Sussex River
Sussex River could be first in England to get Legal Rights
3/2/23
For the first time, a river in England could be granted the legal right to good health, writes Isabella Kaminski.
A motion passed by Lewes district council states that the river Ouse’s wellbeing could be secured by recognising its right to flow, to be free of pollution, and to have native biodiversity.
Tapping into the growing international movement to give rights to nature, councillors are now developing a charter for the Ouse based on the Universal Declaration of River Rights, with support from environmental lawyers, wildlife groups and local communities.
The council had already voiced concerns about the impacts of sewage in the Ouse catchment amid growing public anxiety about the health and wellbeing of their waters.
Matthew Bird, the local councillor who filed the motion, described it as “first but important step” towards bestowing rights on the river. He added: “Just getting the concept of ‘rights of nature’ recognised by a council in England is a first as far as I know.”
River Ouse
River Ouse could get legal protection after Lewes council motion
3/2/23
The River Ouse, flowing through Lewes to Newhaven, may receive the rights after a motion passed acknowledging the rights of nature.
The Ouse could now receive a charter of rights which will be developed and sent to the council within the next two years.
Lewes District Council is one of the first councils in the UK to pass such a motion.
Councillor Matthew Bird, cabinet member for Sustainability, said: “I’m delighted that Lewes is the first council in England, I believe, to pass a motion of this kind that is about valuing the river in its own right and rethinks our relationship with it.