Latest News

Blue Influencers

February 2024
Young people take action to improve Southampton and Eastleigh environment...

Over-Pumping into the River Test

January 2024
Statement on potential over-pumping of untreated wastewater by Southern Water at Chilbolton and Longparish, River Test, Hampshire.

Revamp Your Tank

February 2024
Septic Tank Upgrade Initiative: Wiltshire Council and Wessex Rivers Trust Join Forces to Preserve Hampshire Avon Catchment...

River Test, Mottisfont

December 2023
In collaboration with the National Trust at Mottisfont, we recently wrapped up a river restoration project on the River Test...

The Wylye Chalk Stream Project

December 2023
The Wylye Chalk Stream Project has achieved success in securing funding from the second round of the Government's Landscape Recovery scheme.

River Bourne Trail

January 2024
As part of The Linbury Trust funding legacy Wessex Rivers Trust has produced a Wildlife and Heritage Trail on the River Bourne in Bournemouth.

Wild Figheldean Project

September 2023
In an exciting stride towards biodiversity restoration, Natural England recently unveiled the Species Recovery Programme Grant Scheme. A substantial £14.5 million fund has been allocated to support 63 crucial projects throughout England...

Brambridge Restoration

October 2023.
Set to take place from October 30th to November 17th, the works are centred around rejuvenating a 380-meter stretch of this internationally important chalk river.

Wet Wipes Ban

November 2023
Wet wipes, commonly used for various daily tasks, create a significant environmental issue: not only do they contain plastic, they pose substantial harm to sewage systems and rivers when improperly disposed of.

New Chalk Stream Challenge Trail

June 2023
The Wessex Rivers Trust, Laverstock and Ford Parish Council and the Devenish Bradshaw Charitable Trust have launched a Chalk Stream Challenge Trail along the River Bourne and its’ water-meadows in Laverstock.

Chalk Stream Strategy Implementation Plan Launched

July 2023.
On 15 June, the Chalk Stream strategy, which aims to provide comprehensive protection and priority status to chalk streams and their catchments, was officially launched at Watermen's Hall in London.

Become a Family Supporter

August 2023
Join our new Family Supporter option and become a Wessex Rivers Trust River Ranger. Explore, learn, and conserve rivers with us.

Invasive Non-Native Species Part 1

April 2023
We will be celebrating Invasive Species Week 15th - 21st May! To raise awareness of the harm invasive species are having on our native ecosystems, we will be releasing a three part blog series. So you can learn all about the steps we are taking to keep invasive species under control...

Invasive Non-Native Species Part 2

May 2023
Read part two of our Invasive Non-Native Species blog series...

Invasive Non-Native Species Part 3

May 2023
Check out part three of our blog series here...

Salisbury to Rome Update

March 2023
Tom and Julie are raising money for the Wessex Rivers Trust, Salisbury District Hospital and the Salisbury Cathedral Choral Foundation by completing a sponsored walk from Salisbury to Rome! After leaving Canterbury on 22nd March 2022 they have finally reached their destination...

Countess River Restoration Project

March 2023
Learn more about the Trust's project to restore ~3 km of river habitat through Lords Walk and upstream of the A303 towards Durrington...

Fishing Sale 2023

March 2023
Delight in a day of fishing on a picturesque river whilst simultaneously supporting the vital conservation work of the Wessex Rivers Trust, there's no better way to spend a day...

T&I INNS Project

30 December 2022

A successful first delivery season for the T&I INNS Project...

2022 Restoration Projects Round up

January 2023
For the first time Wessex Rivers Trust has delivered over a million pounds worth of river habitat and fish passage improvement projects in a single year.

Research and Monitoring

February 2023
Looking back over the last five or so years, the nature restoration agenda has placed an increasing emphasis on a more joined-up, landscape scale approach to conservation projects...

Salisbury to Rome
Update

25 November 2022
Tom and Julie are raising money for the Wessex Rivers Trust, Salisbury District Hospital and the Salisbury Cathedral Choral Foundation by completing a sponsored walk from Salisbury to Rome! After leaving Canterbury on 22nd March, they have now reached the Mediterranean Sea...

A Day on Work Placement

01 November 2022
Meet Libby who is working with us for a year as part of her degree; find out a bit more about what a day looks like for her during her work placement...

Meet Matt!

