Since September 2024, the River Sowe Citizen Science project has been bringing local people together to understand and improve the health of the River Sowe and its tributaries. With only 14% of rivers in England rated as being in ‘good’ ecological health, projects like this are vital for wildlife, communities and wellbeing.
Over the past year, we worked with community groups, schools and recreational clubs to help them connect with their local blue and green spaces, learn new skills and play a hands-on role in looking after their river. The Sowe Valley is one of Coventry’s few connected green corridors, yet it has been underused and under-appreciated. This project set out to change that.
Together with 31 dedicated volunteers, we set up 15 water quality monitoring sites along the River Sowe and its tributaries. These regular surveys gave us valuable insights into the river’s condition and will help shape better decisions for land and water management in the future.
Alongside the monitoring, we:
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Delivered river workshops in local schools
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Ran litter picks along the riverbank
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Took part in community events to share why the River Sowe matters and how people can help
By the end of the project, the River Sowe Citizen Science initiative had not only gathered important environmental data, but also helped local people see the river as an asset for wildlife and for the city. The energy and commitment shown by our volunteers has laid the foundations for lasting care of the Sowe Valley for years to come.
