This spring, Amber River colleagues from across the Group supported The Rivers Trust’s Big River Watch, a nationwide citizen science initiative that helps build a clearer picture of river health across the UK.
Heading to rivers in their local communities, colleagues spent a combined 24 hours recording wildlife, water clarity and signs of pollution. Their findings contributed valuable data to a growing national effort to protect and restore the UK’s waterways.
Over the course of the week-long campaign, over 5,500 people from across the UK collected over 2,400 river surveys, which equates to a remarkable 57 days river watching – the highest involvement since the initiative launched in 2023. Amber River colleagues were proud to contribute one of those days, adding our voice to this growing national movement.
The Big River Watch invites people to record what they see in and around their local rivers – from wildlife and water clarity to signs of pollution. A simple act which plays an important role in building a clearer, evidence-based picture of river health across the UK.
This matters because our rivers are under real pressure. By gathering local, credible data, we can help The Rivers Trust better influence decision-makers, guide restoration work, and hold polluters to account.
For many colleagues, this was their first step into citizen science, and even their first visit to that stretch of river. What they found was both encouraging and thought-provoking.
Some colleagues reported clear water and thriving wildlife, but some recorded signs of pollution, including algae, sewage, and agricultural runoff – highlighting the complex reality facing our waterways.
The experience wasn’t just about data. Colleagues described feeling calmer, more connected, and more aware of the environment around them. It was a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with nature.
Amber River and The Rivers Trust: stronger together
Amber River and The Rivers Trust share a purpose that’s deep rooted in enriching and protecting life. By joining forces and connecting with each other and our local environments, we can help drive meaningful change – protecting our rivers not just for today, but for generations to come.
