Big River Watch 2026 – South East England findings & river health insights
Communities across the South East have once again shown just how much they care about their local rivers, with hundreds of people taking part in this spring’s Big River Watch.
Between 24 and 30 April 2026, people across the UK and Ireland were encouraged to spend just 15 minutes beside a river, stream or brook recording what they saw using the Big River Watch app. The citizen science initiative, led by The Rivers Trust, helps build a clearer picture of river health while reconnecting people with nature.
Across the South East Rivers Trust region alone:
- 332 people took part
- 183 surveys were completed
- Volunteers spent a combined 83 hours river watching
The results revealed both the wildlife our rivers still support and the pressures they continue to face.
A supporter using the Big River Watch app © The Rivers Trust
Our response: turning insights into action
At SERT we are committed to using this data to drive action across our catchment areas:
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We will prioritise restoration work on river reaches where citizen science shows persistent pressure and reduced ecology.
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We will engage communities through volunteering, citizen monitoring and school education to ensure even more people help observe, protect and celebrate our rivers.
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We will work with landowners and partners (farmers, local authorities, water companies) to deliver evidence-led, nature-based solutions such as riparian restoration, floodplain reconnection and barrier removal.
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We will share our learning and data transparently with all stakeholders so that progress can be seen, celebrated and amplified.
Why Big River Watch matters
Big River Watch is designed to be simple and accessible. Anyone can take part, regardless of age or experience. The survey takes around 15 minutes and asks people to record wildlife sightings, signs of pollution and their overall impressions of river health using the free Big River Watch app.
The data collected contributes to a growing nationwide picture of river health and helps strengthen the evidence for river restoration and protection.
Perhaps most importantly, it helps people pause, look closely at their local river and become part of the movement working for healthier waterways.
Thank you to everyone who took part
We’d like to say a huge thank you to everybody who took part in Big River Watch this spring. Every survey submitted helps build a better understanding of our rivers and strengthens the case for action to protect them.
From spotting kingfishers and riverflies to highlighting pollution concerns, your observations are helping speak up for rivers across the South East.
You can explore the national Big River Watch findings and dashboard here:
Join us for the next Big River Watch in the autumn to add your voice and observations.
Want to get involved?
Find out about all the ways you can help us in our mission to restore rivers across the South East.
