Volunteers are vital to the work of Mersey Rivers Trust, as without them we would not be able to achieve even a half of what we do.
We cover the whole of the Mersey Basin - including all of Greater Manchester, Merseyside and most of Cheshire - so our volunteers vastly increase the capacity of our Trust by being our eyes and ears on the ground in various ways.
Rewarding activities
Every minute of volunteer time is very much appreciated, and you can set your commitment to do only as much as you can manage without any pressure from us.
All tools and training are provided, as well as ongoing support throughout the activity or project.
On working party days, all important tea and biscuits are provided!
Species Control
Spraying, digging and removal of invasives is essential in allowing native plants and animals to thrive. Himalayan Balsam, Giant Hogweed and Japanese Knotweed require regular maintenance to ensure they are not spread. The help of our volunteers is essential in INNS control as we can cover a much larger area therefore having a greater impact.
Willow Spiling
Willow is woven together to form a barrier within small channels, ditches, and along the riverbank. This slows the flow of water to either help with erosion or to hold back sediment within the brook. This helps reduce flooding downstream and improve water quality.
Litter Picks
Volunteers help us tidy up the bed and banks of our rivers across the whole of the Mersey basin. This often involves getting in the river and wading to collect litter from hard to reach areas.
Wetland Maintenance
Maintain native vegetation to support wildlife and improve water quality by planting or removing particular species.
Water Vole Surveys
Volunteers are trained to identify water vole habitats and latrines to monitor their presence. They are a protected species so it is important that no work will be undertaken that endangers them.
Leaky dam
Volunteers help install logs into the riverbed as a form of green engineering for natural flood management, which helps slow the flow when the stream is in high flood conditions.
Citizen science
Trained Volunteers monitor the health of their local waterways. Volunteers monitor the chemicals found in the waterways, the invertebrates, and the geomorphology.
To find out more, please go to our Citizen Science Hub.
Citizen Science Hub
Become a Volunteer
Activities that people of all ages* and abilities can get involved in.
The work is very varied and rewarding, as you make a difference in your local environment. It is also an excellent way to get out and enjoy the great outdoors with like-minded people.
*If you are aged 18 or over and would like to get involved with our volunteer working parties, please see our Eventbrite page for more details of our current opportunities - click on the button below:
We need your help
This video shows some of our volunteers being trained in collecting and testing water samples for our River Guardians programme.
To find out more about our citizen science volunteering opportunities please go to our Citizen Science Hub by clicking on the button below: