Rivers for All in the Forest of Dean

Aim

Helping families and local communities across the Forest of Dean come together by the river, care for local nature and give something back.

Rivers for All in the Forest

Across the Forest of Dean, our rivers and streams are part of everyday life.

From Lydney and Cinderford to Westbury and the villages in between, they are places where people walk, explore, fish, paddle and spend time together. They’ve shaped local communities, wildlife, landscapes and industry for generations and remain an important part of life across the Forest today.

Through our crowdfunder here at Severn Rivers Trust- 'Rivers for All in the Forest', we're bringing local people together to give something back to the rivers that have given so much to the Forest over generations.

Every donation doubled

We're aiming to raise £10,000 and every donation made during this campaign will be doubled through match funding, helping us raise a whopping £20,000 to improve local rivers, create wildlife habitat and bring communities together across the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire.

Who are Severn Rivers Trust?

Severn Rivers Trust is an independent charity working across the River Severn and its tributaries.

Since 2008, we've been restoring rivers across the Severn catchment, creating wetlands, improving habitats for wildlife and helping rivers work more naturally, whilst also working with our local communities all year round to teach the next generation the importance of our local environment.

What are we fundraising for?

The money raised will help fund our tailor-made River Gatherings for the people of the Forest of Dean. River Gatherings are family-friendly sessions where local people can come together by the river, spend time outdoors, learn new skills and enjoy being part of caring for the places they love.

These gatherings build on our successful family workshops in the local area, creating opportunities for children, young people and adults to spend more time outdoors, learn new skills and see the difference they can make together.

At River Gatherings, people will be able to:

Plant trees and create wetland habitats.
Restore riverbanks and improve spaces for wildlife.
Take part in stream clean-ups.
Learn more about river restoration and natural flood management.
Test water quality and monitor river wildlife.
Take part in simple river surveys.

These activities will create visible improvements to our local rivers and streams, from cleaner riverbanks and healthier wetlands to better habitats for wildlife and stronger, more resilient river corridors.

Why it matters

The rivers and streams across the Forest face pressures from pollution, habitat loss and increasingly extreme weather. While large-scale restoration is important, local action matters is also crucial.

Healthy rivers support wildlife, help hold water in the landscape, reduce flood risk and create places where people can connect with nature and each other.

Our River Gatherings will give local people the opportunity to be part of that work, helping improve the rivers on their doorstep while creating healthier places for wildlife, communities and future generations.

At a time when many children and young people spend less time outdoors, these gatherings create opportunities for families to discover the rivers on their doorstep and play a role in caring for them.

Knowledge is Power...

Alongside practical activities, there will also be opportunities to learn, create and connect.

People will be able to discover more about the wildlife, rivers and landscapes that make the Forest special, while children and young people can build confidence outdoors, connect with nature close to home and develop a lifelong appreciation for the places around them.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, volunteer, local resident or simply someone who loves the Forest, there will be a place for you.

How your support will help

Your donation won't just fund these public gatherings. It will help create lasting improvements for local rivers while giving more people the chance to be part of caring for them.

Money raised through this campaign will help us:

Create and improve habitats for wildlife.
Plant trees and establish wetland areas that support healthier rivers across the Forest of Dean.
Restore riverbanks and improve river corridors.
Deliver practical conservation activities that leave a lasting impact.
Bring more families, volunteers and local communities into river restoration work.
Deliver River Gatherings across the Forest of Dean.

By connecting people with real restoration projects, your support will help create healthier rivers while giving local communities the opportunity to play an active role in caring for them.

Together, we can help protect and improve the rivers that flow through the Forest, create better places for wildlife and give more people the chance to enjoy, understand and care for them.

If you'd like to help give something back to the rivers that have given so much to the Forest over generations, we'd love your support.