Rivers’ Forum 2026
12–13 May 2026 | Micklefield Hall, Hertfordshire
The Rivers’ Forum returns in May 2026, bringing together leaders from across policy, science, farming, industry, conservation, finance and the military community to focus on one urgent challenge: how we work together to restore and protect the health of our rivers.
Hosted by Supporting Wounded Veterans (SWV), the Rivers’ Forum is a unique, invitation-led gathering that prioritises collaboration, communication and coordination. Over two days, delegates will engage in frank discussion, expert panels and focused working groups designed to turn insight into action.
Why the Rivers’ Forum matters
Our rivers are under unprecedented pressure. Addressing pollution, abstraction, land use, biodiversity loss and climate resilience requires more than isolated initiatives, it requires shared understanding, trusted data and collective responsibility.
The Rivers’ Forum exists to:
- Create a neutral, high-level space for constructive dialogue
- Bring together voices that do not often sit in the same room
- Develop practical recommendations that can inform policy and practice
- Connect river restoration with meaningful employment and purpose for veterans
What to expect
Across the two-day forum, attendees can expect:
- Keynote addresses from senior figures in water, environment and public life
- Panel discussions exploring the future of water policy, regulation and accountability
- Evidence-led debate on pollution, monitoring, data and innovation
- Perspectives from farming, industry, NGOs and river trusts
- International insights into river management and restoration
- Facilitated working group sessions focused on solutions and next steps
- Networking and informal discussion, including an evening reception and dinner
- The programme combines strategic discussion with practical outcomes, ensuring conversations lead to measurable progress.
Who should attend
The Rivers’ Forum is an invitation-led event for those with the influence, expertise and responsibility to help shape the future of our rivers.
It is particularly relevant for:
- Policymakers, parliamentarians and advisors
- Regulators and statutory bodies
- Water companies and infrastructure providers
- Environmental NGOs, river trusts and catchment partnerships
- Farmers, landowners and agricultural organisations
- Scientists, researchers and academic institutions
- Industry leaders, investors and innovators
- Legal, planning and environmental professionals
- Philanthropists and charitable trusts
- Veterans and organisations supporting veteran transition
Attendance is intentionally limited to maintain a collaborative, high-trust environment and to ensure meaningful engagement across sectors.
The Veterans’ Rivers Task Force
A core part of the Rivers’ Forum is the Veterans’ Rivers Task Force, an SWV initiative that brings wounded veterans into meaningful environmental work.
Veterans contribute skills in teamwork, planning, operations and data collection to support river monitoring, testing and restoration projects. Working alongside scientists, river trusts, farmers and landowners, the Task Force helps generate robust data to inform action while offering veterans purpose, training and employment opportunities.
Protecting rivers. Restoring purpose.
Venue: Micklefield Hall, Sarratt Rd, Rickmansworth WD3 6AQ
Tickets:Tickets for Rivers’ Forum 2026 will be released in the New Year.
A booking link will be published here once registration opens.
If you would like to register your interest or have any questions about the event, please contact [email protected].