An emerging grassroots movement in Stratford-on-Avon District
Nurturing relationships with our 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 our local water bodies and all their biodiversity. Join us as we weave love, memory and stewardship for thriving ecosystems and sustainable communities.
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. …
This year's Big Picture Film Festival in Stratford-Upon-Avon opens with a screening of 'Ocean', with David Attenborough. Join us for this stunning documentary exploring the [...]
The Big Picture Film Festival 2025 comes to Stratford-Upon-Avon between 28-31 August. Along with the Live and Local team, @netzerostratford and Welcome Here: Stratford-upon-Avon, River Hope [...]
This water-themed series of six creative writing workshops will explore our feelings, memories and experiences of the different states of water and water bodies near [...]
Explore River Hope’s stories, insights, and reflections on our local water bodies, wildlife and ecosystems.
Water springs to life
Photographing water in spring captures its role as a source of renewal and vitality. As winter’s grip loosens, our rivers flow with renewed vigour, reflecting the season’s awakening. Spring’s arrival …
Manuela Perteghella MP joins our First Ripples Session
At our First Ripples session on Saturday March 8, we were delighted to be joined by our Member of Parliament for Stratford-on-Avon District, Manuela Perteghella. MP Perteghella has long been …
Our winter waters
The photographers working with River Hope are collaborating year-round to take pictures and videos, produce new works and draw out themes and moods from their own portfolios. Some of their …
See what is making ripples beyond South Warwickshire, from other UK initiatives to global movements.
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 …
“Riversong”: a poem by Robert Macfarlane
River Hope celebrates the power of creativity, including through verse, to inspire, move and mobilize. Robert Macfarlane is a celebrated Nature writer, Professor of English Literature and the Environmental Humanities …
World Water Day: 22 March
UN Water is the United Nations agency dedicated to water and sanitation. It publishes a flagship report every year on World Water Day, exploring the same theme as World Water …
