Helping the River Eden Ecosystem to Flourish
Friends of the River Eden Ecosystem (FREE) is a vibrant community of people in the River Eden catchment area.
We reconnect with and act for our local nature – happier and healthier together.
Because We're All Part of It
The River Eden meanders through the towns and villages of Surrey and Kent before joining the River Medway at Penshurst.
Although its waters and tributaries support a rich variety of wildlife – from kingfishers, fish and dragonflies to wildflowers and water plants – the whole ecosystem is under pressure.
It is up to us - often unknowingly the source of that pressure - to act, to make a difference, knowing that when we do, we are supporting our own physical and mental wellbeing at the same time.
Friends of the River Eden Ecosystem (FREE) exists to reconnect people and nature for the benefit of both.
Our Vision, Our Dream
What if the River Eden was full of fish?
What if the water was clean?
What if children could play in the rivers?
What if the rivers teemed with wildlife?
What We Do
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Citizen Science
Our volunteers play a vital role in protecting the River Eden. We map the nature around us so that we can support our native species and control invasive non-native species. We rigorously sample and test the quality of the river water. Citizen science enables us to share essential data and provide the local knowledge that larger organisations need. Together we can improve our (Environment Agency designated) “ecologically poor” river.
Campaigning
Petition now open calls on Government to ensure that all new wastewater infrastructure be built to well-established, higher international standards. Read more and sign the petition.
Cleaning a stream is more than an act of environmental conservation. It is also a form of proactive, quiet activism.
Change is slowly happening, but sometimes, you also need to make a placard and march on Parliament!
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Why We Care
With wellies on and determination in hand, FREE is on a mission to reverse decades of harm to our local waterways and the ecosystems they support.
If not us, then who? If not now, then when?
Every small action matters. Together, we can restore the health of our rivers today… and for generations to come.
Today's Challenging Reality
The Environment Agency has rated the River Eden as Environmentally Poor.
Some of the causes are:
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Litter.
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Storm overflows.
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Untreated wastewater.
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Limited free movement of fish due to weirs, tunnels and pipes.
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Agricultural pesticide, herbicide and fertiliser run-off.
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Invasive non-native species such as Himalayan Balsam plants, signal crayfish, mink.
Join In
Undaunted by the obstacles, our growing group of volunteers hold a firm vision of healthy, thriving waterways.
We welcome support and there are plenty of ways to get involved.
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Volunteering: Wet & Wild volunteers are involved outdoors in the environment, and Dry & Devoted volunteers bring their skills to support FREE behind the scenes.
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Come along to on a 'Get To Know Your River' walk and talk.
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Get your wellies on for some energetic 'Himalayan Balsam Bashing' and litter picking along the Eden River banks.
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Join a FREE Water Quality Testing talk-and-walk.
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Work alongside upstream and downstream groups in Limpsfield, Edenbridge and Lingfield.
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Read our quarterly newsletter for event dates and news.
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Contact Us
because we're all part of it.
Please email us if you'd like to get involved, or have questions.
We'd love to hear from you: