WildFish supporters raise over £25,000 to expand SmartRivers citizen science initiative

WildFish supporters have successfully raised £25,659 through the Big Give’s Green Match Fund, where donations were doubled between 22–29 April. These vital funds will support the expansion of SmartRivers, our volunteer-led initiative that harnesses science to drive local action for wild fish.

With water quality monitoring in decline – nearly a third fewer samples were taken by the Environment Agency in 2022 compared to 2019 – SmartRivers is stepping up to fill the gaps. Through robust citizen science, we are equipping communities with the tools to monitor and protect their local rivers.

We are also working with the Environment Agency (EA) and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to explore how SmartRivers data can be integrated into national environmental decision-making, ensuring stronger protections for our freshwater ecosystems.

The crisis facing wild fish

Freshwater biodiversity is declining faster than any other ecosystem. Rivers across the UK are suffering from:

• Sewage pollution
• Chemical and agricultural runoff
• Barriers disrupting natural flows
• Over-abstraction of water

A critical lack of regulatory monitoring means we are losing valuable insights into river health. Without comprehensive, science-led monitoring, it is impossible to fully understand or reverse this environmental crisis.

SmartRivers: powering community-led conservation

SmartRivers is the only UK-wide citizen science program that uses invertebrate monitoring to assess river health in a way that is scientifically robust and directly comparable to government data. By empowering volunteers, we are creating a national movement to restore and protect our waterways.

Investing in science and the future of freshwater

With the funds raised, WildFish will:

• Pilot a SmartRivers schools program to engage students in river health monitoring, train staff as lead volunteers, and introducing simplified invertebrate monitoring tools for hands-on learning.
• Expand monitoring by 10% increasing the number of rivers surveyed by SmartRivers volunteers from 127 to 140.
• Strengthen collaboration with regulators working closely with the EA and SEPA to integrate SmartRivers data into environmental improvement programs at a national level.

At WildFish, our ambition is clear. To be recognised nationally for excellence in freshwater conservation.
To see our programs shape environmental policy and action.
To inspire the next generation of environmentalists.
To ensure everyone involved – staff, volunteers, and supporters – feels fulfilled and empowered to make a difference.

Together, we are making SmartRivers a force for change. Thank you to everyone who donated and supported our 2025 Green Match Fund – your generosity is helping to protect wild fish and their waters for generations to come.