From the Floating Harbour and River Avon to smaller streams like Brislington Brook, the Malago and Pigeonhouse Stream, our city is home to over 100 miles of waterways - each with its own story, wildlife and community.

Yet these waterways are under threat. Pollution from sewage, farming, urban runoff and even dog flea treatments continues to harm water quality. Plastic waste litters the banks. Erosion, invasive species, and floodplain development pile on the pressure. In fact, 13% of England’s freshwater and wetland species are now at risk of extinction.

It can feel overwhelming, but there is hope and you are part of the solution. Here’s how to get involved:

Citizen science: Power in numbers

One of the easiest and most impactful ways to help is by joining the Big River Watch this weekend. It's a citizen science initiative that invites everyone to observe and record conditions along local rivers. You don’t need to be a scientist or ecologist - just someone who cares.

By collecting consistent, local data, citizen science provides important evidence to help influence government policy. Organisations like The Rivers Trust, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART), and Surfers Against Sewage rely collate this data and monitor pollution to push for cleaner, healthier rivers.

Take part in water testing, RiverFly monitoring and RiverBlitz events ran locally. Anyone can take part, and by doing so, you directly contribute to protecting local wildlife and holding polluters accountable.

Small actions make a big difference

Take action at home by living more sustainably:

• Only flush the 3 Ps: pee, poo, and paper.
• Avoid pouring fats, oils or chemicals down the sink.
• Use a water butt to collect rainwater for the garden.
• Choose chemical-free gardening.
• Talk about rivers - share your wildlife sightings, the joy of a riverside walk and the wellbeing benefits of spending time near water.

If you spot pollution, report it. Sewage issues should go to Wessex Water, while other types (like oil spills) should be flagged with the Environment Agency. It’s even better to do this as part of a local group, strengthening your voice.

In your community

There are many amazing community groups in Bristol working to restore and protect local waterways, like Trout in the Trym and manor Woods Local Nature Reserve.

• Join a clean-up to remove litter from riverbanks.
• Take part in river survey or monitoring events.
• Support campaigns from groups like Conham Bathing, We Are Avon and Surfers Against Sewage, who are challenging poor water quality and pushing for change.
• Attend nature-connection events to learn more and meet like-minded people.

Whether it’s removing plastic or restoring habitat, collective action works and eases eco-anxiety by doing something.

Changing the bigger picture: Wilder River Banks

Alongside local action, national policy change is essential. The Wildlife Trusts want to see the National Water Strategy, proposed by the Independent Water Commission, include a nationwide Wilder River Banks target to increase the amount of natural land around waterways. Funds could be earmarked through environmental farm grant schemes, water company fines and flood risk budgets. 

These wilder riverbanks would capture harmful runoff before it enters waterways, reduce flooding, boost wildlife habitats and store carbon.

Your river needs you

Whether you're joining a clean-up, submitting a river health report this weekend or living sustainably at home - all small actions for nature make a difference collectively. We all have a role to play in protecting Bristol’s rivers for future generations.

Are you heading to your local river this weekend to take part in its recovery?

Take the plunge with Team Wilder