Why We Need Your Help:
On Tuesday, 19th February 2025, a devastating diesel spill hit the River Wandle. Several thousand litres of diesel entered the river, contaminating the water and threatening its precious wildlife. While emergency teams are working to contain and remove as much diesel as possible, much of it will remain in the river with the potential to harm the fish, invertebrates, and plants that make the Wandle so special.
But once the authorities pack up, the real work begins.
Image: Bobby Dean/X
Image: South East Rivers Trust
Image: UKNIP
The Wandle is one of just 220 chalk streams worldwide, making it incredibly rare and ecologically valuable. With its crystal-clear waters and unique wildlife, it should be thriving—not suffering repeated pollution incidents.
The Wandle is at the heart of our organisation. Nearly 25 years ago, we started as the Wandle Trust, working with local people to restore and protect this beautiful river. Yet, of all the rivers we now look after as The South East Rivers Trust, the Wandle keeps getting hit by pollution. We've had enough.
With your support, we’re launching this Crowdfunder to take action:
Phase 1: Early Warning System – We need better monitoring to detect pollution faster, pinpoint the worst-hit areas, and alert the local community. This will help us respond quickly and reduce the damage.
Phase 2: River Recovery – Using the data we collect, we’ll restore the Wandle’s natural defences, rebuilding habitats so the river can recover faster from future pollution.
Our project directly tackles climate change by strengthening the Wandle’s resilience, ensuring it can withstand future environmental threats:
Improving Pollution Response – Climate change is leading to more intense rainfall, which can wash pollutants like diesel spills further and faster through river systems. Our enhanced monitoring network will provide early warnings, allowing quicker action to reduce harm to wildlife and water quality.
Restoring Natural Defences – Healthy rivers are more resilient to climate change. By rebuilding habitats such as backwaters and reed beds, we create natural refuges where fish and aquatic life can escape pollution and and temperature extremes.
Your donation will directly fund urgent monitoring and restoration to help the Wandle heal.
Backwaters give fish and wildlife a safe refuge from pollution.
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Together, we can stand up for the Wandle and fight back against pollution.
Donate today and help protect this incredible river for future generations.
Who We Are:
The South East Rivers Trust is an environmental charity bringing rivers and their catchments back to life. Working in 12 river catchments across the South East, the Trust connects communities and mobilises citizen scientists to educate and engage people on the importance of rivers and supports and challenges stakeholders, businesses and individuals to protect them. The Trust uses data and evidence to target positive action and works with nature to make rivers healthy again. This includes tackling water pollution, addressing water scarcity, reconnecting rivers and restoring habitats.
