About Us

A new chapter in the Trust’s life opened in 2018 as we changed our name to the Forth Rivers Trust.

Previously known as the River Forth Fisheries Trust, we decided that to continue the development of the Trust and make sure it is an organisation which can tackle issues rivers face in the Forth, a name change and upgrade of the logo was needed to reflect the work being undertaken.

Our core objectives have been modernised to reflect the diverse range of projects we lead on.  The Forth Rivers Trust will still carry out the same role as the River Forth Fisheries Trust with all of the previous core objectives being incorporated in our new ones.

The Trust was first set up in 2009 to protect, conserve and enhance freshwater fish, primarily salmon and sea trout within the Forth District. As the organisation developed and grew, its focus became more holistic looking at the wider environment, wildlife and communities within river catchments rather than a narrow focus of fish. 

Our new vision statement and core objectives for the Forth Rivers Trust can be seen below:

Forth Rivers Trust Vision Statement

By 2045, the rivers and wildlife of the Forth will be healthy and vibrant. Our rivers will be naturally functioning, unrestricted by barriers, free from pollution, and filled with the widest possible range of native species, benefiting the environment and local communities.

We will strive to promote a future where people and nature can co-exist in the harmony of a green and ethical economy, enhancing overall community wellbeing and ensuring a biodiverse and resilient environment.  We will work with communities to ensure they can enjoy and appreciate rivers for both recreational purposes and their wildlife, inspiring action on a local scale for river protection and conservation.  

The Forth will become a model for river restoration projects, showcasing habitat creation and management methods and pioneering how nature-based solutions are used in nature restoration. We will use the best available scientific knowledge, data, advice and expertise to develop an understanding of the importance of healthy rivers and wildlife. 

Forth Rivers Trust 2045 Strategy

The Trust has developed a 2045 strategy to help guide our work over the next two decades. This high level strategy will be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure that the organisation is using best practice, focused on what needs to be delivered and using the most up to date knowledge for conserving rivers in the Forth.

We welcome you to read our 2045 strategy below.

FRT Strategy 2045 FINAL

CORE OBJECTIVES

Rivers

• Provide a voice for rivers at a national, regional and local scale whilst promoting sustainable catchment management to all users of rivers in the Forth System.

Wildlife

• Promote and protect all wildlife which use rivers to thrive.

Communities

• Engage communities with all aspects of rivers and their wildlife through a range of activities and learning opportunities to promote the sustainable use of rivers.

Science

• Provide robust scientific evidence relating to rivers and the wildlife they hold to inform policy, target restoration projects and engage communities.

The Forth Rivers Trust is committed to being an actual living wage employer and supports the commitments within the Scottish Government Fair Work First guidance by encouraging effective voice, investing in its workforce, opposing the use of zero-hour contracts, taking action to tackle the gender pay gap and create a more diverse and inclusive workplace, offers flexible and family-friendly working practices and opposes the use of fire and rehire.