27 October 2022
We would love to introduce you to Matt who is our new Projects Assistant! Find out more about his journey to joining us and what he has been getting up to...

Dave's Salmon Dash

27 September 2022
On Saturday 3rd September Wessex River's Trust CEO Dave Rumble completed his upstream 'Salmon Dash'; kayaking up the river Itchen estuary...towing a giant salmon!

Summer Drought

09 August 2022
Rivers and their wildlife are currently highly stressed because of low flows caused by low rainfall, high demand and over-reliance on chalk aquifer abstraction. Add high temperatures and many species will be struggling....

Farmer Groups in Wessex

15 July 2022
From flower rich meadows dotted with the odd sheep or cattle alongside our chalk streams to the open expanse of wheat and barley fields swaying in the breeze upon the chalky down land, Wessex is a heavily farmed landscape...

New River Education Sessions

09 June 2022
Saving water to protect our precious environment will be the central message of a new, funded, education session available to primary schools in the Southern Water supply area from September onwards.

Chalk Stream Challenge

31 May 2022
The Chalk Stream Challenge was created as part of the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership Scheme and aims to get youth groups, such as Scouts and Guides, exploring and learning about our unique environments...

Salisbury to Rome

15 April 2022
Tom and Julie are raising money for the Wessex Rivers Trust, Salisbury District Hospital and the Salisbury Cathedral Choral Foundation by completing a sponsored walk from Salisbury to Rome! After leaving Canterbury on 22nd March, they are now making their way through France...

World Fish Migration Day

22 March 2022
This May 21st 2022 we will be joining the global World Fish Migration Day celebrations by hosting a fun and educational day for the whole family, so you can learn more about the importance of opening up rivers and recovering migratory fish populations...

Launching the Mink Monitoring Network

22 March 2022
Controlling American mink is an important and necessary step we are taking to protect our precious native species, such as the Water vole...

Fishing Sale 2022

28 February 2022
Many kind friends and supporters of Wessex Rivers Trust have generously donated some exciting and rarely available fishing days for the Trust to sell. A fabulous day of fishing could be yours..

River Restoration Volunteers

31 January 2022
Delivery season is the busiest time of year for the projects team at WessexRT and last year we had a record number of projects. Not only was this an extraordinary year for river restoration delivery we also had a small army of volunteers help make it happen...

2021 Round Up

31 December 2021
As for so many, 2021 was a challenging year – but an incredibly rewarding one also. Before we have waded too deeply into 2022, I wanted to look back at a few of the river restoration projects we conquered in 2021...

Meet our Growing Team...

30 November 2021
We have welcomed three new team members in the last three months, and we are looking at growing our team even further. Meet our newest members...

Clearing Invasives with Coca Cola Volunteers

8th September 2021
Volunteers from Coca Cola joined our Test and Itchen INNS Project Officer for a corporate volunteer day to remove Himalayan Balsam from a stretch of the lower Itchen. See how they got on by reading more...

Children Engourage the Cheriton Stream to Bloom

8th September 2021
If we can expand children's educational experiences so they value wildlife today, they will protect it tomorrow. Find out how by reading more...

Introducing Tracy Standish

7th August 2021
Since joining Wessex Rivers Trust mid-March as Education Officer for the Watercress and Winterbournes Landscape Partnership scheme, the time has flown by.

Tackling Invasive Species on the Test and Itchen!

4th August 2021
Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) are threatening the health of our chalk streams - we need your help to tackle this problem together to save our rivers!

Introducing Courtney Brain

4th August 2021
I cannot believe how lucky I am to be working on the picturesque chalk streams of Hampshire. One of my new favourite river descriptions is ‘gin clear’ waters and its so true!

Concerns over oil spill on the lower River Test

2nd July 2021
Wessex Rivers Trust was made aware of a fuel oil leak on the lower River Test. Read our response to this incident...

Ripley Brook Project Update

22nd April 2021
Matt Irvine, tells us about what has been going on in the Ripley Brook this winter and spring...

River Reflections: What they mean to us...

30th March 2021
We all love rivers but why are they so special to us? Maddie Crabb, Trainee Project Officer, reflects on why she loves our watery wonders of the World

River Reflections: What they mean to us...

24th March 2021
We all love rivers but why are they so special to us? Dave Rumble, CEO, reflects on why he loves our watery wonders of Wessex...

