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Join the Big River Watch 2026

20/04/2026 2 min read

Will you see pollution or wildlife? Take part in the Big River Watch and help survey your river: 24th-30th April 2026

Our beautiful and vital rivers are in crisis, and every bit of data about their health helps organisations better plan how to restore and protect them.

The Rivers Trust’s Big River Watch is your invitation to love your local stretch of river and stand up for wildlife. To play your part as a citizen scientist, simply download the free Big River Watch app (available in English and Welsh), spend 15 minutes by a river between the 24th-30th April, and complete the short survey to record what you see - from wildlife and water colour to pollution.

Your response will be part of a UK and Ireland-wide dataset that can be used to fight for cleaner rivers. Learn more: The Big River Watch | The Rivers Trust

Big River Watch consists of three simple steps

  • 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!

All of the survey data will provide a large-scale picture of river health, and help us fight for better for our rivers.

Download the Big River Watch app

You'll need the free app to take part! Download it before you set off to complete your survey. In the app, you can select from three languages: English, Welsh and Irish.