TAKE ACTION: Big River Watch Weekend 3rd-6th May

Be a citizen scientist & help make a difference

Sadly,  as we all know, many of our rivers are far from healthy and polluted with sewage, plastic, chemicals and nutrients. The Rivers Trust estimates that only 15% of our rivers are in good overall health, (which means more than 80% aren’t). This they say, just isn’t good enough and so now you have the chance to help them by getting involved by helping with this weekends Bank Holiday survey.

They need extra eyes and feet on the ground to gather the critical information needed to see how the rivers are doing and so provide them with the knowledge needed to restore our rivers.

So, whether you’re a swimmer, or a paddler, an angler or a rambler, a wildlife spotter or a sit and watch-er this is a great chance to be part of the movement improving our freshwater spaces by helping to survey your local stretch of river over the Bank Holiday weekend.

A free and easy way to help support your local river!

With just 3 easy steps, you can contribute to a national data set that will help them build a picture of river health.

STEP 1: Download the app before visiting your chosen river
STEP 2: Take part – pick a riverside location and spend 15 minutes observing and answering the questions on the survey.
STEP 3: Upload your Big River Watch survey. That’s it!

THE RIVERS TRUST – OTHER VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITES

Whether you can’t wait to get your hands dirty while cleaning up rivers, or you’d rather support them from the comfort of your own home, there are lots of ways you can join them to help stop pollution, take climate action and help restore rivers.

• There’s 2 ways to get involved:
  Through the twice-yearly Big River Watch Weekends helping to gather a picture of river health  across the UK and Ireland
  Big River Trusts – BRT Have over 60 MEMBER TRUSTS who regularly run volunteer events across the UK and Ireland with all sorts of local events and opportunities for everyone. From strenuous work to more relaxed activities. (They say you can pick and choose which projects you want to get involved with and do as little or as much as you like).

Interested in finding out more? Contact your local Rivers Trust for the latest information on all the volunteering opportunities for the Big River Trust. FIND YOUR LOCAL TRUST HERE