Abstract: The River Improvement Fund Programme was an initiative of three phases over four years, wholly managed by The Rivers Trust and actioned by rivers trusts throughout the Country. It delivered the largest ever river improvement programme by a non governmental organisation in England including: 146 multi fish species barriers eased, passed or removed 87 eel barriers eased, passed or tidal flap valves installed 88 riparian habitat improvements Over 130 waterbodies with increased ecological potential 44 feasibility studies for further improvement work Resulting in over 2,800 km of rivers with improved ecological potential Evaluation of the programme demonstrates the benefits of a community-led approach over a centralized or statutory one, including more than £2.3M of co-financing on top of the £6M provided by central government, thereby improving affordability in difficult financial times.