British Rowing launches second year of the Thriving Waters Scheme supported by Delphis Eco

Clubs are invited to submit projects that will help their local stretch of water thrive, through water testing, litter clean-ups, or action on invasive species.

One of the key objectives of British Rowing’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy is to ‘Help our Waters Thrive’. In line with this and to coincide with The Big River Watch, taking place from 19-25 September, we are delighted to be opening applications for the Thriving Waters Scheme for 2025-26 to help affiliated clubs and organisations keep their local stretch of water thriving and accessible for the long term.

Also taking place this week, The Big River Watch is a nationwide citizen science initiative inviting anyone to get involved in protecting rivers across the UK. The Rivers Trust needs more information on the quality of your rivers, and this survey will help them identify and locate the issues your river is facing. It only takes ten minutes and is a visual exercise.

Go to the survey

The Thriving Waters Scheme is supported by Delphis Eco, who will donate 5% of their sales from British Rowing customers back to the scheme when using our British Rowing code CLEANRIVERS that will also save you 10% off all Delphis Eco products.

The Thriving Waters scheme will support projects involving:

• Water testing
• Litter clean-ups
• Invasive species management/removal
• Installation of water butts and buckets to assist with boat cleaning

Successful projects will receive a tailored package of support, including, where appropriate:

• An introduction to any existing, similar projects happening nearby
• Funding to cover all/part of the project
• Advice through The Rowing Clean Water Partnership (The Rivers Trust, Waterwatch, and River Action)
• Advice on external funding sources for which the project is in scope, and guidance on making an application.

Last year, we supported seven projects ranging from equipment for floating pennywort removal, to river bank cleans, to supporting clubs or regions set up water testing groups. Applications came from across the country and from schools, clubs, universities, and regions.

A few case studies are noted below from Year 1:

Northwich Rowing Club – BR-funded Floating Pennywort Clear Up Kit (£350 grant)

Northwich has a River Management Team that goes out on Thursday mornings to manage the riverbank and pennywort. They have been working from a launch and from the bank to cut back overhanging branches and brambles. The thinking behind it was that the clearer the water’s edge is, the less the pennywort will have to cling on to. They have been using their newly purchased equipment, including scythes and heavy-duty rakes.

Putney Town – BR funded reagents for E.coli test (£350 grant)

In January, Putney Town Rowing Club launched a six-month project to test the river for E.coli bacteria at its boating steps near Chiswick Bridge. British Rowing funded all consumables and we shared in the use of an Alert One, lent to Fulham Reach Boat Club by River Action.
26 club members joined PTRC’s Water Testing Group to support weekly sample collection and data analysis. Each week, results are uploaded to an open-access area of the club website. So far, there have been 152 views from 85 unique visitors. Club members’ interest in the initiative has encouraged the creation of a Sustainability Officer role to foster greener protocols at PTRC. The project has also captured interest further afield with features appearing on City News, GB News, and in the Metro newspaper. Lastly, the testing process is due to be part of a photographic art project.

How to Apply

Complete the application form here:

Application Form

The deadline for submissions to the British Rowing Thriving Waters Scheme 2025-6 is midnight on 30 November 2025. Got a question? Please contact [email protected]

Applications to be assessed by a panel consisting of representatives of The Rivers Trust, River Action, HM Government’s Animal and Plant Health Agency, Delphis, and British Rowing’s Sustainability Lead.

The criteria for assessing the applications are:

Criterion	Weighting
Impact of the project	30%
Viability of the project	25%
Scale and ambition – long term thinking and likelihood of the proposed activity to improve the water for the medium to long term	15%
Research/action relating to the project to date	10%
Desire to work with the local community	10%
Identification of project lead within the club	10%

We will respond by email to all applications once they have been assessed after the closing date, whether they have been successful or not.