As we all know, rivers  in the UK are in crisis.  The rivers in the Severn region for instance have been impacted by pollution, collapsing riverbanks and the impact of climate change.

The area is an interesting one.  It’s extensive:  it spans 220 miles,8 counties and 2 countries!  It has bubbling springs, waterfalls, fast flowing upland streams, meandering rivers and steep sided gorges.  But species such as kingfishers, otters and Atlantic salmon are vanishing.   Flooding is becoming more of a frequent event.

It can be difficult to manage such an area, so the Severn catchment is split into six separate sub-catchments areas, hosted by the Severn Rivers Trust.  Not only do they all have their own priorities, but they each have their own Catchment Partnership to bring organisations together and share knowledge and expertise and to develop new initiatives.   They are...

• Worcestershire Middle Severn

• Shropshire Middle Severn

• Warwickshire Avon

• Teme

• Upper Severn

• Severn Vale

The Severn Rivers Trust has launched the Roots for Rivers campaign  The Trust was set up in 2008 to protect and enhance the River Severn, its streams and tributaries.   It specialises in ecology, landscapes and learning initiatives which contribute to its mission.  Its staff understand the region well, and also the needs of freshwater environments.   It works with farms, land owners, local authorities and community groups to protect and enhance the rivers.  As it says, it has “boots on the ground”. 

The Roots for Rivers campaign involves planting trees, which will help by:

• Protecting riverbanks

• Combating and managing flooding

• Restoring habitats

• Helping to prevent erosion

• Improving water quality
  

The goal is to plant at least 100 hectares (that’s about 247 acres) of trees along the Severn and its tributaries this winter.  And this will create a natural buffer, slowing flood waters and preventing soil erosion. 

Support the Roots for Rivers fundraiser! It’s easy to get involved: 

1. Wherever you are, you can donate to Roots for Rivers to support the project and help them reach their target of 100 hectares. Donations will directly fund the planting of trees along the riverbanks, helping to create more resilient landscapes - better for everyone.

2. Volunteer! It’s a great way to get outside and meet like-minded people who want to make a difference too. The Trust is also looking for volunteer Trustees!

3. The Severn Rivers Trust is looking to create a network of local businesses who will help them work towards their mission – it may be that your staff can get hands-on outdoors, or you can sponsor some woodland or trees, or you can help fund vital river improvements.  

4. You could ask the Trust's teams to go into schools and run free assemblies for schools and youth groups in the Severn area, and its got river learning packs too.

5. Spread the word on social media and follow the Severn Rivers Trust on Facebook, X, Linked In and Instagram
   
   

We all need healthy rivers.   Everyone – animals, people and plants – need clean water to survive and thrive. This is an opportunity for us all to support the Roots for Rivers campaign and leave messages of support for everyone involved! 

Images above copyright Severn Rivers Trust, Registered Charity #1134096