Image via The Rivers Trust

The Rivers Trust is calling on people in Northern Ireland and Ireland to take part in the Big River Watch, which starts September 19th and runs until September 25th.

All-Ireland Director of The Rivers Trust, Mark Horton, said: “This all-island citizen science survey is building the most detailed picture yet of the health of our rivers, lakes, and streams, and we urgently need your help.”

Taking part couldn’t be easier. With the free Big River Watch app, volunteers spend just 15 minutes at any local waterbody, urban or rural, and answer simple questions about what they see, from pollution and plastic waste to wildlife sightings and changes in water clarity. You can then share your observations and photos. You don’t need to be an expert – just a witness to what’s happening in our rivers. Every entry helps scientists, policymakers, and conservation charities such as The Rivers Trust understand what’s happening in the water.

The spring edition of Big River Watch earlier this year saw record numbers of people on the island of Ireland getting involved, with thousands across Ireland and Northern Ireland submitting observations. The Rivers Trust now hope the autumn survey will be even bigger and better, building on that momentum to strengthen the data needed to help restore our rivers.

This September’s Big River Watch is especially important. Following an exceptionally hot and dry spring and summer, rivers and lakes across the island have been under real pressure, with reduced flows, rising water temperatures, and increased risk of pollution and blue-green algae blooms.

Gathering data now will help reveal how these conditions have impacted freshwater ecosystems and provide crucial evidence to guide future action.

Mark added: “We want to empower people to make this the biggest citizen science survey of river health ever conducted by the public across these islands. Every submission brings us closer to the knowledge we need to restore our rivers and many participants also say they feel calmer and more connected to nature when completing the short survey.

“By taking part in the Big River Watch, people are not only providing vital data but also sending a clear message to legislators that the public cares deeply about the quality of the water we all depend on.

“Freshwater ecosystems stretch across every corner of this island, yet much of what’s happening within them goes undocumented. With increasing pollution, biodiversity loss, and more frequent extreme weather, we urgently need more data and that’s where the public comes in.

“That’s what Big River Watch is all about. If you’re out walking the dog, enjoying nature with the family, or even on your commute, you can make a real contribution to river restoration by logging just 15 minutes of observations. You don’t even need to get your feet wet!”

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