The Big River Watch results are in!

Earlier this year – between the 25th of April and the 1st of May 2025 – 3,909 people in the UK and Ireland participated in the Big River Watch and submitted 2,261 surveys!   The Big River Watch is a citizen science event which is held twice a year – and this year there was extra excitement, because the Rivers Trust, who run it, teamed up with Earthwatch’s Great UK WaterBlitz. 

The observations people made give a compelling story about the state of our rivers – and our connection to them.

Pollution

54% of the survey recorded at least one form of pollution, with silt, livestock-related pollution, algal blooms and sewage pollution.  Road runoff and mine water were also noted.

50% of surveys reported pollution and litter, and although 70% of those taking part felt their river stretch looked healthy, many of the largest threats to rivers can’t be seen by the naked eye.  You can’t detect chemical pollution without lab testing, for instance.

The other problem is that people are more likely to do their surveys on a dry day, when signs of pollution may well be less evident and harder to spot.

There are more results from the survey here – including how rivers make people feel.   People who thought their river was healthy most often described themselves as feeling happy, peaceful or calm.   An unhealthy looking river made people more likely to say they felt sad, concerned or frustrated. 

Looking after our rivers improves the wellbeing of everyone.

Since its launch in 2023, there have been 4 seasonal campaigns, when 17,689 people have explored and supported their local rivers and submitted 10,027 surveys.  There’s another river watch in September – find out more here.

The stunning photo at the top is by Jonny Gios - amazing photo, Jonny! Thank you!