Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART)

Who we are

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is an independent environmental charity (Registered Charity No. 1154348), proudly part of the Rivers Trust movement, and passionately committed to protecting and restoring the rivers and streams of the Bristol Avon catchment. The Trust was founded in March 2012 with a passionate mission: to create a clear, healthy, and thriving future for our rivers – restoring life, connecting communities, and protecting these vital blue arteries for generations to come.

Our mission is to nurture vibrant, resilient rivers that reflect their natural state, alive with fish and wildlife. By empowering communities and collaborating with stakeholders, charities, and businesses, we aim to create lasting environmental and societal benefits, ensuring our rivers thrive for generations to come.

In the years following the pandemic, BART entered a phase of ambitious growth and delivery – expanding both the scale and depth of our work. Over this transformative three-year period, we delivered a powerful set of outcomes across the catchment, creating a strong foundation for even greater impact in the years ahead.

Our culture and values

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is built on a culture of collaboration, innovation, and a deep commitment to protecting and restoring rivers for the benefit of all. Here are the key values that guide BART’s work and define its culture:

Environmental Stewardship:

We are committed to being a responsible steward of the environment, working tirelessly to protect and enhance the health of the Bristol Avon catchment and its surrounding landscapes.

Community Engagement:

We value the active involvement and engagement of local communities in our work. We strive to empower individuals and communities to become advocates for river conservation and restoration and to take action themselves to improve the health of their local rivers.

Collaboration:

BART recognises that addressing complex environmental challenges requires collaboration and partnership across various sectors. We actively seek out partnerships with governmental agencies, non-profit organisations, businesses, and local communities to achieve shared goals.

Integrity:

We operate with honesty, transparency, and integrity in all aspects of their work. We are committed to upholding high ethical standards and being accountable to our stakeholders.

Innovation:

We embrace innovation and creative problem-solving in their approach to river conservation and restoration. We continuously seek out new ideas, technologies, and approaches to improve our effectiveness and impact.

Equality, diversity and inclusion policy

Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) is committed to creating an inclusive environment where equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are at the heart of its operations, outreach, and culture.