Meg Avon, a researcher and performance poet who symbolically married the River Avon in 2023 to highlight water pollution, has successfully persuaded Bath and North East Somerset Council to take stronger measures to safeguard the river.
On July 16, the council unanimously endorsed a charter affirming the river’s inherent rights—to exist, flow sustainably, and remain free from pollution. This pioneering move is part of a wider campaign led by the group “We Are Avon,” which seeks to have all councils along the river’s 83-mile course adopt the same charter.
Speaking at the council meeting, Meg emphasized that “recognizing these rights is not a radical act. Humans and nature are intertwined, not separate.” The campaign already boasts 120 volunteer river guardians monitoring the water and 260,000 acres of the Avon’s surrounding ecosystem. Their goal is for every local authority within the Avon bioregion to pledge support for this initiative.
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The charter model draws inspiration from the River Wye, which recently became the first in Britain where all councils along its route committed to similar protections. Councillor Andy Wait highlighted the importance of collaboration: “I expect all councils—from unitary to parish—to adopt this charter from the source to the sea.” Winsley Parish Council in Wiltshire has already set a precedent by endorsing the charter.
Councillor Oli Henman expressed concern over reported illnesses linked to swimming in the river, stressing the urgent need to restore water quality and enhance biodiversity for safe public access. Further testimony came from East Harptree resident Daisy Thompson, who revealed that nearby water treatment facilities discharged untreated sewage into a local brook for over a thousand hours last year. This pollution affects tributaries leading into the Avon, posing health risks to the community.
The council’s resolution addresses these issues comprehensively, encompassing agricultural runoff, industrial pollutants, and sewage dumping. It also mandates an urgent review of strategies to improve water quality and biodiversity along the Avon and its tributaries. Importantly, the council leader will initiate regular meetings with Wessex Water to hold the water company accountable for preventing untreated sewage discharges.
The River Avon is a cherished natural resource for swimmers and residents alike. Meg Avon’s marriage to the river has drawn attention to its plight and inspired ongoing advocacy, including the documentary film Rave on for the Avon. This commitment to protecting the river marks a significant step toward ensuring its health for future generations.