We Are the River Dee Trust
We are a conservation charity working across the Cairngorms and the River Dee catchment, restoring nature on a landscape scale from Braemar to the Port of Aberdeen. Our mission is to deepen understanding of the river’s ecology and turn science and monitoring into practical action that benefits wildlife, habitats, and local communities.
We work with people who care about the River Dee, and volunteering is a vital part of what we do: supporting tree planting, habitat restoration, education, and community projects. We also provide learning opportunities for schools, organisations, and individuals across Northeast Scotland. Guided by robust evidence, we are dedicated to protecting the River Dee and its wildlife for future generations.
Winner of the Nature and Climate Action Award
for our #OneMillionTrees Campaign
Save the Spring
A major 20‑year project launched in 2023 aims to restore the River Dee by protecting threatened spring‑run Atlantic salmon, reducing flood and drought impacts, and applying innovative science. Public engagement began in January 2024, with work focused on river processes and wild fish repopulation
One Million Trees
The River Dee Trust’s One Million Trees Campaign, launched in 2020, tackles rising river temperatures threatening young salmon. Building on planting begun in 2013, the initiative seeks public and business support to double planting rates and reach one million trees by 2035.
Support us
The River Dee Trust protects the Dee through volunteering, supporter programmes, and its One Million Trees campaign, which aims to plant trees along riverbanks to cool waters and safeguard salmon. You can help by volunteering, becoming a supporter, or visiting the online shop.
Latest news
Vacancy as DDSFB for River Administration Clerk
Our colleagues at the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board are looking for a conscientious and organised River Administration Clerk to join the friendly team at the River Office in Dinnet, near Aboyne. Permanent role | 40 hours per week | £27,000 per annumYou’ll support...
River Dee Guardians Serica Energy Support European Eel conservation
On 24 April, a team from Serica Energy spent a hands-on day with The River Dee Trust, supporting efforts to protect one of the river’s most remarkable yet little-understood residents, the critically endangered European eel. This species is believed to have declined...
New Trustees Strengthen Drive to Protect River
The River Dee Trust conservation charity has appointed two leading professionals as it prepares to scale up its award-winning nature restoration work. Robert Gordon University’s Principal Professor Steve Olivier, and Chartered Environmentalist Melanie Netherway are...
River Dee Trust seeks new Trustee
The River Dee Trust is looking for a Trustee to join the team leading this ambitious conservation charity. We are seeking someone who is passionate about the river’s future. In particular, we’re keen to hear from people with experience in change management and green...
River Dee Trust Welcomes Continued Support from RigRun
The River Dee Trust is thrilled to welcome the continued support of River Dee Guardian, RigRun. RigRun and its growing community of RigRunners have played an important role in supporting the Trust’s conservation work raising over £20,000 since 2023, directly...
River Dee Catchment Awarded Exemplar Status
Landscape-scale nature restoration will advance as the River Dee catchment in Aberdeenshire is designated as one of nine high-priority areas by Scotland’s nature agency NatureScot. NatureScot is collaborating with key Scottish Government agencies - including SEPA,...