Riverlands appeal

Stealing past wooded valleys and beckoning the blue kingfisher to make its morning catch, our rivers once babbled boundlessly. But today they’re a shadow of their former years, and our wildlife is in trouble. Donate to help us revive your rivers and catchments, so they can flow with life again

Visitors walking by the river in the limestone valley of Dovedale, Derbyshire — Walking by the river in the limestone valley of Dovedale, Derbyshire

Boy by the river at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire — Sitting by the river at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, North Yorkshire

Why rivers need us

More than a place to while away an afternoon spotting greedy trout among glimmering currents – rivers are the lifeblood of our landscapes. They supply fresh water, reduce flooding and are a vital home for wildlife. But today, most of our nation’s rivers are in desperate need of repair.

Climate change, increased food demands and industry has caused devastating damage to our waterways, including pollution, flooding and biodiversity loss. With your support, we'll work to save rivers and catchments that need our help.

Did you know?

In England, only 14 per cent of river catchments are in good health
We’ll revive 600 miles of river in our Riverlands project
Water voles have disappeared from 94 per cent of their UK habitats

Donate to the Riverlands appeal

Please select an amount

£10 could help us plant hedgerows and trees along rivers to alleviate flooding and create homes for wildlife, including otters and bats

£20 could pay for a new silt trap in a river we care for, to filter pesticides and other pollutants, improving water quality and benefiting wildlife

Misty spring sunrise over the Broadwater river running through Sherborne Park, Gloucestershire

Kids paddling in the River Wandle at Morden Hall Park, London

£30 could help us improve riverside pathways to encourage communities to explore their local riverlands and give people greater access

Or enter your own amount

Video

Releasing 150 water voles at Holnicote

As part of our work to revive the nation's rivers, we’re reintroducing water voles where we can. Once a frequently spotted creature in the British countryside – and inspiration for the tales of Beatrix Potter – these lovable animals have all but vanished from our waterways, and are regarded as the UK's most endangered mammal. Watch our video to see how we’re helping water voles thrive again at Holnicote Estate in Somerset.

" The damage inflicted on these environments has threatened a number of freshwater and wetland species with extinction from Britain – we must not allow this to happen."

How we're helping rivers near you

Visitors walking on stepping stones across a river at Box Hill, Surrey

Working with others

We’re working with the Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales on the Riverlands project – a vital source of support for rivers and the land around them. The project aims to boost water quality, wildlife and community engagement.

View of Snowdonia showing the outfall stream of Llyn Llagi on the edge of the Gelli Iago Farm, Snowdonia.

Getting stuck in at Upper Conwy

With extreme flooding events happening regularly in Upper Conwy, Snowdonia, action was needed. We’re working with others to restore the sponge-like blanket bogs which clean and slow water, and boost wildlife like salmon and trout.

Keeping Porlock rivers healthy

The short, steep streams of the Porlock Vale, in Somerset, are at high risk of flooding. We’re working with European partners to reconnect rivers with the floodplain and improve river banks to support otters, water voles and the resident bats.

Visitors rowing on the River Stour at Flatford, Suffolk

Leave a lasting legacy to rivers and wildlife

You could help us protect precious rivers and wildlife with a gift in your will, and leave a lasting legacy for future generations. Find out more in our Gifts in Wills guide, contact our Gifts in Wills team or call us in confidence on 01793 817699.

Find out more

Thank you

Your donation will make a difference

Thank you for supporting the Riverlands appeal. Together we will help make our rivers healthy, beautiful and full of wildlife again.

Why give to the National Trust?

As a charity, we are dedicated to conserving our nation’s natural and human history so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come. Our conservation projects range from preserving the historic buildings in our care to protecting the plants and wildlife found in outdoor spaces. Your donation will allow us to act quickly, wherever the need is greatest at this special place, and do vital conservation work.

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Donate to our Riverlands appeal today