THIS summer, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is calling on people across Bristol, Bath and surrounding areas to take action for local rivers by taking part in the Bristol Avon RiverBlitz 2026.

Now in its 11th year, the RiverBlitz continues to grow, with hundreds of volunteers taking part annually.

Participants are invited to visit a river, stream or wetland of their choice within the Bristol Avon catchment and collect a water sample and record observations about their site as well as test the water for phosphates and nitrates - key indicators of pollution.

Sampling can take place at any time between Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, August 2, with results submitted online.

Open to everyone, RiverBlitz is an accessible and enjoyable activity for individuals, families and friends alike with participants gaining a deeper understanding of their local waterways, discovering new places, and contributing valuable data that helps inform action to improve river health.

BART’s river engagement and education lead, Amy Wade, said: “The Bristol Avon RiverBlitz is our biggest volunteer event of the year with hundreds of families, friends and individuals heading to their local river to make their contribution to improving river health.

“We are always delighted by the level of participation, which helps us build a detailed snapshot of river health across the catchment.”

Volunteers can sample any accessible river, stream or ditch across the Bristol Avon catchment, which includes Bristol, Bath, Congresbury, Trowbridge, Bradford on Avon, Frome and surrounding rural areas.

Samples can be taken from the main Avon or any of its tributaries including the River Chew, River Frome and Wellow Brook to name a few.

Those who register will receive a free water testing kit and full instructions from BART.

Testing is simple and takes just a few minutes: volunteers use colour-changing test strips to measure phosphate and nitrate levels, comparing results to a chart.

Findings can be submitted on-site via a mobile phone or uploaded later. Participants are also encouraged to take a photo, note key features of the waterway, and record any wildlife or litter they observe.

Monitoring nitrates and phosphates is vital, says the charity. While these nutrients occur naturally and support healthy ecosystems in small amounts, elevated levels can result from sewage, domestic and industrial waste, and agricultural runoff leading to excessive plant and algal growth and reducing oxygen in the water, harming aquatic life.

RiverBlitz data highlights pollution hotspots, identifies better quality stretches of river and helps the river management and restoration charity to target future conservation work. It also provides evidence to show where previous efforts may be successfully maintaining healthy ecosystems feeding into the BART’s interactive RiverBlitz map.

BART hopes 2026 will be its biggest year yet offering communities a meaningful way to come together, explore nature and play an active role in safeguarding local rivers for the future and extends its thanks to all participants and acknowledges the support of Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership, The Big Give and JustGiving.

Register online to take part at: https://bristolavonriverstrust.org/riverblitz/register.