Between the 18th - 24th September 2026, we’re coming together for rivers to take part in the next Big River Watch citizen science event and we want you to join us.
Big River Watch is an invitation for communities to love their local river and to be part of the movement demanding better for our rivers.
All you need to do to take part is to download our free Big River Watch app, visit your local river and complete a simple survey on what you see. Anybody in the UK and Ireland who can access a river can take part, and the app is available in English and Welsh.
Big River Watch consists of three simple steps:
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Step 1: Download the app
Sign up and download the survey app to your phone before visiting your chosen river. -
Step 2: Complete a survey
Pick a riverside location and spend just 15 minutes observing and answering the questions on the survey, about things like wildlife and pollution. You can complete the survey at your favourite local spot, or choose to get to know somewhere new. -
Step 3: Upload
Upload your survey. It's that simple to get involved! -
Step 4 [Optional extra]: Complete a Great UK WaterBlitz
If you've signed up for your kit in advance, you can also test the water and monitor nitrate and phosphate levels
All of the survey data will provide a large-scale picture of river health, and help us fight for better for our rivers.
Users also have the option to sign up to connect with their local Rivers Trust, through which they could find out about events and other citizen science or volunteering opportunities in their area.
Sign up to take part using the form on this webpage: The Big River Watch | The Rivers Trust
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