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Making Space for Water

We’re calling on the UK government to Make Space for Water by urgently supporting farmers and landowners to create and maintain a network of nature-rich river corridors. Help us reach 10,000 signatures so that the government will have to respond to our asks.

Sign the petition
The river Wye

Wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all.

Healthy rivers are essential to human life, they provide us with drinking water, they water our crops, they are home to important species of wildlife, they provide recreational spaces for our health and wellbeing.

Make a difference
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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

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See what you can do to save rivers and help communities thrive.

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Get informed

River in drought

Drought and water scarcity

Many people don’t even realise that the UK and Ireland experience drought; after all, we’re known for our rain! However, it only takes a few sunny days to dry our vulnerable rivers to the point that they virtually disappear, with disastrous consequences for wildlife and river ecosystems.

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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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Take action

Whether you can’t wait to get your hands dirty while cleaning up rivers, or you’d rather support us from the comfort of your own home, there are lots of ways you can support our work to restore rivers.

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The camera bisects the surface of the water, with river plants shown below and a person walking along the bank above

State of Our Rivers

The race to climate resilience will be won or lost on rivers – and right now we’re losing.

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Latest news

A man and his brown dog stand in front of a river in running gear

Running for Rivers: CEO Mark Lloyd takes on 43-mile ultramarathon challenge inspired by salmon migration to raise vital funds

  • Emma Brisdion

To raise awareness of the plight of salmon and fundraise for the vital work of The Rivers Trust, this September our CEO, Mark Lloyd will take part in the Salmon Run/​43-mile ultramarathon challenge along the River Exe, following the species’ migration route upstream.

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Sewage treatment plant seen from above

Cunliffe and Corry have reported – what should happen next?

  • The Rivers Trust
  • Blog

CEO of The Rivers Trust, Mark Lloyd, shares his reflections and recommendations following the major reviews of the water sector that have taken place this year.

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A smiling man looks at the camera, with round glasses and brown hair. In the background is countryside

The Rivers Trust is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Manchán Magan

  • Emma Brisdion

Esteemed writer and broadcaster, Manchán Magan, was a powerful champion for nature connection, and the first Rivers Trust ambassador on the island of Ireland.

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Two male runners, left one in white top with poles, right in blue top, running towards the camera

Mark Lloyd: Running with salmon — couch to 75k

  • The Rivers Trust

Mark Lloyd, The Rivers Trust CEO, shares his reflections on completing the 43-mile Salmon Run ultramarathon alongside his brother, and Team GB Olympic Rower, Graeme Thomas, to raise money and awareness for Atlantic salmon and our rivers. 

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