The state of our rivers has always been a local concern. In fact, reducing river pollution was a top priority when we asked the public for feedback during the general elections last summer. We all know that blue spaces offer valuable recreation and wellbeing benefits and that healthy rivers and riverbanks create a network for wildlife.  

Many species rely on water habitats including beavers, kingfishers, water voles, trout, eels, dragonflies, mayflies, ducks, heron, little egret, not to mention visitors such as fox, deer and other mammals.  

But how safe and healthy are our local rivers? What actions can we take to address this? Team Wilder is here to support local action.  

Community action for rivers 

River conservation involves looking at the entire river system, working with local authorities, organisations, community groups and local people to create a broad range of activities to benefit people and wildlife. This is known as a Catchment Based Approach. 

Many local community groups are taking matters into their own hands to improve local rivers, brooks, streams and the surrounding areas to benefit wildlife and people. Some great examples include litter picking and river cleaning, Himalayan balsam pulling, river channel management and water quality reporting. Wildlife surveying can show real change and provide evidence that measures are (or aren’t) working. Community events and talking about the state of our rivers also makes a difference, as well as campaigning for cleaner waterways.  

Trout in the Trym and SusWOT (Sustainable Westbury-on-Trym) in BS9 are very active in championing sustainable ways of living and the effect of this on their local rivers. They hold regular community events and work parties to make a difference locally.  

“It feels good to do something positive and make a difference to the local environment. With [Trout in the Trym] we have the power to improve our waterways. It's so beautiful.” - Trout in the Trym volunteer. 

The group monitor water quality and report results to Wessex Water and the Environmental Agency, in regards to sewage, pollution and general water quality. Trout in the Trym are good at educating others and bringing people together to make a difference collectively, rather than complaining individually. 

Actions at home 

All actions for nature make a big difference, collectively. Here are a few ideas to help local waterways: 

• Save water - install a water butt and conserve water with everyday tasks 

• Be mindful of what goes down the drain 

• Report sewage and pollution 

• Litter pick when out and about 

• Share wildlife sightings near the water 

• Limit concrete and plastic coverings so that rain water is absorbed naturally, 

• Gardening with wildlife in mind – small actions make a big difference 

• Chemical free gardening and food growing 

• Join or start a community group to help protect your local waterways 

National rivers 

On a personal level, I think the state of our rivers is a national disgrace. The UK is ranked as one of the worst countries in Europe for water quality, with pollution beyond legal limits caused by a toxic cocktail of sewage and agricultural pollution. Currently, 40% of waters fail quality targets due to pollution from agriculture and land management, plus raw sewage is discharged into waterways. 

The Wildlife Trust stands in solidarity with other charities and organisations to support River Action’s March for Clean Water on 3 November in London.