Support Barrier-Free Rivers

Across the UK, more than 70,000 artificial barriers – including weirs, dams and culverts – are fragmenting our rivers and blocking the movement of fish. These structures prevent many species from reaching the habitats they need to feed, spawn and survive.

The statistics are alarming:

• 97% of UK rivers are no longer connected.
• There are an estimated 0.75 barriers for every kilometre of river.
• Only 1% of UK rivers remain completely free of artificial barriers.
• Of the more than 70,000 barriers identified across the UK, less than 1% provide adequate fish passage.

Imagine trying to get home, but every road is blocked. You can see where you need to go, but you simply cannot get there. This is the reality facing wild fish in our rivers every day.

The science is clear: healthy rivers depend on connectivity. Fish need free movement between feeding grounds, spawning areas and nursery habitats. When rivers are fragmented, entire ecosystems suffer.

The solution is straightforward. Wherever possible, obsolete barriers should be removed to restore natural river function. Where removal is not feasible, effective fish passage solutions must become a legal requirement, ensuring fish can move freely throughout river systems.

That is why Wildfish have launched the Barrier Handraiser: HERE

The goal is ambitious: to gather more signatures than there are barriers in UK rivers. More than 70,000 people standing together to demand action for river connectivity, fish passage and healthier freshwater ecosystems.

This autumn, Wildfish plan to present the campaign directly to government, demonstrating the strength of public support for action on river barriers and fish passage legislation.

Please take a moment to share the Barrier Handraiser with your members, supporters,  friends, family and colleagues. Every signature helps raise the profile of this issue, strengthens our case for increased funding for barrier removal, and demonstrates public demand for fish passage legislation to reconnect our rivers.

Together, we can show decision-makers that the public cares about healthy rivers, thriving fish populations and a future where our waterways are once again connected.