SOCIAL IMPACT

Inspiring, empowering and connecting communities

£1m+

value delivered VIA Stewardship Partnership
(2023-24)

6000

volunteer hours Facilitated
(2023-24)

full time apprentices since 2020

people completed the Stewardship Skills Programme

our commitment

Through our social enterprise arm; Riverlution, we train volunteers, educate young people and support communities to maintain their rivers.

Committed to being net zero by 2030 or before

River Stewardship Company's (RSC) commitment to net zero is deeply integrated into its environmental management strategies, particularly focusing on river and riparian habitats.

This comprehensive approach involves several key activities including Biodiversity enhancement, nature – based solutions, community and training initiatives.

Striving towards our net zero goals

The River Stewardship Company's integrated approach to managing river and riparian habitats exemplifies how environmental management and biodiversity improvement can significantly contribute to achieving net zero. Through habitat restoration, nature-based solutions, community engagement, and alignment with environmental policies, the RSC demonstrates a sustainable model that not only addresses current ecological challenges but also ensures long-term environmental resilience and carbon neutrality.

Our Net Zero working group reviews progress on Net Zero initiatives within the Company and looks for new ideas to help drive our Net Zero journey.

working with local communities

Projects

Another Successful Moorland Restoration Season (2024-25)

Minewater Attenuation and Treatment Scheme

The RSC have designed and built Minewater attenuation ponds within the Shire Brook Valley Nature Reserve on behalf of Sheffield City Council.

Forging a sustainable future for our rivers with Gripple Ltd

Gripple Ltd lead the way for businesses supporting Riverlution's work on the rivers

Riverlution Sheffield Stewardship Partnership

Join the Movement, Join the Riverlution. The 'Sheffield Stewardship Partnership' scheme connects Sheffield businesses and communities with it's rivers.

Riverside Wellbeing Walks

Riverlution's seasonal programme of riverside wellbeing aim aiming to support positive mental health benefits simply by walking by water #behappybeblue

Supporting the river community - KINCA

Supporting the river community - Kelham Island and Neepsend Community Alliance

River Witham Flood Plain Reconnection and in-channel environmental improvements

The RSC have recently completed an in-channel habitat restoration, creation and improvement project within and alongside the River Witham.

Nature-based Erosion Protection

We are working in partnership with the EA to plan, design, install and maintain a natural based erosion protection scheme.

Invasive Non-Native Species Management - Environment Agency

We are currently finishing Phase 1 of one of the largest catchment-scale invasive non-native species management projects in the country.

River Stewardship Skills Scheme

The River Stewardship Skills Scheme is a flexible learning programme for those considering a career in river management or environmental conservation.

River Clean Up Day - Efficiency North

The Riverlution Team joined forces with Efficiency North for a river clean up day in support of their Sustainable Climate Action Strategy launch.

Greater Manchester Irwell Invasive Surveys

A full survey of the River Irwell catchment area for Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) as part of the Natural Course EU Life Integrated Project

Invasive Non-Native Species Survey Update - The Environment Agency

The RSC are carrying out a full treatment programme for Giant Hogweed, Japanese Knotweed and Floating Pennywort on all main rivers in Yorkshire

Post flood event blockage removal - River Sheaf

The RSC are framework contractors for emergency conveyance issues in and around Yorkshire.

Lower Don Valley Tree Works - Sheffield City Council

As part of the Sheffield Lower Don Valley Flood Defence Project, we have carried out a phased, proactive programme of tree management.

Sphagnum Moss Planting - Moors for the Future Partnership

River Stewardship Company has been delivering large sphagnum moss planting contracts for the Moors for the Future Partnership for the last 2 years.

Lower Don Valley Flood Defence - Sheffield City Council

We are currently delivering the 5-year river channel maintenance element of the Lower Don Valley Flood Defence Project.

Revealing Rivers

By setting up a network of hidden cameras along the river, we can gain a snapshot of the species living along its banks.

The Friends of the Blue Loop

The Friends of the Blue Loop are a voluntary group that help care for and maintain the beautiful waterways of the Don and Tinsley Canal.

Maintenance & Volunteer Day Programme - Crystal Peaks

Since 2013, we have been delivering maintenance on the Ochre Dike through a programme of monthly volunteer days.

Shoal Redistribution - Don Catchment Rivers Trust

We redistributed river bed material at the bottom of a fish pass installed at Ball Street Weir, Sheffield.

Sand Martin Habitat Creation - Sheffield City Council

Sand martin barrels and nest boxes were created and installed on the bank of the River Don, Sheffield.

River Restoration Project - Ebsford Environmental

Subcontracting to Ebsford Environmental, we delivered a programme of tree felling and stump grinding at Cannon Hall Museum Park and Gardens, Barnsley.

Woodland Thinning - Staffordshire Wildlife Trust

In March 2019, River Stewardship Company carried out vital thinning works across 3 woodlands as part of the SUNRISE Project for Staffordshire Wildlife Trust.

Tree Management - Network Rail

Preventing at-risk crack willow trees from falling into the river channel and causing blockages upstream of Leeds station.

Emergency Tree Work - Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme

After a period of strong winds, a number of trees had fallen into the River Aire in Kirkstall, Leeds, some causing an obstruction across the width of the river.

Invasive Non-Native Species Management - Yorkshire Water

We have carried out invasive non-native species management at a number of Yorkshire Water sites.

Debris 'Wracking' Removal - Environment Agency

After high water events of each winter, we have been on hand to remove significant quantities of debris on the banks of all main rivers in Yorkshire.

Maintenance Programme - Forgemasters, Sheffield

Riparian landowner Forgemasters contacted us in 2012 to ask for an ongoing maintenance package to help reduce flood risk at their riverside site in Sheffield.

Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme - Leeds City Council

Leeds activities include proactive and reactive tree management, invasive and non-native species management.

Vegetation Management Framework - Environment Agency

For the past 5 years the RSC has been one of 2 Government Gateway Lot 2c framework contractors, serving the Environment Agency in the Yorkshire region.

Splide styles

Passionate about your community?

Join us on our mission to create usable, liveable, enjoyable spaces by tending to our local waterways together.

Get in touch

Through our social enterprise arm; Riverlution, we train volunteers, educate young people and support communities to maintain their rivers.

Through our social enterprise arm, we train volunteers, educate young people and give back to communities.

Driven by Community

Employment opportunities

Community building

Future-proofing society