Thank You for Making the UK River Summit 2025 Extraordinary
Thank you for joining us on 8th July at Morden Hall for an extraordinary day that brings together the passionate voices working to transform the future of our rivers. This isn't just another conference - it's where environmental leaders, policymakers, scientists, activists, artists, and community members converge to create real solutions for the critical challenges facing river ecosystems across the UK.
‘What the Lorax did for trees the UK River Summit does for rivers - speaks for them.”
- Tom Holland
“The River Summit is remarkable changemaking confluence of an event, a chime of voices and perspectives, a feast of activist networking opportunities and a rare opportunity to meet individuals with real power, who strangely seem to be most in need of reminding that they can make a difference.”
“It was a distinct honour to be invited—not only to attend—but also to participate in a panel discussion and present my underwater work at the River Summit & Festival. The event was exceptional from beginning to end. It brought together a remarkable group of individuals, all dedicated to advancing the well-being of our rivers. Claire curated an event that not only assembled some of the nation’s most accomplished experts but also fostered meaningful collaboration among them. It was a day that left one with a genuine sense of accomplishment and collective purpose.”
Mark Barrow, Beneath British Waters
Delicious & Purposeful: Abel & Cole at the UK River Summit
Abel & Cole brought more than just incredible food to the UK River Summit Morden Hall - they brought their values to the table. Using surplus produce that would otherwise go to waste, they created a delicious seasonal lunch that perfectly embodied the Summit's collaborative spirit. Every bite was a reminder that sustainability doesn't mean compromise - whether it's protecting rivers or feeding communities, the best solutions often come from thinking differently about resources we already have. Their partnership showed how businesses can be part of the solution while delivering exactly what people need: great food that feels good to eat for all the right reasons. Thank you to chef Paul Freestone, Ed Layton, Hugo Lynch and their team.
YETI: Making Riverside Collaboration Possible
YETI didn't just sponsor the UK River Summit - they made it possible to truly connect by the water. Their support created the outdoor infrastructure that defined the day: a riverside marquee where our main panels took place with the River Wandle flowing just meters away, and a stretch tent that became the heart of our food and drink area. Every attendee received beautiful YETI drinkware to take home, while their gallon jugs and French presses powered the TrueStart Coffee station that kept conversations flowing all day. YETI understood that the best discussions about river protection happen by the river itself, and they provided the quality gear and outdoor expertise to make that vision reality. Sometimes the most important partnerships are the ones that literally create the space for everything else to happen.
A Day of Purpose and Connection
Step into a unique environment where meaningful conversations flow as naturally as the rivers we're here to protect. From dawn panels exploring cutting-edge research to intimate workshops diving deep into practical conservation strategies, every moment is designed to inspire collaborative action and forge lasting partnerships that extend far beyond the day itself.
Cross-Sector Innovation at its Best
Experience the power of diverse perspectives as water companies share insights with wild swimmers, government officials learn from grassroots activists, and cutting-edge technology meets traditional conservation wisdom. This cross-pollination of ideas creates the innovative thinking our rivers desperately need, while offering you unprecedented networking opportunities with leaders from every corner of the environmental movement.
Beyond Talk - Into Action
Witness live demonstrations of revolutionary monitoring technology, participate in hands-on workshops that equip you with practical tools, and engage with "News on the River" where journalists share untold stories from flood zones to wild swimming havens. Every session is crafted to move from discussion to implementation, ensuring you leave with concrete ways to make a difference.
An Atmosphere Like No Other
Set beside the beautiful River Wandle at the historic Morden Hall, the day unfolds with an energy that reflects our commitment to celebrating rivers while urgently addressing their challenges. Between thought-provoking panels, discover art exhibitions inspired by water, enjoy locally-sourced refreshments, and connect with kindred spirits in an environment that feels more like a festival of hope than a traditional summit.
Your Voice Matters
Whether you're a seasoned environmental professional, a concerned citizen, or somewhere in between, your perspective adds vital depth to our collective mission. This is your opportunity to be part of the conversation shaping policy, influencing business decisions, and inspiring the next generation of river champions.
Join the Movement
The UK River Summit represents more than a single day of learning - it's the beginning of year-round engagement, ongoing collaboration, and sustained action towards healthier rivers for generations to come. Be part of this crucial moment where passion meets purpose, and individual concern transforms into collective power.
“I just thought it was a phenomenal day. One of the best I’ve been to. I stayed right until they were packing up around us and I thought that there wasn’t a second that wasn’t interesting and engaging.”
“The River Summit in May 2024 was a really important event for me. Some weeks before, colleagues and I had been engaging a diverse group of river campaigners and conservationists at one of our wastewater works which had spilled into the River Test in March. Once we’d discussed sorting things out at the site, we talked about our shared commitment to work together to improve the ecological status of the Test and Itchen. We’re following through on that now, working with the Catchment Partnership, the Atlantic Salmon Trust and others including river-keepers, regulators, landowners and National Highways. It was important to me to come to the River Summit to listen and take part in discussions about what we can do, in partnership, to improve the health of our precious chalkstreams.”
