The Tweed Foundation is an independent science led river conservation charity dedicated to protecting and improving the natural environment of the River Tweed and its wider catchment.
Established in 1983, the Foundation delivers fisheries science, habitat restoration, environmental monitoring, education and community engagement to support healthy rivers, wild Atlantic salmon, freshwater biodiversity and climate-resilient river ecosystems across the Tweed catchment.
Our work includes fish population monitoring, juvenile salmon surveys, habitat enhancement, fish passage improvements, water quality monitoring and long-term ecological research throughout the River Tweed system. We also deliver practical river restoration and conservation projects designed to improve aquatic habitats, strengthen ecosystem resilience and support sustainable catchment management.
Education and public participation are central to our work. Through programmes including TweedStart, Go Wild For Fish and Guardians of the Tweed, we connect schools, volunteers, anglers and local communities with the science, conservation and heritage of the river through outdoor learning and citizen science.
Working alongside fisheries managers, landowners, local communities, schools, environmental organisations and catchment partnerships, the Tweed Foundation is committed to safeguarding the future of the River Tweed through science-led conservation, river restoration, education and sustainable environmental management.
Founded in 1983, the Tweed Foundation has been guided and supported by a dedicated Board of Trustees committed to river conservation, fisheries science, Atlantic salmon research and the sustainable management of the River Tweed and its fisheries.
The Board plays an important role in shaping the charity’s work in environmental science, habitat restoration biodiversity protection, education and community engagement across the River Tweed and Eye catchment.
Current Board of Trustees
Charles Plowden (Chairman)
Douglas J. Dobie
John P. H. Scott
W. Allan Virtue
Hugh P. Younger
Caroline Balfour
William De la Hey
Samantha Mutters
Marcus Brooks
William Dryburgh
Rebecca Glaze
We are deeply grateful to our Trustees, who generously give their time, knowledge, professional expertise and strategic guidance to support the work of the Tweed Foundation across the River Tweed catchment. Their continued commitment, diligence and leadership help guide and support the Tweed Foundation’s work in river conservation, fisheries science, Atlantic salmon research, habitat restoration, biodiversity protection and environmental education across the River Tweed catchment.
Ben McCallum featured in Riverlife. The article highlighted how the TweedStart initiative helps connect young people and local communities with the River Tweed through angling, river ecology, conservation education and environmental awareness.
This press release highlighting citizen science, river monitoring and conservation activity on the River Tweed was featured by media outlets across the catchment, showcasing the Tweed Foundation’s work in scientific research, conservation and public engagement.
BBC Countryfile visited the River Tweed on the eve of the 2026 salmon season. Filming included James Hunt, Tweed Foundation, at the Gala Water fish pass, alongside features on the Tweed wheelyboat and wider conservation and fisheries work across the catchment.