A fun, free, and easy way to help rivers – The Big River Watch app.
Twice a year, the Rivers Trust run a “Big River Watch” survey, and the next one will take place in Spring 2026. Anyone can take part in these week-long citizen science surveys that help to build an important picture of river health across the UK and Ireland.
If interested please visit The Big River Watch website at https://theriverstrust.org/take-action/the-big-river-watch
Above is a screenshot of data from the most recent Big River Watch of the River Ivel catchment area. Seven surveys were completed in September 2025.
Important – If you plan to get involved in The Big River Watch program in 2026, please take time to study the Pollution and Wildlife Identification Guides (available on the The Big River Watch website). It is really important to be accurate when surveying a river as the data you produce is critical in creating a snapshot of the health of that river.
