“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 40 creatives, citizen scientists, community groups and nature guardians from across South Warwickshire came together in an atmosphere of collaboration, curiosity, sharing and optimism. A networking evening with drinks and canapés was followed by a 
presentation outlining the overarching vision (Remember | Reflect | Restore) and an initial outline of a programme of activities that will take place across Stratford-on-Avon District and river catchments. Participants were then invited to share responses and further ideas for shaping the programme over the next few months and pledge support for specific activities and sessions.
The event showed there is enthusiasm and a strong local appetite to collaborate, learn, and take positive action for rivers and nature. The next step is to help co-create the programme and get involved through volunteering, venue support, social media, in-kind contributions, organisational partnerships and sponsorship.
Activities planned for The Gathering span the creative arts, community-led events, a water and river-themed Film Festival, educational sessions, and practical action for water and Nature stewardship. It will bring people together from different perspectives and interests, and engaging hearts as well as minds. So there will be something for everyone – because when it comes to restoring water, rivers and Nature, we are all needed, everywhere.
As part of this positive action, The Gathering organisers also announced the Clean, Green and Blue Stratford Challenge, which will launch during the Great British Spring Clean 2026. Steered by Rubbish Friends, residents and organisations will be invited to participate in coordinated clean-up and nature-care activities across Stratford-upon-Avon.
The Gathering coincides with the International Day of Action for Rivers (on 14 March), a global moment dedicated to river protection and the deep interconnections between water, riverine ecosystems and human thriving and wellbeing.
Catalysed by River Hope, The Gathering builds on a wider initiative and participatory grassroots process started in October 2024 to celebrate water, local river ecosystems and their biodiversity, rooted in our relationships between place, community and the web of life. The Gathering is supported by Rubbish Friends, Brook Arts Hub, Moving Souls Dance and a growing network of partners.
Save the date: The next update and planning meeting for The Gathering will be on 22 January 2026 at Venture House Community Hub in Stratford-Upon-Avon, hosted by Stratford Town Trust – more details will be posted here early in the New Year. We invite local residents, community groups, organisations, schools, businesses and venues to get involved and help develop and support the Gathering programme over the next few months.
For more information, please contact:
Mary Manandhar, River Hope – riverhopeinfo@gmail.com
Claudine Pearson, Rubbish Friends – rubbishfriendssua@gmail.com