The health of our rivers face multiple and complex challenges. Even with our dedicated efforts over the past 30 years restoring and protecting our region's freshwater environments, there is much more to be done. Part of our charity remit is to advance the education of the public in river-related matters, and this year we want to enhance our educational activities, to bolster our work with schools, colleges and universities and offer accessible opportunities to all.

Activities such as wild swimming, fishing or playing in rivers (with landowner permission where needed and in sympathy to nature i.e., following the Countryside Code) create wonderful experiences and nurture a love for them. Nature-based art activities can also provide a wonderful way to encourage freshwater stewardship, connecting people to a river's amazing habitat while supporting biodiversity and wellbeing. Initially, our project will co-create photographic activities to spark river kinship.