Covid-19: Working Closely from a Distance

12th March 2021
Covid-19 has caused so much damage to our health, socail lives, mental health and livelihoods, but has any good come out of it? We explore how the pandemic has benefitted Wessex Rivers Trust ..

Fishing Sale 2021 Launch!

27th February 2021
It is that time of year for you to make your bids on our exclusive offers, in our 2021 Fishing Auction. Read on for information on all the lots that are available in this year’s sale.

Summer Temperature of Our Rivers Revealed

14th February 2021
River temperature is a key factor influencing the life below the surface in our rivers. Find out how Jon Bass, Volunteer Scientific Officer, analyses the results...

Get Involved in Our Crystal Clear Ebble Project

10th February 2021
We need your help to survey, protect and enhance the River Ebble. Want to find out more how you can get involved? Download our project flyer here.

It's a #ReddAlert

14th January 2021
With an increase in the numbers of fly anglers continuing to fish through the winter months, mostly targeting grayling and pike, we have produced some guidance to help you look after Salmon and Trout spawning grounds.

Chalk Stream River Restoration Guide

17th December 2020
When we work with landowners on chalk stream restoration projects, we understand that everyone has different levels of knowledge with regards to the techniques we use. To support landowners we have produced a guide to river restoration techniques.

Garden Riverbank Guide

15th December 2020
For those landowners who are fortunate enough to have a river running through their garden, we have created a guide to help you improve your river and your garden.

In at the Sharp End!

10th December 2020
My induction into the Wessex Rivers Trust delivery team was a day of hawthorn relocation and repurposing into a healthy berm to protect a badly eroding bank. Job satisfaction doesn’t come better than that!

Of Fleas and Riverflies

7th December 2020
How are river invertebrates being killed by treatments we give to our pets? Dave Rumble explores this concept in this week’s blog…

Wild Fishery Protection Zone

24th November 2020
Environment Agency plans to introduce a Wild Fishery Protection Zone (WFPZ) on the upper Itchen should be great news for wild fish populations. Wild Trout Trust describes ways they will support landowners, businesses, and anglers alike.

Fishing Sale 2021

24th November 2021
With this year's fishing sale being impacted by Covid-19 we are hoping next year's will be a huge success. To find out how you can support the Fishing Sale 2021 click below.

Neil Swift Joins the Project Team

22nd October 2020
In our team meeting yesterday I was asked how my first three weeks at the Wessex Rivers Trust had been. Given that I thought, incorrectly, I was only part way through my second week we can deduce that time is indeed flying and therefore I’m definitely having fun.

Jim Glasspool: A Chalk Stream Champion

22nd October 2020
It is with great sadness that we report that Jim Glasspool passed away on 7th September 2020. He was a true gentleman and a fine fisherman who will be dearly missed.

The Future of Outdoor Education

8th October 2020
Outdoor learning may become an increasingly vital tool for primary education with the constantly changing regulations and restrictions surrounding Covid-19.

Fishing Auction Success Story

8th October 2020
Each year Wessex Rivers Trust holds a fishing auction which is sponsored by many of our generous supporters. This year we had a lot with a difference, which William Sleeman kindly explains...

Getting stuck in at the Trust

23rd September 2020
I am a final year Geography undergrad, studying at the University of Birmingham. With my graduation date looming and thereby, the prospect of having to get an actual job; I felt that it was important to gain some practical work experience.

Dave Rumble Join Wessex Rivers Trust

23rd September 2020
Dave takes the reins from Martijn, as Wessex Rivers Trust's CEO. Diving in at the deep end with an office move during a global pandemic and the beginning of the project delivery season is a challenge Dave has not shied away from.

Coarse Fish in Our Rivers

4th August 2020
Whilst many of the rivers in our area are famed for their Brown trout, Grayling or Salmon, it is sometimes easy to forget the diversity of non-salmonid species that swim in our rivers, referred to as ‘coarse’ fish.

Flow-Resilient River Habitat

4th August 2020
The River Test is world famous; considered the cradle of English fly fishing and epitomising the chalk stream experience. Just the mention of its name conjures images of gin-clear water, bright, clean gravel, lazily waving Water crowfoot and sturdy, speckled, almost-golden chalk stream Brown trout.

Lets Talk About the Weater

18th June 2020
We Brits love to talk about the weather, it’s just one of those things that define us as a nation. But how does it affect our fish? Read more to find out the facts...

