People in the UK and Ireland are being invited to take part in a nationwide effort to assess the health of local rivers, as the Big River Watch returns for its fourth year this spring.
Running from April 24-30, the Big River Watch is a beginner friendly citizen science survey that allows anyone to contribute meaningful environmental data using a free smartphone app. Organisers hope it will become the biggest mass participation survey of river health ever carried out across the UK and Ireland.
Since its launch, more than 22,000 people have taken part, with almost 8500 participants trying citizen science for the first time. The initiative encourages communities not only to observe their local rivers, but to develop a stronger connection with them and add their voices to calls for improved river protection.
This year, the project is expanding its accessibility. For the first time, the app will be available in Gaeilge (Irish) alongside Cymraeg (Welsh) and English, making it easier for more people to get involved.
Taking part is simple. Participants download the app, choose a riverside location and spend just 15 minutes observing their surroundings. The survey asks questions about visible wildlife, pollution and overall river conditions. Users can submit as many surveys as they like, helping to build a clearer national picture of river health. Results from the bi annual campaign weeks are published in near real time on the project’s online data dashboard.
All the information collected will be used to support environmental action, from identifying suitable locations for river clean ups and wetland creation to strengthening the evidence needed for policy change on issues such as plastic pollution and untreated sewage.
Participants also have the option to connect with their local Rivers Trust, opening the door to further volunteering, events and citizen science opportunities in their area.
The Big River Watch is delivered in partnership with Earthwatch and coincides with its Great UK WaterBlitz, combining two major citizen science projects to broaden understanding of freshwater health across the country.
Organisers say the project is about more than data. By taking part, communities can raise awareness of both the beauty and the challenges facing local rivers, and play an active role in protecting these vital blue spaces for future generations.
The Big River Watch app is available to download now. Search for ‘Big River Watch’ in your app store or visit the project website for more information.
