Supporting capacity and capability of organisations working to improve freshwater environments

To help us make progress towards our impact goal of ‘clean and healthy freshwater’, we commissioned the Cardiff University Water Research Institute to undertake a review of organisations working to restore the freshwater environment across the UK.

One of the biggest challenges to the UK environment is the poor state of freshwater and the amplifying impact of climate change on it. We commissioned this report to understand what issues people in the sector saw as the most important to make progress on, and the degree of consensus around them.

This report will help to inform how we direct our resources towards healthy freshwater so that they will have the greatest effect. We also hope it will be useful for others working in this area.

We’re grateful to Cardiff University Water Research Institute, and the individuals and organisations that contributed their expertise.

Learn more

Latest

You might be interested in

  • 16

    Applying for Youth-Led Creativity funding

    See the guidance for applying to the Youth-Led Creativity Fund. Co-designed with Esmée's Involving Young People Collective, we expect to make 12 to 16 grants, totalling £2m, over 2026 and 2027, and will be focusing our support on organisations based in and working in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales.

    Read more
  • Caroline.png

    Dame Caroline Mason to step down as Chief Executive of Esmée Fairbairn Foundation

    After 13 years leading the Foundation as our Chief Executive, Dame Caroline Mason will be stepping down from her role in early 2027. Caroline has developed and strengthened the Foundation’s work in lasting ways and her influence has spread far beyond Esmée.

    Read more
  • youth-led creativity panel

    Youth-Led Creativity funding Q&A: 16 July 2026

    Watch our Q&A webinar about our Youth-Led Creativity funding, which will open to applications in July 2026.

    Read more