Become a River Detective
The River Detectives programme is a citizen science initiative that helps build a clearer picture of water quality across local rivers and streams.
By collecting regular water-quality data and reporting potential pollution, River Detectives help us establish baseline evidence, recognise changes and identify areas that may need further investigation.
What will I be doing?
You will:
- Collect a water sample from the same monitoring site at the beginning of each month.
- Carry out a set of simple water-quality tests.
- Record information about nutrient levels, temperature, turbidity and ecology.
- Submit your results after every survey.
- Record visible signs of pollution and report suspected pollution incidents promptly.
You will receive guidance on what to look for and how to report a potential pollution incident through the appropriate channels.
How much time will it take?
River Detectives is designed to fit around your schedule, but it does require a regular commitment. We ask volunteers to:
- Visit their monitoring site once every month, typically during the first weekend.
- Complete the required tests during each visit.
- Submit a report after every monthly survey.
Regular visits and reports are essential because consistent data allows us to identify changes in water quality over time.
Where will I be volunteering?
River Detectives monitor sites throughout the Bristol Avon catchment, from the Land Yeo and Congresbury Yeo in North Somerset to the Little Avon, lowland rhines and Bristol Frome in South Gloucestershire. Within Bristol, waterways include the River Trym, Malago and Brislington Brook. In Bath and North East Somerset, they include the main River Avon, Somerset Frome, Cam, Wellow and Chew.
Please use the map below to tell us which area you are interested in. If you live in a coastal area shaded yellow, select the Thornbury and Little Avon catchment.
Once you have completed the onboarding process, we will offer you the closest suitable monitoring site with a current vacancy. If no site is available near you and you are unable or do not wish to travel farther, we may add you to a waiting list and contact you when a suitable local site becomes available.
If you are within a blue or hatched-blue area, please register with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust instead. They are best placed to provide local training, support and events, and your observations will contribute directly to their monitoring network:
Wessex Water Guardians Community Project – Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
How will I be trained?
No previous experience is required. Bristol Avon Rivers Trust coordinates the programme and provides volunteers with the training, equipment, guidance and ongoing support needed to monitor their site confidently.
Training will cover the water-quality tests, recording and submitting results, and recognising and reporting potential pollution incidents.
Who can become a River Detective?
Anyone can get involved—whether volunteering independently, with friends or family, or as part of a community group.
Ready to become a River Detective?
Please complete the form below to register your interest. If you are unsure which area to select or how far you may need to travel, let us know and we will be happy to advise you.
We look forward to welcoming you to the River Detectives network and working together to build a better understanding of the health of our rivers.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us by emailing volunteer@bristolavonriverstrust.org.