An environmental charity is casting its net to find a River Tweed champion.
Residents of the Scottish Borders and north Northumberland are being asked to shine a spotlight on people who make a lasting difference to the river by nominating them for the 2026 Tweed Forum River Champion Award.
Tweed Forum has been running the prestigious award since 2016 in order to recognise individuals who are dedicated to helping protect and enhance the natural, built and cultural heritage of the River Tweed.
Whether contributing through their work, volunteering or personal commitment, nominees can come from all walks of life including farming, forestry, angling, conservation, education and community work.
The River Tweed is one of the UK’s most important river systems and covers a 5,000 km² cross-border catchment with 86 per cent in Scotland and 14 per cent in England.
It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation with a network of tributaries that includes the Teviot, Ettrick, Gala and Leader Waters, the Whiteadder and the River Till plus many smaller watercourses.
The Tweed supports more than 500 jobs and contributes an estimated £24 million to the local economy each year.
The 2025 Tweed Forum River Champion Award was won by Peeblesshire farm manager, Matt Griffin, whose nature-inspired approach to agriculture is boosting land resilience and enhancing biodiversity in the upper catchment.
Other previous recipients have included people working to restore woodlands, monitor riverflies, tackle non-native invasive plant species, conserve historic buildings, campaign against pollution and improve wildlife habitat.
Together, their work highlights the many different ways that individuals are contributing to the health of the Tweed catchment.
Luke Comins, Tweed Forum CEO, said: “Looking after a river as special as the Tweed relies on the dedication of many people who often work quietly behind the scenes.
“Our Tweed Forum River Champion Award is an opportunity to celebrate those individuals whose passion, knowledge and hard work are making a genuine difference to the river environment. We encourage anyone who knows someone who is making a positive impact to nominate them for this year’s Award.”
The Tweed Forum River Champion Award is open to anyone living or working in the Scottish Borders or North Northumberland who is dedicated to the welfare of the river.
Their championing of the river can include any activity undertaken since 2018 and can be carried out through their employment, through volunteering or any other personal commitment.
Nominations should be made in writing by post or email by Friday, September 11 and full details are available on the Tweed Forum website.
