The River Coln

Outstanding beauty, diversity & history

The River Coln is a 33-mile chalk and limestone river located entirely within the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Gloucestershire, England. Rising from limestone springs (near Brockhampton, Cheltenham), it flows directly through iconic honey-stone villages like Bibury, Coln St Aldwyns, and the historic market town of Fairford - some of the most photographed stretches of river in England. Carving its way south-east through rolling hills and steep valleys it eventually joins the River Thames near Lechlade.

Spring water filtering through Cotswold limestone gives the river exceptional clarity and its distinctive blue-green tint. The Coln is world-renowned for fly fishing, supporting healthy populations of wild brown trout. Other river residents include water birds such as kingfishers, dippers, grey herons, and mute swans and diverse insect and plant life.

Our Story

Sadly over the years the river has suffered damage and depletion from a combination of factors including pollution, bank erosion, and lack of regular maintenance. This has had a huge impact on the eco-system and the natural habitats that the river provides.

We are a group of passionate river-lovers keen to restore the Coln to its natural state.

Our aim is three-fold:

1. Restore the river to its natural state and keep it healthy

2. Educate local people and school children about the river and its eco-system

3. Hold water authorities and businesses that are polluting the river to account