt and reverse nature loss by 2030, according to a new report from The Wildlife Trusts published today. The report, Route Map to Recovery— Fixing Nature in the UK, warns that continued delay risks both environmental recovery and national security and that urgent action is needed to close the gap between ambition and delivery on the ground..

UK oil refinery broke toxic pollution limits dozens of times, documents reveal

6 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

One of the UK's biggest oil refineries spilled pollution into local rivers and the Mersey Estuary on dozens of occasions in 2023 and 2024, BBC News reported this week.

New projects to save threatened freshwater species

5 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Some of England's rarest freshwater plants and invertebrates will benefit from major new research and conservation projects funded through the Species Recovery Programme by Freshwater Habitats Trust.

Cambridge: 100 years of the Fen Causeway

5 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A fascinating history of one of Cambridge's major river crosssings was published by Bruce Huett of the Cam Valley Forum this week.

Worldview: New map exposes dire state of American rivers as only six percent are healthy amid climate emergency

5 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A new four-year analysis mapping 5.2 million miles of U.S. rivers shows only six percent are healthy, while three‑quarters could lose biodiversity due to climate change, prompting efforts to protect and restore vulnerable waterways.

Photographer seeks... river collaborations

3 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

We had a message this week from documentary photography student Natalie Scurlock who's working on a project to document the effects of pollution on rivers and seas, and the groups working to tackle the problem. Natalie is interested in documenting upcoming campaigning events, including pollution testing and reporting sessions. If you might be interested in collaborating, you'll find more details on the Instagram page @natcapturess - or drop us an email and we'll pass it on.

Exploring the Black history of the Thames

1 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

From Thames21: "To understand our present, it is important to look to the past. With this in mind, we want to use the opportunity to highlight the often unexplored relationship between Black people and the River Thames. There is evidence that people of African ancestry lived and worked in Britain as far back as Roman times. In AD 43, the Romans invaded Britain, and around AD 47 they established Londinium, present day London, on the banks of the River Thames".

Sussex community quiz raises £414 for local rivers

1 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Water-testing citizen scientists from Western Sussex Rivers Trust held a successful fundraiser last month.

Natural flood management success at Gatwick

1 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

NFM is often quite modest, but here's news of a much bigger project being coordinated by South East Rivers Trust (SERT) as part of the Gatwick Airport Natural Flood Management project.

New Project White Hart website brings chalk streams to life

1 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Project White Hart is a multi-river restoration project led by the Test and Itchen Catchment Partnership, hosted by the Wessex Rivers Trust and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, in partnership with the Atlantic Salmon Trust. It's just published a brand new, interactive website bringing the story of England's chalk stream salmon to life.

Still no plans to shut failing sewage watchdog Ofwat... a year after Labour's promise

2 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

From Lucie Heath: "The i Paper understands that Sir Keir Starmer's government had developed a plan to move regulatory powers from Ofwat, but Andy Burnham decided not to publish it as he plans to go further on water reforms than his predecessor". So what happens next?

Carlsberg Britvic and The Rivers Trust launch 10-year water replenishment partnership

2 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The partnership will support the delivery of multiple projects across the Warwickshire Avon catchment, just 15 miles from Carlsberg Britvic's Rugby site, including on local rivers such as the Leam, helping to reconnect and enhance floodplains, create new wetland habitats and improve the landscape's ability to store and slow water.

Law: "Dammed if you don't": the impact of dam extensions explored

2 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Many European dams are operating well beyond their original planned life expectancy in an entirely different cimate. That's the problem examined in ClientEarth's new report "Past the Expiration Date", which looks at dam lifetime extensions and EU environmental law through case studies in Poland, Italy, Bulgaria, and Romania.

River rights: More councils adopt River Avon Charter!

2 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Eleven councils have adopted a community-led charter recognising the River Avon as a living entity with rights, as campaigners say more than 20 similar charters are spreading across the UK.

FBA: New project aims to secure the future of the critically endangered Malham Sedge

2 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A new partnership project, funded by Natural England's Species Recovery Programme (SRP), has been launched to help secure the future of some of the UK's rarest invertebrates, including the critically endangered Malham Sedge (Agrypnetes crassicornis).

