A powerful call for Government action on the UK’s rivers has reached the Prime Minister, as a letter demanding support for the creation of nationwide river corridors was delivered to 10 Downing Street.
The letter comes from The Riverscapes Partnership – a coalition of The Rivers Trust, National Trust, Woodland Trust, and Beaver Trust – and is backed by MPs and campaigners supporting the Making Space For Water initiative.
Call for a National Network of Connected River Corridors
The letter urges the Government to publicly commit to developing a UK-wide network of connected, multi-functional river corridors. These corridors would rely heavily on nature-based solutions, including:
- River buffers
- Riparian tree planting
- Wetland creation and restoration
Campaigners say these natural systems can dramatically improve the health of rivers while tackling flooding, drought, pollution and habitat loss.
Farmers and Landowners at the Heart of the Plan
Because farmers and landowners play a vital role in shaping and managing the land around rivers, the campaign also calls for simplified, targeted financial incentives to:
- Restore river buffers
- Enhance wetlands
- Protect and expand riparian tree zones
These incentives would support a sustainable farming future while improving water quality and biodiversity.
MPs Back the Handover at Downing Street
MPs supporting the initiative and present at the handover included:
- Lloyd Hatton, MP for South Dorset
- Julia Buckley, MP for Shrewsbury
Why the Making Space For Water Initiative Matters
The Making Space For Water campaign aims to create a national network of restored river corridors across the UK. Advocates say these nature-rich corridors offer huge environmental, economic and social benefits by:
- Acting as natural flood and drought protection
- Restoring wildlife habitat
- Filtering pollution from farmland and roads
- Providing vital natural infrastructure
Celebrity supporter Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall emphasised the urgency, stating:
“Our rivers are broken – choked, polluted and confined. Making Space For Water means giving rivers room to breathe again: restoring wetlands, planting riparian trees, and creating thriving river corridors that benefit nature, farmers and communities alike.”
He added that Government must show “real commitment” and offer clear, accessible incentives that encourage farmers and landowners to take part.
Public Support Continues to Grow
More than 8,000 people have already backed the initiative by signing the official petition, which urges Government support and easier access to funding schemes:
👉 https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/727016
Over 40 organisations now support the campaign, including:
- The Wildlife Trusts
- WWF
- Nature Friendly Farming Network
- UK Youth for Nature
- Wildlife and Countryside Link
- CPRE
- River Action
Environmental Leaders React
Sandra King, Chief Executive of the Beaver Trust, said:
“When we give water room to act naturally, life returns. Seeing MPs support our vision for restored, connected river corridors is hugely encouraging. We hope this marks the beginning of real change.”
Abigail Bunker, Director of Conservation and External Affairs at the Woodland Trust, highlighted the crucial value of trees:
“Rivers only thrive when they are healthy and able to function naturally. Riparian trees reduce erosion, improve water quality and help rivers stay cool. The Government must act now to support farmers with targeted incentives.”
Harry Bowell, National Trust Director of Land and Nature, stressed the scale of river decline:
“Our rivers are in crisis. Extreme weather, eroded riverbanks, lost habitats and rising flood risk are becoming increasingly evident. Restoring river corridors is essential for climate resilience, heritage protection and thriving communities.”
Joan Edwards, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at The Wildlife Trusts, added:
“Rivers are the lifeblood of our landscapes and our economy. Supporting farmers and landowners to restore them means safeguarding these benefits for future generations while strengthening rural communities.”
Did your MP sign the letter?
London: Bobby Dean, Carshalton and Wallington; Helen Maguire, Epsom and Ewell; Danny Beales, Uxbridge and South Ruislip.
East: Jenny Riddell-Carpenter, Suffolk Coastal.
North West: Andy MacNae, Rossendale and Darwen; Michael Wheeler, Worsley and Eccles; Afzal Khan, Manchester Rusholme.
North East and Cumbria: Mary Glindon, Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend.
South: Chris Hinchcliff, North East Hertfordshire; Liz Jarvis, Eastleigh; Layla Moran, Oxford West and Abingdon.
South West: Lloyd Hatton, South Dorset; Roz Savage, South Cotswolds; Perran Moon, Camborne and Redruth; Sadik Al-Hassan, North Somerset.
West Midlands: Julia Buckley, Shrewsbury; Matt Western, Warwick and Leamington;
Ellie Chowns, North Herefordshire.
East Midlands: John Whitby, Derbyshire Dales.
Yorkshire: Abtisam Mohamed, Sheffield Central; Alison Hume, Scarborough and Whitby; Richard Burgon, Leeds East; Olivia Blake, Sheffield Hallam; Sarah Champion, Rotherham.
Scotland: Irene Campbell, North Ayrshire and Arran.
And Baroness Natalie Bennet, of Manor Castle.
