diff --git a/README b/README
index 8807e5cfe4..b735214e2e 100644
--- a/README
+++ b/README
@@ -314,6 +314,17 @@ WARNINGS:
         nice output only on exit(), hence on shutdown we don't execve()
         systemd-shutdown.
 
+STABLE BRANCHES AND BACKPORTS
+
+       Stable branches with backported patches are available in the
+       systemd-stable repo at https://github.com/systemd/systemd-stable.
+
+       Stable branches are started for certain releases of systemd and named
+       after them, e.g. v238-stable. Stable branches are managed by
+       distribution maintainers on an as needed basis. See
+       https://www.freedesktop.org/wiki/Software/systemd/Backports/ for some
+       more information and examples.
+
 ENGINEERING AND CONSULTING SERVICES:
         Kinvolk (https://kinvolk.io) offers professional engineering
         and consulting services for systemd. Please contact Chris Kühl
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 4b017faf1b..c122d01731 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -21,3 +21,5 @@ Please see our [Contribution Guidelines](../master/.github/CONTRIBUTING.md) for
 When preparing patches for systemd, please follow our [Coding Style Guidelines](../master/doc/CODING_STYLE).
 
 If you are looking for support, please contact our [mailing list](https://lists.freedesktop.org/mailman/listinfo/systemd-devel) or join our [IRC channel](irc://irc.freenode.org/%23systemd).
+
+Stable branches with backported patches are available in the [stable repo](https://github.com/systemd/systemd-stable).