Rivers in the UK
Our rivers and streams are special places. They not only support our lifestyles (supplying our fresh water), they also support a thriving biodiversity of plants and wildlife, and are places where we can get away from it all, relax and unwind.
But they are in danger – only 15% of the total length of our rivers are healthy enough to support a vibrant ecosystem, and they’re increasingly under pressure from growing human populations and the effects of climate change.
In the UK, as part of the HSBC Climate Partnership, WWF is working with government, communities and other partners to ensure UK rivers and their water supplies can cope.
Using the rivers of the Thames basin and water-stressed South East as examples, we want to change national policies governing the use of water and rivers, so there’s better river planning and better water management.
Rivers on the Edge
Rivers on the Edge is WWF's exciting new project aiming to restore UK rivers on the edge of ruin.
It focuses on our unique and very special chalk streams – including the Itchen, the Kennet and the Lee tributaries – and will help people see the connection between their local rivers and the water they use in their homes.
Find out more about Rivers on the Edge
Stand up for your river
We need your help to save the UK's rivers – and you don't even need to get your feet wet...!
All you need to do is tell us why your local river is important to you and your community, and what you think should be done to protect it.
The Our Rivers campaign is part of WWF’s work to ensure the UK implements the EU Water Framework Directive, so that we restore and protect the long-term health of our rivers by 2015.
Find out more about the Our Rivers campaign
Sustainable fishing in the Thames estuary
As part of the HSBC Climate Partnership, WWF is working with Coastnet to support a number of Thames Estuary Fisheries through the assessment process for MSC certification.
By ensuring that the Thames estuary is fished sustainably, this project will contribute towards reducing climate pressure on the Thames, a key focus in our UK Rivers work.
Sustainable fish supplies rely on good water quality, and this is under threat from issues such as direct and diffuse pollution, over-abstraction and loss of biodiversity.
Often, many small-scale commercial fisheries can’t afford to apply for MSC certification, so they’re missing out on the benefits this can bring.
The Tollesbury and Mersea Native Oyster Fishery in Colchester, Essex, is currently under assessment.
Rescue your river
As the eyes and the ears of the UK rivers, it's the local residents and anglers who are the first to identify issues on their rivers.
WWF and the Angling Trust have formed a partnership to campaign on behalf of local groups on environmental issues affecting local rivers throughout the nation.
We can’t do this alone. We need to hear from you about the problems being faced on your home rivers and we'll need your support in delivering a campaign for real change.
Find out more about our Rescue your river campaign
Blueprint for Water
WWF and other environmental groups have developed an action plan for sustainable water management in the UK – to ensure that polluters pay, our rivers keep flowing, and we waste less water.
Read Blueprint’s ten steps to sustainable water by 2015
Rivers and climate change
The past few years have seen record floods and droughts in the UK. Is this a foretaste of a new, changing climate – and what might that mean for our rivers?
In many areas, over-exploitation of water resources is already damaging wildlife and habitats, and will result in shortages for people too, unless we improve the way we manage our water systems.
WWF is working to persuade the government and industry to adopt policies and practices that will provide sustainable water management in a time of rapidly changing climate.
To find out more, download the Thames Vulnerability Assessment, a summary of the first ever Thames Vulnerability Report.
Related links
Latest news
WWF demands better river protection
We’re worried about inadequate government plans to tackle pollution and other threats to many rivers and river wildlife in England and Wales.
More reports and investigations into water issues from around the globe can be found on our freshwater publications page