Big River Watch (UK and Ireland)

This September, we all came together for rivers to take part in our first Big River Watch Weekend, launched to help build a picture of river health across the country. It's good for you, and good for our rivers. This mapping layer allows you to view the results submitted by our citizen science volunteers. Whether you’re a swimmer or a paddler, an angler or a rambler, a wildlife spotter or a sit-and-watch-er, Big River Watch is a chance to be part of the movement improving our freshwater spaces. In just three easy steps, you can contribute to a national data set that will help us build a picture of river health across the UK and Ireland. Since September 2023 Big River Watch has been held twice a year, in the spring and autumn. With your help, we are building a picture of rivers in the UK and Ireland over time from the perspective of citizen scientists. How can you contribute? Step 1: Sign up Sign up and download the survey app to your phone before visiting your chosen river. Step 2: Take part Pick a riverside location and spend just 15 minutes observing and answering the questions on the survey. 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! Intended use: Data gathered can support policy change; helping turn the tide on plastics or stem the flow of untreated sewage that reaches our waterways. It also helps identify the best places for river clean-ups, and spots to install things like leaky dams which slow the flow, boost biodiversity and reduce flood risk. This data is not intended to be used to assess river health or the risks associated with using a river for recreation and should not be used as such. Find out more Visit theriverstrust.org/take-action/the-big-river-watch