The Rivers Trust

🌳 Almost half a million trees planted, and so much more! Today we're releasing our 2023/24 Impact Report, which tots up the incredible work done by our Rivers Trust Movement all across the UK and Ireland over the past 12 months. Our rivers are in crisis, but there are many things that can be done to help restore them to their natural function. The Impact Report includes just some of the highlights and case studies of the past year, from restoring freshwater pearl mussel populations and creating weir bypasses to allow fish passage, to partnering with British Rowing to more deeply engage a community of river champions, and launching our Big River Watch citizen science initiative. And this year, as we celebrate 20 years of The Rivers Trust umbrella organization and 30 years of the first trust that eventually led to the formation of our movement (West Country Rivers Trust), we're also looking back over the long-term impact of our collective work. Read it here: https://lnkd.in/ee-sxkNY #ImpactReport #restoreourrivers #togetherforrivers #rivers #nature #wildlife #riverhealth #envronment #theriverstrust

The Climate Change Committee has released its Seventh Carbon Budget, highlighting the urgent need for an 87% reduction in emissions by 2040 to stay on track for Net Zero by 2050. Healthy rivers and catchments are vital for climate resilience—they store carbon, reduce flood and drought risks, and support thriving ecosystems. Read our full response in the image below and on our website. https://lnkd.in/e8YmHEjG

We’re at the World Water Tech Innovation Summit again today! Today our focus is on water stewardship and collaboration in the food and beverage industry, with some of our partners taking to the stage this afternoon. For these businesses and their supply chains a clean and reliable supply of freshwater is critical. They also share their water needs with communities and wildlife. This is why we work in partnership with those who are committed to investing in nature and more sustainable solutions for water. Through our water stewardship programme we: 💧 Identify opportunities for businesses to invest in local solutions to improve water quality. 🌱 Replenish nature by restoring and creating new wet habitats which increase water storage. 🌊 Increase protection for communities from flooding. As part of our Courtauld 2030 commitment for collaborative action on water, we work with these businesses to deliver interventions that replenish our catchments and scale up the positive impacts we can achieve together for better river health. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/eTfX4-eW

Last Tuesday, a diesel spill released several thousand litres of fuel into the River Wandle, contaminating the water and threatening its wildlife. South East Rivers Trust has launched a crowdfunder to help save and restore this precious chalk stream. Every donation, no matter the size, will support efforts to protect this vital ecosystem. Learn more and support 👇 https://lnkd.in/epQcX-7w

With the growing demand for online services and AI, how do we work with the tech industry to address future water challenges and increase resilience in our catchments?  Our Deputy Director of Strategy & Stewardship, Alex Adam, will be joining tech leaders on the main stage at the World Water Tech Innovation Summit later today to talk about water stewardship and the important role of nature-based solutions in addressing water quality and conservation challenges.  Through our water stewardship programme, The Rivers Trust has cultivated strong partnerships with those who want to demonstrate leadership and invest in nature's recovery.  By joining the dots between the needs of nature, water, businesses, and the landowners operating in that catchment, we enable interventions on the ground to take shape, like these wetlands in the Kennet Valley 👇  https://lnkd.in/gJ_362gq Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gjwH8Pqj

🐾 Did you know that common flea treatments are making their way into our waterways and harming wildlife? Research shows that pesticides from pet treatments are found in 98% of English rivers, often at dangerous levels. These chemicals don’t just come from swimming dogs—they wash down our drains when we bathe pets, clean bedding, or even just wash our hands after stroking them. It’s not just aquatic life at risk. Songbirds like blue tits and great tits use pet fur to line their nests, exposing their chicks to pesticides. Studies have linked higher contamination levels to nestling mortality. Here’s how you can help: ✅ Use flea treatments only when needed, not on a routine schedule. ✅ Opt for safer alternatives like oral medications or injections. ✅ Dispose of pet hair responsibly to keep it out of the environment. ✅ Seal and bin packaging instead of rinsing it out. Small changes can make a big difference for wildlife while still keeping our pets safe. Learn more 👇 https://lnkd.in/e6jbYV3f

Today, the High Court approved Thames Water’s £3 billion rescue plan—but it’s sparked serious concerns. With huge debt and high interest payments, a significant portion of customer bills will go to financiers instead of improving our water infrastructure or protecting the environment. This situation highlights years of regulatory failures and management choices that prioritised profits at the expense of vital infrastructure improvements. Read our response in the image below and on our website 👇 https://lnkd.in/e2N4SmYv

We are proud to be named as one of the world’s most sustainable companies. We’re listed 20th in Corporate Knights Global 100 ranking of the world’s most sustainable firms. As climate change places more pressure than ever on the service we provide, we are committed to mitigating our contribution to climate change. This news comes as we’ve been listed in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook and named on CDP’s A list for Climate Change, based on our 2024 reports. This video shows just one of the ways we’re putting this fantastic recognition into action. We recently planted 6,000 trees at Thirlmere Reservoir, demonstrating our work to capture carbon and improve biodiversity in the area. #Global100 #Sustainability #ClimateChange #NorthWest #Biodiversity #TreePlanting West Cumbria Rivers Trust

Do you work in or have an interest in #ChalkStream restoration? Follow our new CaBA Chalk Stream Restoration Group page for updates on the Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy, news and upcoming events 👇

🌊 Visiting the Start Line: Preparing for the World's Toughest Row 🚣♂️ Later this year, data scientist and rower Jake Still will take on the ultimate challenge: rowing solo across the Atlantic as part of the World's Toughest Row—all while raising funds for The Rivers Trust and The Aire Rivers Trust to protect the rivers he loves. In his latest guest blog, Jake shares his firsthand experience visiting La Gomera, where he soaked up the incredible atmosphere, watched the 2024 crews set off on their journey, and gained valuable insights for his own upcoming challenge. Read the full blog on our website 👇 https://lnkd.in/erp_Tazk