We are the umbrella body of the rivers trust movement, working to protect, promote and enhance our freshwater ecosystems for both people and wildlife.
About us
We are the umbrella body of the Rivers Trust movement, working to protect, promote and enhance our freshwater ecosystems for both people and wildlife.
With the support of over 60 member Trusts across the UK and Ireland, we work on the ground, in the heart of the community, to promote a sustainable future for our river environments.
Originally named the ‘Association of Rivers Trust’ in 2001, we were granted charitable status in 2004 and later changed our name to ‘The Rivers Trust’ in 2011.
We are proud members of Blueprint for Water, Wildlife and Countryside Link and are administrators of the Catchment Based Approach.
Your local Rivers Trust
Our member Trusts are independent community-led charitable organisations, recognised as important deliverers of education, water management advice and practical conservation work, from source to sea – improving land, rivers and wetlands at a catchment or river basin scale.
Find your local trust here or, if you would like to find out more about setting up your own local rivers trust, get in touch.
Key stats
In the last year, rivers trusts* in the UK have…
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Planted over 91,000 trees
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Worked with more than 270 schools
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Opened up 260km of river to fish passage
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Addressed 736 pollution incidents and water quality issues
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Assisted 128 communities at risk of flooding
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Worked on over 1000 farms
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Improved over 440km of river habitat
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Eased, passed or removed over 68 fish barriers
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Created or restored over 80 wetlands
*29 trusts surveyed in 2017
Meet the team
Our Board of Trustees
Our Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall control and strategic direction of The Rivers Trust. They meet regularly and bring a wealth of experience to support the general management of the charity.
President: Ian Gregg OBE
Trustees:
Andrew Wallace (Chairman)
Dr Geoff Brighty
David Brown
Dr Laurence Couldrick
Prof. Angela Gurnell
Charlotte Hitchmough
Jonathan White
Jack Spees
Our consultancy services
If you would like to find out more about becoming a Rivers Trust, get in touch. We have free ‘start up’ packs available and can provide bespoke advice on how to identify demand, catchments, legal structures and charity registration. We also offer help and advice on fundraising, technical protocols and best practice.
Visit our River Ecosystem Services pages for detailed information on our consultancy services.
This website has been part funded by EU LIFE Integrated Projects and the Greggs Foundation.
