Since September 2024, the Coventry Rivers Citizen Science project has been running a community-led water quality monitoring programme along the River Sowe and its tributaries in Coventry. With only 14% of rivers in England achieving ‘good’ ecological status, improving river health is vital to support wildlife, communities, and overall well-being.
Over the past months, this programme has empowered local communities, schools, and recreational groups to actively engage with their local blue and green spaces, learn new skills, and play a hands-on role in assessing and improving river health. We’ve established 15 water quality monitoring sites along the River Sowe and its tributaries, which are currently being surveyed by 31 dedicated volunteers. This initiative has not only helped build a clearer picture of the river’s condition but has also supported informed decisions on land and water management.
In addition to water quality testing, we have delivered river workshops in schools, carried out litter picks along the River Sowe, and participated in community events within Coventry to raise awareness about the river’s ecological value. The Sowe Valley corridor, one of Coventry’s few remaining connected green spaces, continues to provide important opportunities for nature connection.
As we enter the final month of the project, there’s still time to get involved! Find volunteering opportunities at Severn Rivers Trust’s volunteer portal or contact us at volunteering@severnriverstrust.com.
