Bristol Avon river rights charter signed as councils face test of putting it into practice

The Bristol Avon’s river rights charter was publicly signed in Bath on Sunday, bringing a campaign for the river’s protection to a new stage. The charter sets out seven rights, including the right to flow sustainably and to be free from pollution. The Guardian reports that nine councils have endorsed it. Its practical effect will depend on what those councils and other organisations do next: the charter itself creates no new legal obligations.

Councillors, environmental groups, river guardians and members of the public gathered at Parade Gardens on 27 September, World Rivers Day, for the signing, according to the Guardian. The event made the charter’s principles public across the Avon catchment, where decisions about the river involve several local authorities and other organisations.

What the charter says

We Are Avon, the group leading the campaign, lists seven rights in its charter: to exist, thrive and evolve naturally; to flow sustainably; not to be polluted; to biodiversity integrity; to regeneration and restoration; to cultural and community connection; and to representation and advocacy. The group says the provisions point to existing environmental laws and that local river guardianship is integral to upholding them.

The charter describes ecological aims rather than a new enforcement system. Its provisions call for a functioning river from source to sea, flow patterns that support the ecosystem where reasonably practical, good ecological health, flourishing species and habitats, and people able to speak on the river’s behalf. That gives supporters a shared language for arguing about river health, but does not by itself decide how competing demands on the water should be settled.

Which councils have backed it?

The Guardian names Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol City and North Somerset among nine councils that have endorsed the charter. The retrieved account does not identify all nine, and endorsement should not be read as proof that each council has adopted identical measures or published an implementation plan. We Are Avon says councils across the bioregion are working towards unanimous adoption.

Bath and North East Somerset Council provides a clearer record of its own commitment. It says its full council unanimously supported the charter on 16 July, following a motion proposed by councillor Andy Wait and seconded by councillor Oli Henman. The council describes the document as common principles that encourage organisations to consider the river’s wellbeing in decisions. We Are Avon says Winsley Parish Council was the first Avon council to formally announce the charter, in June.

Bath and North East Somerset says its support builds on existing projects, including the Bath River Line, planned as a 10km linear park beside the Avon, and restoration work at Keynsham Memorial Park. It also cites work on monitoring plans for river catchments. These are examples of the council’s wider river programme; the cited material does not show that the charter produced a measurable improvement in water quality or wildlife.

Henman said in the council’s July announcement that many challenges facing rivers are beyond local councils’ direct control, but that working with partners can help improve habitats and water quality. The Guardian reports that Bath and North East Somerset has appointed a river advocate. It also says the Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership is collaborating with We Are Avon without having formally endorsed the charter.

From campaign to practical decisions

The public signing followed earlier campaigning along the river. The Guardian reports that a draft charter developed by Bristol group Conham Bathing was presented to decision makers during an eight-day pilgrimage from the Avon’s source to the sea in spring 2025. Bristol24/7 reported in June 2026 that councils around the catchment were considering the charter, before the later endorsements reported by the Guardian.

We Are Avon has brought farmers and river guardians into its work since 2023, according to the Guardian. Campaigner Meg Avon told the paper that 18 guardian groups test water quality, collect litter and look after local stretches or tributaries. Co-founder Hamish Evans said the group intends to keep pressing councils while developing community efforts, including farm clusters. Such work may give the charter a role beyond council motions, but its results remain to be established.

The next test is whether supporters turn the seven principles into specific decisions and accountable action. The Guardian says individual councils have yet to publish implementation plans. Bath and North East Somerset’s July statement anticipated further river measures in a climate and nature strategy later in 2026, while the Guardian subsequently reported Henman referring to early 2027. With those dates differing, a firm publication timetable is unclear. For now, the charter records a broad commitment to the Avon’s health, while the details of delivery remain open.