During lockdown, we all need to do our bit by staying home and staying safe. While you're confined to your four walls, it can be hard to stay connected to nature—and it's even harder to stay entertained! In order to soothe your lockdown woes, we're bringing nature to you. Below, we've compiled a list of some of our favourite river-related ways to stay occupied during these uncertain times. There's something for everyone: from podcasts and photos, to board games and quizzes.

We'll keep this list updated as more resources become available, so add this page to your bookmarks and check back every now and then. If you have something you'd like to see included, don't hesitate to email us on [email protected]. As always, please make sure you are following the latest government guidelines when it comes to spending time outdoors.

For your ears...

Tune into our podcast series, Rambling About Rivers.

Rambling About Rivers is a place to discuss all things rivers. From climate change and habitat destruction, to citizen science and river restoration—we've got it all! Available on Anchor, Spotify, iTunes, Google Podcasts and more. We currently have four episodes available, but there are more on their way so keep your eyes (or ears) peeled.

Ribble Rivers Trust host Talking Rivers, a podcast series which explores and celebrates the social, cultural and natural history of the River Ribble and its tributaries. Throughout the series, Ribble Rivers Trust talks to a range of people who live, work and visit rivers in their catchment, and hear about what makes the Ribble Catchment so special to so many people.

For your eyes...

Browse and contribute to the #RiverWatch hashtag

We've started using the hashtag #RiverWatch on Twitter and Instagram to help people stay connected to rivers during lockdown. Whether you're still out and about due to necessity, or posting photos from days gone by, we'd love to see your snaps. Browse the hashtag for some positive pictures and videos. Follow us on Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.

For your brain...

Struggling to keep the kids entertained while 'homeschooling'? Need something to occupy your mind during the day? Our local Trusts have some fantastic resources, which will bring nature to you while keeping you and your children occupied.

West Cumbria Rivers Trust have published their River School sessions online. These fantastic videos explore different topics relating to rivers and the animals which call them home. With new episodes released twice a week, there's always something new to learn at the River School!
Ribble Rivers Trust have a huge range of different activities to keep you and your family occupied. The Home Learning section on their website is updated each week, covering a range of different topics in a fun and engaging way. If you're local, they also have a fantastic selection of circular walks in the Ribble Catchment.
Westcountry Rivers Trust have a number of fun activities on their website, including a printable board game (shown above)!
South East Rivers Trust have taken their 'Project Kingfisher' online. They are launching a range of river-themed, curriculum-linked activities to keep your children busy - and learning - from home. Join the River Club Facebook group here, or access the resources straight away using this link. The sessions are designed for primary school pupils. South East Rivers Trust also have instructions on how to make SuDS - Sustainable Drainage Systems. As well as helping your garden to build resilience against flooding, making these clever solutions can be a fun activity for the whole family.
Don Catchment Rivers Trust are releasing 'Home from the River' every Friday afternoon. This newsletter contains a range of activities and ideas on how to stay connected to nature during lockdown.
Yorkshire Dales Rivers Trust have compiled a bank of resources to keep you entertained. E-books, case studies and videos galore!
Eden Rivers Trust have a range of wonderful activity sheets, which are both educational and engaging (a.k.a they will hopefully get your children to leave you in peace for a while).
The River Nene Catchment Partnership's "900 voices of the River Nene" project is a fantastic way to spend an afternoon. The website is brimming with stories, poems, photos, music and films - all based around the relationship people have with the River Nene. The crowning glory is the digital installation of the Nene; a cutting-edge project, rendered using photo-scanned 3D graphics. It's the next best thing to actually being there! If you've spent time by the Nene, the 900 voices project is still open for contributions.
Wyre Rivers Trust have released a Natural Flood Management story book, complete with lesson plan and teacher notes. The illustrations are marvellous; we think you'll enjoy it just as much as your children!
Check out our list of nature-based books to keep your brain ticking. Find the list here.

This page is sponsored by WaterCo-Governance (WaterCoG) project under the Interreg North Sea Region VB programme, funded by the European Regional Development Fund.