Guardians of the Tweed
Guardians of the Tweed is the River Tweed Foundation’s volunteer network supporting the long-term health of the river and its tributaries. Working alongside our biologists, volunteers take part in practical conservation and citizen-science activities including Riverfly monitoring, tree planting, electro-fishing support, scale reading, bird counts, and TweedStart education days. By gathering reliable data and helping to restore habitats across the catchment, the Guardians play a vital role in protecting the Tweed for future generations of wildlife, anglers, and local communities.
What Guardians Do
Activities and Volunteer Roles
Training and Support
How To Join
Frequently Asked Questions
Guardians of The Tweed
What Guardians Do
Guardians of the Tweed strengthens the scientific and conservation work of the River Tweed Foundation by involving local people in hands-on river protection. Volunteers help increase the reach of our monitoring, support habitat restoration, and contribute to data that underpins our management decisions.
Guardians of The Tweed
Activities and Volunteer Roles
Our volunteers take part in a wide range of conservation and citizen-science activities that directly support the Tweed Foundation’s scientific programmes. From surveying aquatic invertebrates through Riverfly monitoring, planting trees to restore riparian habitats, and assisting our biologists during electro-fishing surveys, to analysing salmonid scales and contributing to decades-long bird counts of goosanders and cormorants, the work of our Guardians provides invaluable data and practical support across the catchment. Volunteers also help record trout spot patterns for population studies and play an important role in our TweedStart education sessions, introducing young people to angling, river ecology, and the importance of caring for the river. Together, these roles offer meaningful ways for people to contribute to the health, knowledge, and future of the River Tweed.
Guardians of The Tweed
Training and Support
We provide comprehensive training, equipment, and ongoing guidance to ensure every volunteer feels confident, prepared, and safe in their role. All participants receive certified instruction in Riverfly monitoring and survey techniques, along with safety briefings, PPE, and risk assessments tailored to each activity. Whether joining for practical conservation work or citizen-science monitoring, no prior experience is required—just enthusiasm and a willingness to support the health of the River Tweed.
Guardians of The Tweed
How to Join
We welcome volunteers from across the catchment. You can contribute as much or as little time as you are able.
To join the Guardians of the Tweed:
• Complete our volunteer sign-up form
• Or email: echapman@tweedfoundation.org.uk
• Sign up for monthly volunteer updates
• View upcoming volunteer days and training sessions
We will then contact you with opportunities in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Full training is provided.
There is no minimum. Some volunteers help once a year; others participate monthly.
Yes. We supply all equipment, PPE, and materials.
All activities follow formal safety protocols, are risk-assessed, and supervised by trained staff.
Yes, with parental consent and for certain activities only.
Guardian of The Tweed Activities
Tree Planting
Bird Counts
Electrofishing
Habitat Assessment
Biosecurity
Litter Picking
Scale Reading
Trout Monitoring