Reporting pollution or environmental problems

If you’ve spotted pollution or an environmental problem on a waterway, please report it directly to the Environment Agency via GOV.UK or call their 24/7 incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60.

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Employees from the South East Rivers Trust clearing weed from a riverbank.

Who we are and what we do

Restoring, protecting and enhancing the South East's waterways for people and nature
Find out more about us
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When the rain returns

After a dry summer, autumn rain can quickly change our rivers and landscapes. How and where that water moves can make a big difference to people, wildlife and the health of our rivers. Across the South East, we’re working with nature to slow the flow, hold more water in the landscape and help rivers become more resilient to both floods and drought.

Discover how we're helping rivers in a changing climate

Discover your rivers

Find your local river with the help of our map. Use the map to find out which catchment you are in and see how your local river connects to the wider network of waterways.

What we do

We protect and restore rivers across the South East, inspiring all ages to enjoy and care for them. Our expert team improves habitats, water quality and flood resilience, partnering with communities to tackle water scarcity, boost biodiversity and deliver lasting, evidence-led change.
Discover our latest projects

Chalk Stream Connectors

With support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Chalk Stream Connectors is helping communities connect with four rare chalk streams across South London.

Flood and drought resilience in Kent

Across 16 hectares of the Upper Beult catchment in Kent, we’ve been restoring the landscape to hold water naturally and make the river system more resilient to flooding and drought.

Natural Flood Management in the Upper Mole

Working with Gatwick Airport and local landowners, we’re using nature-based solutions to slow the flow of water, reduce flood risk and create healthier habitats for wildlife.

Farming and nature thriving together

Discover how farmers in the Eden Valley are working together to improve water quality, support wildlife and create a resilient, productive landscape.

Our mission and impact

Healthy rivers are essential to life on earth. With your help, we've achieved so much for rivers across South East England.
It’s been wonderful to work with the South East Rivers Trust. The advice and support have made a huge difference.
Bek Bibby - fifth generation grower at West Pikefish Farm
A group of people wearing waders and using tools in a river.

Healthy rivers for the South East

We work with communities, landowners and partners to restore and protect rivers across the South East so they can thrive for people and wildlife. Together we are helping rivers become cleaner, healthier and more resilient in a changing climate.

33 km

fish passage created

300

river cleanups

50,000 m³

flood storage created

40,000

volunteer hours restoring rivers

A family paddling on a river surrounded by trees and dappled sunlight.

Donate

Your donations are vital in helping us restore and protect rivers across the South East of England. Together, we can make a lasting impact, for people and wildlife.

A water vole swimming along a river.

Sign up to our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter and discover how we protect rivers and help nature thrive.

A female volunteer in a high vis vest at a river clean up event.

Volunteer

Rivers need many hands to look after them. By volunteering with us, you can really make a difference.

Latest updates

Learn about projects in your area, find volunteer events near you and discover more about our waterways.
Water Vole

Welcoming Water Voles to the Wey

18/09/2026

Following successful releases on the upper River Wey the project is now moving downstream into the main reaches of the river between Frensham and Elstead.

See all our latest news