A New Chapter for the Wear Rivers Trust
Welcome to the new Wear Rivers Trust website and thank you for being here.
The River Wear has shaped our landscape, our communities, and our history for generations. From its upland sources to where it meets the sea, it connects people, wildlife, and place. At Wear Rivers Trust, our aim is simple: to protect, restore, and celebrate the River Wear and its tributaries so they can continue to thrive long into the future.
This new website marks an important step forward for us. It reflects how much the Trust has grown, not just as an organisation, but as a community of volunteers, partners, landowners, schools, and supporters who care deeply about the health of our rivers.
Why our work matters
Rivers are living systems. When they are healthy, they support wildlife, help reduce flood risk, improve water quality, and contribute to our wellbeing. When they come under pressure from pollution, habitat loss, climate change, or physical modification, the effects are felt far beyond the riverbanks.
Across the Wear catchment, we see both challenges and reasons for hope. Some stretches of river need support, while others are beginning to recover thanks to collaborative action. Our role is to bring people together, use sound evidence and science, and deliver practical improvements that make a lasting difference.
What you’ll find here
This website is intended to be a place for everyone who cares about the River Wear. Here you can:
- Learn more about our efforts and the difference they are making
- Find opportunities to volunteer, partner with us, or support our work
- Explore resources on river restoration, nature recovery, and catchment management
- Keep up to date with news, events, and stories from across the catchment
We want this to be a space that informs, inspires, and encourages involvement.
Looking ahead
At Wear Rivers Trust, we are committed to working openly and collaboratively, always guided by what is best for the river and the people who depend on it.
Whether you are discovering us for the first time or have supported our work for years, thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can help ensure the River Wear remains a living, resilient river for generations to come.
Warm regards,
Kirstie Hutchinson, CEO