River Rangers play an important role in helping to keep our rivers healthy. They monitor conditions, carry out inspections, manage issues, and work closely with communities to protect the habitats of local wildlife.

Severn Trent’s River Rangers cover a broad area, from Staffordshire along the River Trent to Gloucestershire along the River Severn, and many other waterways in between.

Recently, the River Rangers reached 10,000 visits to rivers and waterways across the region, while meeting with more than 2,500 customers and holding 710 meetings with community groups.

Morning Routine:

The Ranger’s day begins early, and the first task of the day is to review the weather forecast. Rain can have a big impact, causing river levels to rise quickly, so this must be considered when planning the day’s inspections.

Once the ranger has a clear picture of what the day holds, it’s time to head out. The first task typically involves inspecting outfalls from our network, the points where drainage systems release water into the river.  As part of inspections to check everything is working as it should they look for visual clues, listen for any unusual sounds, and most importantly, take in the surrounding smells.

River Ranger for Birmingham, Worcestershire, Warwickshire and South Staffordshire, Randall Smith, explains:

“After a while, you can just tell when something’s not right. It’s a skill you develop over time, and it's important for when we see a problem before it becomes an issue.”

Inspection Process:

If the Ranger finds something unusual during the check, they conduct an ammonia test to see if there’s anything we don’t want present in the water. Testing for it helps to gather concrete evidence that can then start an investigation into what’s going on.

Even though these inspections are routine, they are critical to maintaining the health of the river and the different species that live in them.  

Randall added: “I’ve learned to spot the signs quickly. The quicker we can identify issues, the better we can address them.

“In the River Severn alone, we have 27 varieties of fish such as Pike, Salmon, Bream, Carp, Trout, Chub, Barbel and Perch and even otters, so it’s important to us that we do our bit to keep their habitats safe and clean.”

One of the most rewarding aspects of the job is the opportunity to engage with local communities and environmental groups. Over the years, Randall has built strong relationships with residents, volunteers, and river users, ensuring that the public understands the importance of river health.  Randall continued:

“It’s not only about checking outfalls or testing water. It’s about building trust with the people who live near the rivers and use them too, showing that we are committed to protecting the rivers they rely on every day.  That connection with the community is what makes all the hard work worth it.”

Variety in the Job:

Randall’s duties cover a large area, ranging from the rural, peaceful parts of the rivers to the more heavily trafficked sections. Each area comes with its own set of challenges, whether it’s managing pollution in urban areas or monitoring water quality in rural settings.

Collaboration and Teamwork:

Throughout the day, Randall works closely with other environmental agencies, local authorities, and fellow River Rangers. The teamwork is key to ensuring that we all work together to make sure the river’s health is continuously monitored.  This work can range from things such as river clean-ups and community outreach initiatives.

Impact and Reflection:

At the end of each day, the Randall reflects on the work completed, whether it’s identifying a pollution source or meeting with local groups.  

“The best part of the job is knowing that I’m not just monitoring water levels or looking for problems. I’m part of something bigger—a community effort to protect something vital for future generations.

 “Every day feels like we’re taking a step closer to making sure these rivers are healthy and protected for years to come.”