Rights of the River

In November, we supported a number of Norwich City Councilors to submit a ‘Rights of the River’ motion for the River Wensum.

Ahead of the motion being discussed and voted for by Norwich City Council on 25 November, we sent an open letter to all Norwich City Councilors to demonstrate that there is widespread support for our rivers to have additional rights and protections. The letter was signed by over 120 people, including other eNGOs, and user groups such as wild swimmers and anglers. 

You can read the letter here.

On the 25th of November, the Rights of the River motion for the Wensum was passed at the Council meeting unanimously.

This is a bold and positive stand for a river under immense pressure and this formal recognition of the river’s rights provides a framework for stronger stewardship and long-term restoration.

What is the River Rights movement?  

The River Rights movement seeks to protect these valuable waterways by recognising their legal personhood, in a similar way to corporations being given a distinct legal status.  

The Universal Declaration of River Rights outlines: 

The right to flow 

The right to perform essential functions within their ecosystems 

The right to be free from pollution 

The right to connect with sustainable aquifers 

The right to native biodiversity 

The right to regenerate and be restore