The Wear Rivers Trust was launched in November 2008 in an amalgamation of The Weardale Environmental Trust and River Wear Environment Trust. Both previous Trusts have a proven track record on different aspects of the River Wear. This amalgamation of groups and adoption of the Rivers Trusts principles allows the Wear Rivers Trust to work at a catchment scale; making the link between the land, the river, and the pressures placed upon it by communities and industry within the catchment.

The Trust develops projects, raises funds and works in partnerships to research the state of the river environment and undertake informed actions towards the improvement of the Wear catchment. We also believe it is vital to raise the awareness of the value of the River Wear to people from region, country and further afield. To this end we take every opportunity to educate people about the work we do, the importance of their environment and what they can do to make a difference.

We believe that the River Wear is a precious freshwater resource that everyone should be proud of. We want to encourage people to enjoy their Wear.

The Wear Rivers Trust has no statutory powers but aims to work with the appropriate authorities to best improve and manage the catchment. We rely entirely on the goodwill and help of others to make positive changes.

The Wear Rivers Trust is the only charity dedicated to conserving and protecting the River Wear, its tributaries and surrounding countryside for all.

Fish Movement

The European Water Framework Directive demands free passage for all migratory fish and eels upstream to their breeding habitat. Failure to provide this results in a less than 'good' status for a river or stream. At the most extreme this will lead to fines imposed on England by the European Council, at a more local level obstructions to fish passage can lead to declining populations of fish and eels and even extinction with knock on effects to the rest of the ecosystem and local economy. Whilst it may be a popular pastime on the Wear to watch fish jumping up weirs, bridge aprons and other structures these obstructions need to be overcome by easements or fish passes.

River Users

The River Wear provides an excellent facility for many leisure pursuits from angling to canoeing or simply relaxing beside the water and enjoying its wildlife. The river and its catchment is also a potentially fragile eco-system which needs to be respected and treated with care.

The Wear Rivers Trust wishes to work with all users to improve understanding of the river system, improve access to enjoy the river and engender better understanding of each groups needs along with the long-term needs of the catchment both ecologically and as an important resource.