Celebrating the collaborations that are transforming our relationships with water

About The Awards

The Impact Awards shine a light on the projects that prove collaboration works. We recognise bold, cross-sector partnerships that break down traditional boundaries and deliver measurable change for our rivers - as living ecosystems, not just resources to manage.

The future of water cannot be shaped in silos. It demands artists and engineers, scientists and farmers, campaigners and policymakers working beyond competition towards a shared purpose: rivers that thrive.

The Awards

National Collaboration of the Year

One project will be recognized for best demonstrating the power of cross-sector partnership to create measurable impact - protecting rivers as vital, living systems at the heart of our communities and ecosystems.

Runner Up

Community Action Project

Low Budget Project

What We're Looking For

Projects that bring together unlikely partners to create something greater than the sum of their parts - working with rivers, not just for them:

• Creative campaigns inspiring action and bringing joy to advocacy

• Partnerships restoring complex natural systems and river health

• Community-led initiatives integrating data with local action

• Cross-sector innovation recognizing rivers as living entities with intrinsic value

Shortlisted award entries will be showcased at The River Summit and Festival on the 4th and 5th September and then the winners will be announced at a ceremony in November.

How to Apply

Applications are open to projects across the UK that demonstrate meaningful cross-sector collaboration - whether restoring river habitats, empowering communities as river guardians, or reimagining our relationship with waterways. Please download the application here and for any enquiries, email claire@theriversummitandfestival.com