A new future for Scotland’s rivers
Restoring Scotland’s river catchments for nature and people
River basin map of Scotland by Robert Szucs / www.grasshoppergeography.com
Who we are
Our mission
Rivers are the lifeblood of Scotland.
They shape our landscapes, run through our history and culture, and sustain the wildlife, communities, and businesses that depend on them. Yet Scotland’s rivers are under mounting pressure.
Together, we can restore them.
The Scottish Rivers Fund supports high-impact restoration projects across Scotland’s river catchments. Guided by responsible private investment, community engagement, and science, we fund projects that deliver lasting benefits for nature and people.
PARTNERSHIP
Help us turn our vision for Scotland’s rivers into reality
The Scottish Rivers Fund is built on partnerships.
We are looking for early supporters to help lay the foundations of our work. Your pioneering contribution will enable our first wave of river restoration projects across Scotland.
Our Aims
Core outcomes
Each river restoration project we fund is expected to deliver tangible ecological and social benefits, which are measured against five outcomes.
Biodiversity & ecosystems
Restoring the natural habitats of a river system, from riverbanks to floodplains
Cold, clean water
Improving water quality and temperature so that rivers can support healthy aquatic life
Water quantity
Restoring more natural water flows across river catchments
Climate adaptation & resilience
Helping river ecosystems absorb and adapt to the pressures of a changing climate
Community benefits
Building lasting connections between people and rivers that inspire long-term care and stewardship
RESTORATION IN ACTION
How we restore Scotland’s rivers
By promoting river restoration across Scotland’s catchments, we support a wide range of projects, always shaped by the knowledge of local communities and project partners, and in alignment with river restoration priorities.
Examples of the work we support:
Habitat improvements
Photo: Richard Davies / Wildland Ltd
Riparian tree planting
Providing shade, stabilising banks, and creating buffer strips to other land uses
Barrier mitigation
Community engagement and awareness raising
Involving the community to develop projects, learn, participate and benefit
Photo: Clyde River Foundation
Land management
Wider interventions including peatland restoration and agricultural practices to reduce excessive water, sediment and nutrient runoff.
Photo: Philip Swinburn
Invasive non-native species control
Controlling invasive species that outcompete, predate and negatively impact native species
Photo: Ayrshire Rivers Trust
Water flow management
VOICES OF SUPPORT
Our passion for Scotland’s rivers
“Scotland’s rivers and streams have shaped local history and culture and represent a shared resource for the communities and businesses that rely on them and the species that call them home. We have a shared responsibility to look after our rivers, and the Scottish Rivers Fund represents a simple but effective means of helping to nurture and safeguard our precious rivers for future generations.”
“The Fund is a great way for businesses to take on-the-ground action to tackle the biodiversity and climate change crises-big issues that collectively we will make a difference for. We look forward to seeing this action delivered across the country!”
“This fund is so important as restoring our rivers is an effective way to support biodiversity and communities while helping our landscapes adapt to climate change.”