The Big River Watch will take place from 25th April to 1st May 2025

Twice a year The River Trust run Big River Watch weeks, inviting you to participate in a simple citizen science activity that helps build a picture of river health across the UK and Ireland.

Our rivers are far from healthy. They're polluted with sewage, plastic, chemicals and nutrients, and just 15% of river stretches in England are in good overall health. This isn't good enough.

When it comes to restoring our rivers, we need even more information about how they're doing. You can help us identify and locate the issues.

So whether you’re a swimmer or a paddler, an angler or a rambler, a wildlife spotter or a sit-and-watch-er, download the app and complete the quick survey today! However you love your river, Big River Watch is a chance to be part of the movement improving our freshwater spaces. With the app, you can contribute to a national data set that will help us build a picture of river health.

Taking part is easy:

• Step 1: Download the app

  Download the free Big River Watch app on your smartphone before visiting your chosen river.

  
  

• Step 2: Take part

  Pick a riverside location, spend 15 minutes observing, and answer the questions in the survey. You can complete the Big River Watch at your favourite local spot, or get to know somewhere new.

  
  

• Step 3: Upload

  Upload your Big River Watch survey. It's that simple to get involved!

  
  

Tell The River Trust 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 the handy in-app ID guides for pollution and wildlife.

Then their river specialists will analyze the results. They share data too, so that it can be used by other environmental organizations, 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.

To be taken to The River Trust's Big River Watch page, click here.