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
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Volunteer for rivers

Join our community of 500+ volunteers helping rivers thrive again across the South East. From river clean-ups and habitat restoration to tree planting and citizen science, volunteering is a powerful way to support your local river, learn new skills and see the difference you make.

Make a difference for your local river

We want people to enjoy rivers as much as we do. One of the best ways to do this is by volunteering on your local river.

Our volunteers take action in many different ways, helping to bring rivers back to life for people and wildlife. Whether you’re removing litter, planting new habitats, monitoring river health or helping at events, every hour you give supports healthier rivers across the South East.

Volunteering is also a great way to spend time outdoors, meet like-minded people, learn practical skills and support your wellbeing.

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

A group of volunteers at a Hogsmill river restoration event © South East Rivers Trust

Ways you can volunteer

River clean-ups

Help tackle plastic pollution and fly-tipping by removing waste before it harms wildlife or travels downstream into larger rivers and the sea.

Habitat restoration

Support practical work to improve riverbanks and channels, creating better places for fish, insects, plants and other wildlife to live, feed and breed.

Wetland and tree planting

Help plant wetlands, trees and riverside habitats that slow the flow of water, reduce flood risk, store carbon and create new spaces for wildlife.

Invasive species management

Support the removal of invasive plants so native species can recover and biodiversity can improve.

Citizen science

Take part in monitoring programmes such as Riverfly, helping collect valuable data that identifies pollution and guides action to improve river health.

Why volunteer with us?

By volunteering with the South East Rivers Trust, you can:

  • Learn practical skills, from invertebrate identification to habitat management
  • Meet like-minded people and become part of a friendly community
  • Spend time outdoors and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of nature
  • Exercise in the fresh air
  • Add valuable experience to your CV
  • See the positive difference your time makes for rivers and wildlife

We provide training, equipment and expert guidance so you can get involved safely and confidently.

Volunteer impact in action

Every hour volunteered helps create healthier rivers for people and wildlife. These figures highlight the collective impact our volunteers are making across the South East through restoration, monitoring and river clean-up activities.
  • 40,000

    volunteer hours restoring rivers

  • 300

    river cleanups

  • 17,000 m

    river restored

  • 24,000 m²

    wetland habitat created

Ready to volunteer for rivers?

Join our growing network of volunteers helping rivers thrive again for communities and nature.

View volunteering opportunities
A man in a blue high vis vest standing in water using a post driver.