In 2023 only 6 out of 91 stretches of river in Essex were classified as being in good ecological quality, the rest are moderate or poor.
Essex rivers are affected by pollution and litter and have lost much of their habitat through being modified for human use (drainage or navigation).
A survey by Essex County Council of Essex Residents in 2023 showed that river pollution was the top environmental concern out of sixteen environmental categories.
In response to the scale of the issues affecting rivers and public concern, the Essex Rivers Hub partnership is launching a fundraising campaign for a new citizen science project called the Essex RiverWatch. This campaign aims to support a roll-out of a project engaging local communities in monitoring their local river’s health.
To secure long-term funding for the Essex riverWatch, Essex and Suffolk Rivers Trust (ESRT) is participating in the Big Give Green Match Fund campaign. From April 18th to midday on April 25th, ESRT and partners of the Essex Rivers Hub will be rallying support to raise £10,000 for the project. Every donation made during this period will be matched, doubling the impact of contributions.
Volunteers who take part in the Essex RiverWatch when it launches later this year will receive hands-on training to contribute to understanding and preserving the region's waterways. This initiative builds on the momentum of the Rivers Trust’s national Big River Watch campaign and seeks to address the urgent need for collecting comprehensive data on river health, water quality, and biodiversity.
How can you get involved?
Visit our campaign page and make a donation from 18th April 2024. The campaign will close midday on 25th April 2024.
To learn more about the Essex RiverWatch campaign, please click here.
Every donation, no matter how big or small, will help fund our work to improve the rivers of Essex. The best part about the Green Match fund is that every donation is instantly DOUBLED! Turn £5 into £10, £10 into £20 or £25 into £50!
But your involvement doesn't have to stop there. Sharing the campaign with others is just as helpful as donating. Spread the word to your friends, family, and social networks. Share it on social media or email it to your contacts. Together, we can inspire others to join us in making a difference for our rivers!
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