The Rivers Trust facts for kids

Prebends Bridge over the River Wear in Durham

Traditional coracles on the River Teifi

Bridges crossing the River Tyne

The River Kennet

A view of the River Dee in Wales

The River Trent in Nottingham

The Rivers Trust (often called RT) is a special group that works to protect our rivers. It's a charity (meaning it's a non-profit organization that helps people or the environment) and acts like a big team leader for over 60 smaller groups. These smaller groups, called "member trusts," are all focused on keeping rivers healthy in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. The main office for The Rivers Trust is in Callington, Cornwall. Together, The Rivers Trust and its members work hard to look after freshwater places like rivers and lakes. They want these places to be good for both people and the amazing wildlife that lives there.

The Rivers Trust started in 2001. Back then, it was known as the Association of Rivers Trusts. It was created by four river trusts: the Eden Rivers Trust, Tweed Foundation, Westcountry Rivers Trust, and the Wye and Usk Foundation. In 2004, it officially became a registered charity. There are similar groups in other places too! For example, Scotland has the Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland (RAFTS), and Wales has Afonydd Cymru: The Rivers Trust of Wales (AC). In August 2011, the association changed its name to what we know it as today: The Rivers Trust.

The Rivers Trust also works with other important groups. They are part of Blueprint for Water [1] and Wildlife and Countryside Link [2]. They also help manage something called the Catchment Based Approach [3], which is a way for different groups to work together on river projects.

Who Are The Rivers Trust Members?

The Rivers Trust is like a big family, with many smaller groups working together. These "member organizations" are spread across England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. Each one focuses on protecting and improving the rivers in their local area. Here are some of the amazing groups that are part of The Rivers Trust network:

See also

• List of waterway societies in the United Kingdom
• List of navigation authorities in the United Kingdom
• Rivers and Fisheries Trusts of Scotland