River Stour Trust

05/25/2026

05/15/2026

Our river is in the news today for a very positive reason! The successful campaign which led to Friars Meadow being designated as bathing water in 2024 was led by RST volunteer John Kemp 😊

Too much bacteria linked to faeces found at almost all England's designated river bathing sites

05/05/2026

Chris Parsons of the RST spent an hour this morning chatting all things River Stour with Rob Dunger of Suffolk Sound. You can listen to the programme here https://listenagain.suffolksound.com/uploads/Recordings/TheCommunityHourTuesday.mp3?v=1777976695
If you want to learn more about our lighter John Constable jump to 21.00

05/04/2026

👑 Regal River Trips
⏰️ 11am-4pm today! - BH Monday 4th May
📍 The Granary, Quay Lane, Sudbury, CO10 2AN

🛥 FREE boat trips for children aged up to 13 years with fare paying adult.
☔️ Rain or shine - our boats are fully covered!
🎟 Book in person on next available trip.
☕️🍰 Our riverside tearoom is open too.

05/01/2026

You are invited to join the Regal River Trips on Bank Holiday Monday, 4th May.

Children (up to 13) go free with a paying adult (£8).

Trips run 11am-4pm, with multiple boats, including a wheelchair accessible boat.

Book in person or online by 5pm on Sunday 3rd May via bookwhen.com/RiverStourTrust

04/29/2026

John Constable, the RST’s restored Stour Lighter, made a welcome return to the river at the weekend. 😃

💚 She is registered on the National Historic Ships Register due to her importance as part of our industrial heritage. She has an open hold and easily accommodates 12 passengers.

🐴 Once towed along by a single horse, as depicted in John Constable's paintings; but now cruising with her twin 10hp electric engines.

04/25/2026

John Constable, the RST’s restored Stour lighter, makes a welcome return to the river today 😊

04/24/2026

We were delighted to present a £500 donation from our Making A Difference Locally fund to Chris from the River Stour Trust, supporting the fantastic work they do along our beautiful local river.

This funding will help with two important projects: preparing the historic Stour Lighter John Constable to carry passengers once again, just in time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of John Constable, and carrying out essential maintenance on Cornard Lock to keep the river accessible for all.

The Trust plays a vital role in preserving the Stour Valley, welcoming visitors, supporting school trips, and providing inclusive boat experiences for people of all ages and abilities.

We’re proud to support such a dedicated organisation in our community 💙

12/19/2025

As the festive season approaches, we would like to wish you and your loved ones a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

We would also like to give sincere thanks to all our members and volunteers, whose support, encouragement and dedication are vital to the many activities that promote the River Stour Trust and raise much-needed funds that helps us continue our work to protect and enhance the River Stour.

Our volunteers and office team are now enjoying break over the festive and New Year period. The office is closed between Friday 19 December 2025 and Monday 5 January 2026.

11/20/2025

Brrr, it's beginning to *feel* a lot like Christmas!

Grab your bobble hat, scarf and jingle all the way to The Granary this December!

Santa Boat Rides comprises a festive boat trip with the elves, a cherry HoHoHello and small child's gift from Santa and everyone enjoying festive treats in Mrs Claus’ Tea Room.

Pre-booking is essential:
~ Sat 6 Dec - Sun 7 Dec - Sat 13 Dec - Sun 14 Dec
~ 4 sessions per day (up to 90 mins)
~ 12 people per session
~ Tickets: 1-4 years £10 / 5-11 years £12.50 / 12 years+ £15

More details and online booking via: bookwhen.com/RiverStourTrust