From 21–27 September 2026, Loddon Rivers Week brings local communities, conservation groups and partners together for a week of practical action, learning and exploration across the River Loddon catchment.
Whether you want to help restore river habitat, learn more about the wildlife on your doorstep or capture the Loddon through your camera lens, there are lots of ways to get involved this September.
Get involved in Loddon Rivers Week
There are lots of ways to take part from 21–27 September. Join a local event to help care for the River Loddon, discover its wildlife and habitats, or enter our Life on the Loddon amateur photography competition and show us what makes the river special to you.
What is Loddon Rivers Week?
Loddon Rivers Week is an annual celebration of the River Loddon and its tributaries, bringing people together to learn about their local rivers and take positive action for them.
Running since 2017, the week is delivered with partners from across the catchment and gives local communities opportunities to get hands-on with river conservation, discover more about local wildlife and explore some of the special places connected by the Loddon.
Activities change each year, from river restoration and wildlife monitoring to guided walks, litter picks and family activities.
By getting involved, you can help create healthier rivers for wildlife while discovering more about the waterways running through your local area.
What’s happening during Loddon Rivers Week?
There are events across the catchment for all ages and interests, from practical river restoration and wildlife monitoring to guided walks, litter picks and family activities. Highlights include: Wetland Walk & Talk at Dinton Pastures, Emm Brook activities and bank restoration in Wokingham, Vegetation management at Edenbrook Country Park, Riverfly monitoring training, Blackwater Valley litter pick and a Family Fun Day in Basingstoke.
Life on the Loddon photography competition
What does the River Loddon mean to you?
For Loddon Rivers Week 2026, we’re inviting amateur photographers to capture the spirit, beauty and distinctive character of the River Loddon and its chalk stream habitats.
You don’t need specialist camera equipment or professional photography experience. Whether you’re using a camera or your phone, we’re looking for images that help tell the story of life on the Loddon.
The competition is open throughout September.
Looking for inspiration?
You could capture:
- The river itself – clear shallows, riverbed plants, gravel beds, reflections, flowing water or the textures and patterns created by the river.
- Life beside the river – wildlife such as kingfishers, damselflies, brown trout and other animals that depend on healthy freshwater habitats.
- What makes the Loddon special – the landscapes, habitats and features that show why restoring and protecting the catchment matters.
All entries will be judged together in one main competition.
How to enter the photography competition
Entries must be submitted by midnight on 27 September 2026. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, with further details announced closer to Loddon Rivers Week. Winners will be announced on 2 November 2026.
Why is the River Loddon special?
The River Loddon rises in Basingstoke before flowing through Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire and joining the River Thames just west of Wargrave. Its network of tributaries includes waterways such as the River Whitewater, River Blackwater and Emm Brook.
Parts of the Upper Loddon are globally rare chalk stream habitats. Chalk streams are particularly valuable for nature because their cool, clear water and gravel riverbeds can support a remarkable variety of plants and animals. The Loddon catchment provides habitat for species including brown trout, water voles and otters.
Like many rivers across southern England, however, the Loddon faces pressures including pollution, invasive species and poor habitat quality and connectivity.
Working with communities and partners across the catchment helps us restore natural river processes, improve habitats and build a stronger connection between people and their local rivers.
Small actions can make a big difference for rivers
Loddon Rivers Week is about much more than one week of activity.
Every person who learns more about their local river, volunteers at an event, records wildlife or shares what makes the Loddon special helps build a community that values and cares for its rivers.
You don’t need to be an expert to take part. Come along, meet people who care about their local environment and discover something new about the rivers flowing through your community.
Keep in touch with your local rivers
Can't make it to Loddon Rivers Week? There are opportunities throughout the year to volunteer, attend events and learn more about rivers across the South East.
