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.

Report an environmental problem
Sign up to newsletter Donate
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
Water vole eating vegetation in a stream.

Water voles are making the Hogsmill their home again

One year after water voles returned to Surrey for the first time in more than 20 years, there are encouraging signs that they’re thriving. Camera-trap footage, burrows, feeding signs and other clues have now been found along the Hogsmill — including upstream and downstream of where around 50 water voles were released in July 2025. Their return shows what can happen when we restore rivers and wetlands, creating the healthy, connected habitats wildlife needs to recover.

Read the water vole story

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.
A group of people wearing waders and using tools in a river.

A healthier future for London’s rivers

29/07/2026

SERT has helped shape London’s first Clean Rivers and Waterways Plan, a 10-year vision to reduce pollution, restore habitats and help people and wildlife benefit from healthier rivers.

See all our latest news