The Big River Watch
Survey your local river between 6th-12th of September and be part of our UK and Ireland-wide survey of river health.
Twice a year The Rivers Trust runs Big River Watch weeks where we invite you to take part in a simple citizen science activity that helps build a picture of river health across the UK and Ireland. The next Big River Watch will take place between 6th-12th September 2024.
Burdened by plastics, sewage, chemicals, and much more, our rivers are facing serious challenges. In fact, not a single river stretch in England or Northern Ireland is classified as being in good overall health.
✊ But you can help!
Join us for the next Big River Watch and be part of the solution in three easy steps:
- Download the free Big River Watch app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
- Take part! Visit your local river, or explore a new one, and spend 15 minutes observing and recording what you see in the simple in-app survey.
- Press upload and share your findings.
Tell us about the things that you see with the survey – from wildlife and plants, to the flow speed of the water and whether you can spot any pollution. If you don’t know what you’re looking at, use our handy in-app ID guides for pollution and wildlife.
Then river specialists will analyse the results. The data is shared too, so that it can be used by other environmental organisations, journalists, and community groups to help in the fight for healthier, wilder rivers.
The app and survey are open year-round, so you can keep recording useful information about your local river at any time, if you wish.
Share your experience and your photos on social media using #BigRiverWatch.
With every Big River Watch the data set grows and so does our understanding of river health across the UK and Ireland. By collecting crucial information on everything from wildlife sightings to pollution levels, Big River Watchers can help us create positive changes for our rivers.
