TweedStart

Aim

TweedStart connects communities to the River Tweed through education and conservation, supported by Riverlife Journal fundraising initiative

Support TweedStart and Take Home a Piece of the River

The River Tweed is far more than a river. It is heritage, livelihood, wildlife, and community woven together over centuries. At its heart is a shared responsibility to protect and understand it—not just for today, but for generations to come.

The Tweed Foundation works year-round to conserve and enhance this extraordinary river through science, restoration, and community engagement. Central to this mission is TweedStart, our education and community outreach programme designed to connect people of all ages with the river, building skills, confidence, and a lasting appreciation for the natural world.

This year, we are proud to offer something special that brings all of this work together.

The Riverlife Journal

Launched at the 2026 Tweed Salmon Festival at Schloss Roxburghe, the Riverlife Journal is an 82-page, high-quality fundraising publication created to celebrate the River Tweed in all its depth and diversity.

Written, photographed and edited by members of the river’s ghillies/instructors community and sponsored by Loop Tackle, this beautifully produced journal is available via donation, with 100% of proceeds directly supporting the TweedStart education programme. More than just a publication, it is a keepsake—a snapshot of river life today, and a tribute to the people who care for it.

Inside, you’ll find community-written features exploring:

• Salmon conservation and the future of the Atlantic salmon on the Tweed.
   
• The history and artistry of fly fishing, including the iconic Tweed fly, the Jock Scott.
   
• Local culture, heritage, and Tweed weaving traditions.
   
• An exclusive interview with TweedStart lead, Ben McCallum.
   
• “Estate-to-Plate” recipes from Schloss Roxburghe chef Dan Ashmore.
   
• Personal stories from anglers, ghillies, boatmen, photographers, and writers who live and work along the river.
   

The journal also highlights the ongoing Riverlife initiative. Originally brought to life through a film project that premiered at the 2025 festival, it shines a vivid light on the working lives and cultural heritage of the Tweed.

What is TweedStart?

TweedStart opens the river to the next generation through hands-on learning and real-world experience. Our programmes include:

• Fish in the Classroom
   
• Go Wild for Fish
   
• TweedStart Fly Fishing Introduction
   
• TweedStart Plus
   
• Dynamic Youth Award opportunities
   
• TweedStart Ambassadors
   

These initiatives help young people build confidence, develop practical skills, and form meaningful connections with the natural environment—often for the very first time. Through TweedStart, the river becomes a classroom, a workplace, and a source of inspiration.

Why Your Support Matters

Every copy of the Riverlife Journal helps fund this work directly. Your support enables us to:

• Deliver outdoor, hands-on environmental education.
   
• Provide equipment and safe access to the river.
   
• Support young people pursuing environmental and land-based careers.
   
• Strengthen community engagement across the entire Tweed catchment.
   

When you contribute, you are not just funding a programme—you are helping to shape a generation that understands, values, and protects the River Tweed.

Be Part of the Story

By supporting this appeal, you help sustain the living story of the River Tweed—its ecology, its culture, and its people. In return, you receive the Riverlife Journal: a lasting reminder of the river and your role in its future.

• Suggested Donation: £15 – £20 – £30 (Postage included)
   

Thank you for being part of this journey, and for helping us keep the River Tweed alive, thriving, and connected for generations to come.

We also have a limited number of the fabulous Tweed Salmon Festival Mugs at the suggested donation of £25 per mug (Postage included)

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 31st July 2026 at 12:00pm