River Basin Management Plans

What is a river basin management plan?

River basins are managed through river basin management plans (RBMPs), a legal framework for protecting and improving the water environment. Find out how they work, why they matter, and where you can get more information about your local RBMP.

Have your sayA picture of a river flowing through lush green foliage, with sunlight glistening on the water's surface.

RBMP Working Together Public Consultation

“Working Together” is a 6-month statutory consultation, starting updates of the 2027 River Basin Management Plans. Beginning 14 November 2024, your responses will help shape the future of our rivers.

Data, evidence and analysis

Map highlighting the area around Welwick, Weeton, and Skeffling, with blue shading and labeled locations.

How to use the catchment data explorer

The catchment data explorer allows you to access the data and maps for your river basin district and water environment.

- Read the guide
- Explore the data


nteractive map displaying the River Basin Management Plan, highlighting protected areas and various water quality designations across England.

Challenges to the water environment

Find detailed background, evidence and analysis on the challenges facing the water environment.





A serene lakeside view featuring greenish algae on the water's surface, surrounded by lush greenery and ferns.

Reasons for not achieving good status

Reasons for not achieving good (RNAG) and reasons for deterioration (RFD) record the source, activity and sector involved in causing an element to be at less than good status.

Plans and programmesA serene forest scene with a gentle, flowing stream surrounded by lush green trees and moss-covered rocks. Sunlight filters through the leaves.

Programmes of measures

The measures and actions needed to protect and improve water are summarised in the programme of measures. You can access the main mechanisms to protect and improve the water environment in each river basin district.



A hand holds a photo of a dry lakebed, contrasting with the vibrant green landscape and water of the current lake view.

Programmes of measures

The measures and actions needed to protect and improve water are summarised in the programme of measures. You can access the main mechanisms to protect and improve the water environment in each river basin district.




A panoramic view of a serene valley with two lakes, surrounded by lush green hills under a dramatic, cloudy sky. A stone ruin is in the foreground.

Topic action plans

These plans provide a summary of action in the short, medium and long term for 12 key topics including climate change, nature recovery, chalk streams and delivering a resilient water supply.


Working in partnershipPresentation slide titled "A Catchment Approach to Restoring London’s Rivers" by Carolina Pinto, Thames21, October 2024.

Restoring London’s rivers and delivering RBMP’s: A catchment approach

In partnership with the River Restoration Centre and Thames21, we presented a webinar on 23 October 2024 to share learning on community involvement in restoring catchments, natural flood management, and achieving Biodiversity Net Gain.



Illustration promoting water management collaboration among various stakeholders, including local authorities, NGOs, and communities.

Catchment Based Approach (CaBA)

The Environment Agency works in collaboration with many partners including CaBA, a community-led approach that engages people and groups from across society to help improve our precious water environments. Find out more about CaBA and where your local group is.

Thank you for visiting our new water hub. This is a pilot service. We acknowledge not everything is covered here yet, this is a new offering which will grow over the coming months.

What is a river basin management plan?

River basins are managed through river basin management plans (RBMPs), a legal framework for protecting and improving the water environment. Find out how they work, why they matter, and where you can get more information about your local RBMP.

Have your sayA picture of a river flowing through lush green foliage, with sunlight glistening on the water's surface.

RBMP Working Together Public Consultation

“Working Together” is a 6-month statutory consultation, starting updates of the 2027 River Basin Management Plans. Beginning 14 November 2024, your responses will help shape the future of our rivers.

Data, evidence and analysis

Map highlighting the area around Welwick, Weeton, and Skeffling, with blue shading and labeled locations.

How to use the catchment data explorer

The catchment data explorer allows you to access the data and maps for your river basin district and water environment.

- Read the guide
- Explore the data


nteractive map displaying the River Basin Management Plan, highlighting protected areas and various water quality designations across England.

Challenges to the water environment

Find detailed background, evidence and analysis on the challenges facing the water environment.





A serene lakeside view featuring greenish algae on the water's surface, surrounded by lush greenery and ferns.

Reasons for not achieving good status

Reasons for not achieving good (RNAG) and reasons for deterioration (RFD) record the source, activity and sector involved in causing an element to be at less than good status.

Plans and programmesA serene forest scene with a gentle, flowing stream surrounded by lush green trees and moss-covered rocks. Sunlight filters through the leaves.

Programmes of measures

The measures and actions needed to protect and improve water are summarised in the programme of measures. You can access the main mechanisms to protect and improve the water environment in each river basin district.



A hand holds a photo of a dry lakebed, contrasting with the vibrant green landscape and water of the current lake view.

Programmes of measures

The measures and actions needed to protect and improve water are summarised in the programme of measures. You can access the main mechanisms to protect and improve the water environment in each river basin district.




A panoramic view of a serene valley with two lakes, surrounded by lush green hills under a dramatic, cloudy sky. A stone ruin is in the foreground.

Topic action plans

These plans provide a summary of action in the short, medium and long term for 12 key topics including climate change, nature recovery, chalk streams and delivering a resilient water supply.


Working in partnershipPresentation slide titled "A Catchment Approach to Restoring London’s Rivers" by Carolina Pinto, Thames21, October 2024.

Restoring London’s rivers and delivering RBMP’s: A catchment approach

In partnership with the River Restoration Centre and Thames21, we presented a webinar on 23 October 2024 to share learning on community involvement in restoring catchments, natural flood management, and achieving Biodiversity Net Gain.



Illustration promoting water management collaboration among various stakeholders, including local authorities, NGOs, and communities.

Catchment Based Approach (CaBA)

The Environment Agency works in collaboration with many partners including CaBA, a community-led approach that engages people and groups from across society to help improve our precious water environments. Find out more about CaBA and where your local group is.

Thank you for visiting our new water hub. This is a pilot service. We acknowledge not everything is covered here yet, this is a new offering which will grow over the coming months.

Page last updated: 26 Feb 2025, 09:45 AM