Work Industry Placements at Wessex Rivers Trust

12th June 2020
Joshua David has been working with us as a work industry placement student since November, 2019. Find out how he is finding his experience so far...

A New Season Begins

2nd June 2020
At the end of a damp winter the emergence of buds on the trees and the greening up of hedgerows tells us a new season is on the way: the fishing season...

Support Wessex Rivers Trust

28th May 2020
As people are starting to enjoy their local nature spots, find out how you can help us continue our vital work on Wessex's rivers.

Changing Time: Digital Education Resources

26th May 2020
Digital resources have become a necessity for education, with most children in the UK now learning from home. Find out how Wessex Rivers Trust has adapted to meet this need.

A New CEO for the Trust

7th May 2020
We are very excited to announce that we have recruited Dr Dave Rumble to become our new Chief Executive later this year.

Watercress & Winterbournes Project Success

5th May 2020
Good news from the Test and Itchen Catchment! The trickling headwater streams of the Test and Itchen are set to receive a flood of funding from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

Rebranding the Trust

21st April 2020
You have found our new website, so you must have noticed that Wessex Chalk Stream and Rivers Trust has been renamed to Wessex Rivers Trust. If you look a bit closer, you can also see that we have updated our logo to reflect the development and growth of our organisation.

Rivers at Home

14th April 2020
This Spring and Summer Wessex Rivers Trust is taking a different approach to river education. See how they are bringing rivers into our homes...

Office Closure

18th March 2020
Following the global spread of the new coronavirus Covid-19 the office in Stratford sub Castle will be closed until further notice.
Message from our CEO . . .

Gaining Work Experience

11th March 2020
Find out how George Sharp found carrying out his work experience with Wessex Rivers Trust...

Latest News

Blue Influencers

Over-Pumping into the River Test

Revamp Your Tank

River Test, Mottisfont

The Wylye Chalk Stream Project

River Bourne Trail

Wild Figheldean Project

Brambridge Restoration

Wet Wipes Ban

New Chalk Stream Challenge Trail

Chalk Stream Strategy Implementation Plan Launched

Become a Family Supporter

Invasive Non-Native Species Part 1

Invasive Non-Native Species Part 2

Invasive Non-Native Species Part 3

Salisbury to Rome Update

Countess River Restoration Project

Fishing Sale 2023

T&I INNS Project

2022 Restoration Projects Round up

Research and Monitoring

Salisbury to RomeUpdate

A Day on Work Placement

Meet Matt!

Dave's Salmon Dash

Summer Drought

Farmer Groups in Wessex

New River Education Sessions

Chalk Stream Challenge

Salisbury to Rome

World Fish Migration Day

Launching the Mink Monitoring Network

Fishing Sale 2022

River Restoration Volunteers

2021 Round Up

Meet our Growing Team...

Clearing Invasives with Coca Cola Volunteers

Children Engourage the Cheriton Stream to Bloom

Introducing Tracy Standish

Tackling Invasive Species on the Test and Itchen!

Introducing Courtney Brain

Concerns over oil spill on the lower River Test

Ripley Brook Project Update

River Reflections: What they mean to us...

River Reflections: What they mean to us...

Covid-19: Working Closely from a Distance

Fishing Sale 2021 Launch!

Summer Temperature of Our Rivers Revealed

Get Involved in Our Crystal Clear Ebble Project

It's a #ReddAlert

Chalk Stream River Restoration Guide

Garden Riverbank Guide

In at the Sharp End!

Of Fleas and Riverflies

Wild Fishery Protection Zone

Fishing Sale 2021

Neil Swift Joins the Project Team

Jim Glasspool: A Chalk Stream Champion

The Future of Outdoor Education

Fishing Auction Success Story

Getting stuck in at the Trust

Dave Rumble Join Wessex Rivers Trust

Coarse Fish in Our Rivers

Flow-Resilient River Habitat

Lets Talk About the Weater

Work Industry Placements at Wessex Rivers Trust

A New Season Begins

Support Wessex Rivers Trust

Changing Time: Digital Education Resources

A New CEO for the Trust

Watercress & Winterbournes Project Success

Rebranding the Trust

Rivers at Home

Office Closure

Gaining Work Experience

Salisbury to Rome
Update