Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is delighted to announce the return of the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz, taking place from 25 July to 2 August 2026. We’re inviting people from across the Bristol Avon catchment to help us build a clearer picture of river health by sampling their local rivers, streams, and ditches.
At BART, we know that protecting our rivers starts with understanding them. Reliable evidence is essential, and while existing monitoring provides valuable information, there are still gaps in our knowledge. The Bristol Avon RiverBlitz helps fill those gaps by bringing together volunteers to collect water quality data across the catchment during one coordinated week of action.
During the RiverBlitz, volunteers use simple water quality testing kits to measure nutrient levels and record observations at a site of their choice. Together, these results provide a valuable snapshot of river health, helping us identify clean, thriving waterways, detect pollution hotspots, and better understand water quality across the Bristol Avon catchment.
The data collected each year contributes to our long-term understanding of the catchment and is made publicly available on our website, allowing everyone to explore the results and see how our rivers are changing year after year.
Taking part is also a great opportunity to get outdoors, discover your local waterways, and connect with the wildlife that depends on them. Whether you’re an experienced volunteer or trying citizen science for the first time, RiverBlitz is a rewarding way to make a real difference.
Join the RiverBlitz
To take part, simply register by 14 July 2026 to receive your free water quality testing kit before RiverBlitz week. Your kit includes everything you need to carry out a survey at your chosen river site, along with clear, step-by-step instructions for collecting and submitting your results.
Register here: https://bristolavonriverstrust.org/riverblitz/register
Join hundreds of volunteer citizen scientists across the Bristol Avon catchment as we work together to better understand, monitor, and protect our rivers.
Thank you
This year’s Bristol Avon RiverBlitz has been made possible thanks to the generous support of the Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership, Just Giving and The Big Give. Their support enables hundreds of volunteers to take part in this important citizen science project and helps us continue building a healthier future for our rivers.
