One-week appeal to restore River Teme launches with donations doubled

Environmental charity, Severn Rivers Trust has launched the appeal as part of the Big Give Earth Raise, running from 22–29 April. During this period, all public donations will be matched, meaning supporters can double their impact.

The funds will support hands-on river restoration across the local catchment, improving water quality, wildlife habitat, and flood resilience.

With water quality and river pollution firmly in the national spotlight, the campaign focuses on practical, local action to improve river health and support wildlife, including Atlantic salmon.

The River Teme, which flows through Ludlow and Tenbury Wells before joining the River Severn in Worcester, is one of the region’s most important rivers. But like many rivers across the UK, it is under increasing pressure.

Historic river modification, loss of tree cover, eroding banks, and polluted runoff from surrounding land, alongside wider pressures on water systems that have been the focus of national attention in recent months, are all impacting water quality and habitat. Barriers within the river can also limit how far fish such as Atlantic salmon can travel upstream to spawn.

Severn Rivers Trust says that while these challenges are widely recognised, there are clear, proven solutions that can be delivered locally.

Katie Jones, Fundraising Lead at Severn Rivers Trust, said:

“The River Teme is a river people really care about. Whether it’s walking along it in Ludlow, spending time in the Teme Valley, or simply valuing the wildlife it supports, it’s part of daily life for many.

We know there are real challenges facing our rivers, including water quality, but there are also practical solutions. This campaign is about enabling more of that work to happen on the ground, right here in the Teme catchment.”

The past six months have seen some of the most intensive river restoration work ever delivered in the Teme catchment.

Working with the Environment Agency, Shropshire Council and local farmers, Severn Rivers Trust has delivered practical improvements at pace, helping to restore the river while also supporting efforts to reduce downstream flood risk.

In that time, the charity has already delivered large-scale improvements across the catchment, including:

- 22 new ponds and water features to slow and store water

- 3 hectares of wetland habitat

- Over 10.5 hectares of native woodland

- Over 1.5 km of hedgerow

- Nearly 3 km of river improved for wildlife

Together, these measures help slow the flow of water, reduce pollution entering the river, and improve habitat for wildlife including Atlantic salmon, otter, and kingfisher.

PhD researcher Ed Noyes, who studies Atlantic salmon in the Severn catchment, added:

“We’ve seen a real decline in Atlantic salmon numbers across the River Teme and wider Severn catchment in recent years.

It’s driven by a combination of pressures, including water quality, habitat condition, and barriers within the river.

The positive is that there are practical actions we can take. Improving habitat and helping fish move more freely can make a real difference over time.”

Severn Rivers Trust is now calling on both local residents and businesses to support the campaign.

With match funding in place, donations will go twice as far, supporting practical work such as habitat restoration, tree planting, wetland creation, and ongoing monitoring.

Local businesses are being encouraged to get involved, whether through donations, match funding, or by backing the campaign with their customers and networks. Supporting the river locally is an opportunity for businesses to demonstrate their commitment to the environment in a tangible, place-based way.

Katie Jones added:

“This is a simple way for people and businesses to make a real difference locally. Every donation this week is doubled, which means twice the impact for the river.”

The campaign runs from 22–29 April. To support the River Teme and double your donation while match funding is available, visit
donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05WS00000C2mckYAB.