River Action

River Action is a UK-based charity dedicated to protecting and revitalising river ecosystems. Its mission is to combat ecological threats, restore biodiversity, and ensure rivers remain healthy for future generations. The organisation works through community engagement, public mobilisation, and policy advocacy to tackle the challenges facing waterways. 

Rivers across England are under severe threat: a landmark citizen science project revealed that 83% show high levels of pollution from sewage and agriculture. These pollutants damage aquatic life, with phosphates fuelling algae growth that depletes oxygen and suffocates wildlife. Stronger community action, greater public awareness, and tougher government enforcement are urgently needed to reverse this decline. 

Through its five-year strategy, River Action is empowering local communities to monitor and restore rivers, raising public pressure for change, and campaigning for stronger government action and funding. Where necessary, it also uses legal action to hold polluters to account. ERF is supporting River Action to expand these efforts, scaling up community-led initiatives and driving systemic change to safeguard the UK’s rivers.