Campaigners call for councils to pledge their support for the rights of the River Avon
The community is taking action to protect the South West river
Campaigners are urging councils to commit to the Avon Bioregion Charter for Rights, which aims to ensure the health and protection of the River Avon.
The charter, developed by the We Are Avon campaign, calls for collective action to maintain the river's rights to flow sustainably, remain unpolluted, and nurture thriving wildlife and biodiversity.
Bath and North East Somerset Council unanimously supported the charter at its full council meeting, aligning with ongoing efforts to enhance river health in the region.
Meg Avon, a researcher and performance poet who married the river in a ceremony in 2023 to raise awareness of water pollution, was among public speakers at the meeting calling on the council to back the charter.
“Recognising these rights is not a radical act," said Mrs Avon, "Humans and nature are not separate, we are together.”
Councillor Oli Henman, Cabinet Project Lead for Climate Change, said: "The River Avon is one of our area's greatest natural assets, supporting wildlife, connecting communities and helping make Bath and North East Somerset such a special place to live and visit.
"By adopting this charter, we are strengthening our commitment to working with partners across the region to improve the health of the river and the wider landscape. The charter supports the work we are already doing through projects such as Bath River Line and our wider climate and nature programmes.
"Many of the challenges facing our rivers are beyond the direct control of local councils, but by working together we can help drive positive change, improve habitats and water quality and ensure the River Avon can be enjoyed by future generations."