The Big River Watch ends
Date: 25th September, 2025
Time: 11:59 pm
Location: Your local river
A fun, free, and easy way to help rivers!
Twice a year, The Rivers Trust runs a Big River Watch, and the next one will take place from the 19th to 25th September! Anyone can take part in these week-long citizen science surveys that help to build an important picture of river health across the UK and Ireland.
Our rivers are far from healthy. They’re polluted with sewage, plastic, chemicals and nutrients, and just 15% of river stretches in England are in good overall health.
To restore them, we need more information about how they’re doing. You can help identify and locate the problems. With the Big River Watch app, you can help us identify the issues, which help us influence policymakers and hold polluters to account.
How to take part:
- Step 1: Download the app.
Download the free Big River Watch mobile app before visiting the river. - Step 2: Complete the survey by your river
Spend 15 minutes watching the river, and answer the questions in the survey. You can complete the Big River Watch at your favourite local spot, or get to know somewhere new. The survey will ask you about what you see, from wildlife and plants to any signs of pollution. Not sure what you’re looking at? The in-app pollution and wildlife guides can help you make an identification. - Step 3: Upload your survey
Press submit, and upload your Big River Watch survey!