River Hope

An emerging grassroots movement in Stratford-on-Avon District

Nurturing relationships with local water ecosystems through creativity, ceremony and action

About River Hope

River Hope is an emerging grassroots movement focused on the water catchments of the rivers Avon, Arrow and Stour in South Warwickshire. Through a community-led participatory process, it brings people together to explore creativity, reflection and celebration, and to better protect local water bodies and all their biodiversity. Join us as we weave love, memory and stewardship for thriving ecosystems and sustainable communities.

Read More
River Hope Ripples Logo

Get involved

Here’s how you can get involved in River Hope activities and events across Stratford-on-Avon District in 2025.

First Ripple sessions

First conceived in October 2024, River Hope is a community participatory process in an embryonic state of emergence. So far it receives no funding, is not an established organisation and …

Our emerging groups: photography

Photographing water is more than just capturing it as part of the landscape.  Whether streaming from a spring, collecting in pools, or flowing in rivers, water is ancient and elemental. …

Read More

The Gathering

The Gathering is a South Warwickshire-wide celebration of water, creativity and community. Rooted in Stratford-upon-Avon, it brings people together to explore water as a living presence through talks, workshops, art, storytelling and collective action. Throughout March 2026, residents, schools, organisations and creatives will unite to imagine healthier rivers, stronger communities and a more connected future.

Check out The Gathering

Events

Explore our calendar of happenings across South Warwickshire, bringing people together to connect with water, place and community. From creative workshops and storytelling evenings to riverside clean-ups, talks and film screenings, each event offers a chance to learn, imagine and take action. Whether you’re a resident, creative, school or local group, there’s something meaningful to join. Visit our Events page to see what’s coming up.

Check out all Events

Blog

Explore River Hope’s stories, insights, and reflections on our local water bodies, wildlife and ecosystems.

Announcing “The Gathering”

“The Gathering: for water and Nature” was launched on Monday 1 December at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon. The programme will take place locally between 6-15 March, 2026. About …

A river comes alive in Stratford Library

Last Saturday, 4 October, nearly 200 people of all ages visited Stratford-Upon-Avon Library as part of the national Fun Palaces community programme. In a creative collaboration between River Hope and …

A river summer

A long, dry summer has had an impact on the rivers and on the environment generally, highlighting the importance of water as plants and animals adopt different strategies in order …

Read More

Elsewhere

See what is making ripples beyond South Warwickshire, from other UK initiatives to global movements.

Voice of water

On 6th September 2025, River Hope’s convenor attended an inspiring event “Voice of Water” at the Tate Modern in London. This was a transnational conversation on the rights of rivers …

Did you know – it’s World Water Week?

No better time to think about love, memory and stewardship for all water bodies – near and far – and the web of life in their ecosystems. World Water Week …

River Rescue Kit

RiverActionUK recently published its River Rescue Kit. Using a clear and easy-to-follow format, the River Rescue Kit: Several informative videos are available, including those below on: Have a look, use …

Read More