Wigan’s Wader Crusaders On A Mission To Improve Water Quality In Rivers

Some super heroes wear capes, but in the case of two environmental officers based in Wigan, it’s waders that are the main dress code.

It was recently reported that only 14% of UK rivers had a “good” ecological status. Healthy rivers are vital for biodiversity and for human health and wellbeing. Rivers provide habitats for a range of wildlife, protect against flooding and provide beautiful places for recreation and reflection.

Samuel Gibson and Sam Phillips work for Groundwork. As guardians of the local rivers, they’re on a mission to ensure that we all play our part in improving the quality of the water. Their work has led to them becoming known locally as The Super Sams.

Taking positive action

The two wader crusaders work alongside a range local organisations and volunteers. Together they carry out regular sampling to monitor the health of local rivers and teach volunteers how they can do this. They also organise community action days: clearing rubbish, repairing river banks and removing non-native species that can cause environmental damage, degrade habitats and increase the risk of flooding. Their aim is to involve as many people and organisations as possible in looking after our rivers.

Spreading the word

They’ve recently carried out a series of presentations in local schools which have captured the imagination of young people. Their aim is to help children to understand and appreciate the importance of rivers, not just for fresh drinking water and for people’s livelihoods, but also for nature. The children also learn about some of wildlife that rely on rivers for their habitat and how rivers can benefit people’s health and wellbeing.

Samuel Gibson says: “Having healthy rivers isn’t just important for wildlife, but for human health and wellbeing too. We’re really enjoying going out to schools and local communities and showing people how we can all make a real difference to our local environment.”

Sam Phillips says: “Our aim is to make volunteering an enjoyable experience, spending time in nature, meeting new people and knowing you’re having a positive impact in your community. We’ve had a great response so far but we’d love it if even more people got in touch and got involved.”

Get involved

Want to get involved in improving local rivers to help people and wildlife?

Call the Love My River team on 01942 821 444.
Email Samuel.Gibson@groundwork.org.uk or
Check out @Love My River on Facebook or X (Twitter).

Having healthy rivers isn’t just important for wildlife, but for human health and wellbeing too.