River Tweed Conservation in Focus on World Water Day
The importance of protecting freshwater has been brought into focus on World Water Day (22 March), with the Tweed Foundation highlighting ongoing work to safeguard the health of the River Tweed — one of the UK’s most iconic and productive river systems.
Flowing through the Scottish Borders and into Northumberland, the River Tweed supports internationally important populations of Atlantic salmon, trout, and other freshwater species, while also playing a vital role in supporting local communities, tourism and rural economies.
The Tweed Foundation, the scientific and conservation body working across the catchment, carries out year-round monitoring, research, and practical conservation work to protect and improve the river’s health.
This includes tracking fish populations, monitoring water quality, restoring river habitats, and removing barriers to fish migration — helping ensure species such as salmon can access vital spawning grounds. Protecting cold, clean water remains fundamental to all of this work.
The Foundation’s work extends across the entire catchment, using long-term scientific data to inform sustainable river management and support decision-making by the River Tweed Commission.
Education and community engagement are central to this work. Through initiatives such as TweedStart and the Guardians of the Tweed citizen science programme, local schools, volunteers and community groups are encouraged to connect with the river and understand its importance.
Jamie Stewart, Tweed Foundation, said:
“World Water Day is an important reminder that healthy rivers are essential for both people and wildlife. The River Tweed is one of the most important salmon rivers in the UK, and protecting its water quality and habitats is vital to ensuring its future. Our work combines science, conservation, and education to help safeguard the river for generations to come.”
As environmental pressures such as climate change and habitat loss continue to impact freshwater systems, the need for coordinated, science-led conservation has never been more important.
Jonathan Reddin, Chief Executive, River Tweed Commission, said:
“World Water Day highlights the critical importance of protecting our freshwater environments, and the River Tweed is one of the most significant river systems in the UK. At the heart of this is the need to safeguard cold, clean water — the essential foundation for healthy river ecosystems and thriving fish populations.
As the statutory body responsible for the management and protection of fisheries on the Tweed, the River Tweed Commission recognises that maintaining water quality, protecting habitats, and ensuring rivers remain connected are all vital to sustaining the Tweed’s internationally important salmon populations.
Through strong collaboration between science, regulation, and local communities, we can ensure the River Tweed continues to support both wildlife and livelihoods for generations to come.”
The Tweed Foundation is encouraging people to support their work and learn more about how they can help protect the River Tweed.