Paddling for wellbeing: Sport in Mind's Waterside Festival

2 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Paddle UK supported Sport in Mind's annual Waterside Festival this summer. Now in its fourth year, the festival brought people together facing mental health challenges to try on-water activities in a welcoming and supportive environment.

England's reservoirs continue to feel drought strain after sixth dry month of 2026

2 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Most of England's reservoirs are now classed as notably or exceptionally low after another dry month and the government is working with water companies to ensure supplies are protected. At this time of year, the Environment Agency would expect England's overall reservoir storage to be almost three-quarters (74.3%) full. But because of this year's drought most are less than half full, with concerns for Ardingly (West Sussex) and Wimbleball (Somerset) that are 23% and 21% full respectively.

Worldview: The Colorado River is shrinking. What happens next?

1 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Lake Mead is part of the Colorado River system and the largest reservoir in the United States. It is now at its lowest level since it was filled nearly 90 years ago.

You don't have to live by the coast to be connected to the ocean

1 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

The Marine Conservation Society explain how they're bringing the seas ashore with education outreach (or perhaps inreach?).

Exploring the Ribble Estuary

1 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Kerry Stansfield wanders and wonders around Lytham for Ribble Rivers Trust.

Science: Why more precipitation does not always mean more river flow

1 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A new study from Matthew P. Berzonsky, Valerie Smykalov, Kayalvizhi Sadayappan, and Li Li: "By analyzing over 10,000 river basins worldwide, we found that more than one in four watersheds show diverging trends in precipitation and river discharge. In 40% of these watersheds, river flow has declined even though precipitation has increased. We also found that frequent precipitation extremes and high atmospheric demand tend to drive these mismatches. These results show that precipitation alone cannot reliably predict changes in freshwater availability and highlight the need for long-term river discharge monitoring to support water resource management under a changing climate".

Fishing conservationists say the dry rivers could spell the end of the 'Sussex tiger'

1 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A video report from ITV News on how months of drought have left water levels in the few streams where the rare sea trout spawn perilously low.

Tyne Rivers Trust secures £250,000 National Lottery funding

1 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Tyne Rivers Trust received £249,579 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for its 18-month Foundations for the Future programme.

New plans for Norfolk's rivers. Will they work?

1 October 2026 08:30:00 GMT

East Anglia Bylines takes a look at the controversial new plans to "compensate" freshwater habitats for new housing developments in the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025, which we've highlighted a few times in recent weeks.

Rivers Trust: Protecting Shared Waters in Ireland and Northern Ireland

30 September 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Protecting Shared Waters, a major cross border initiative to enhance water quality in two vital drinking water catchment areas, has been officially launched at the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains in An Creagán, Omagh.

Only 28% of River Tyne nurdles 'recovered', researchers say

30 September 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Only 28% of nurdles which spilled into a river have been recovered and are expected to continue washing up on beaches in the future, scientists have calculated. Almost 18 tonnes of plastic nurdles are estimated to have spilled into the River Tyne after a collision between ships at the Port of Tyne in July.

South West Water fined £8m for hundreds of sewage spills in Cornwall and Devon

29 September 2026 08:30:00 GMT

A water company has been ordered to pay a record fine of almost £8m for hundreds of sewage spills at popular bathing spots and sensitive habitats in Cornwall and Devon. On one occasion, untreated sewage gushed through a harbour wall on a bank holiday weekend but South West Water (SWW) engineers took 10 hours to attend. Sewage was also discharged into the River Camel, which is home to otter and Atlantic salmon and is popular with birdwatchers and sailors.

A bumper year for dragonflies at WWT wetland sites this summer

29 September 2026 08:30:00 GMT

This summer brought a diverse range of dragonfly and damselfly sightings across WWT wetlands, with rare and newly recorded species delighting visitors at sites across the UK.

Finally, sewage-dumping water bosses to lose their bonuses

29 September 2026 08:30:00 GMT

CEOs of polluting water companies who have been taking home multimillion-pound payouts despite a ban on bonuses will be subject to a new clampdown on the use of "loopholes", reports Lucie Heath in The I Paper.

Science: How can El Niño cause drought and floods at the same time?

29 September 2026 08:30:00 GMT

Ligin Joseph from the University of Southampton explains.

Wildlife Trusts: Rise of 'mega-dairies' pushing nature to breaking point