Date published: 2026-07-23 | Category: Climate Emergency, Delivering for local residents, Ecological Emergency Action Plan, Preparing for the Future
Bath & North East Somerset Council has signed up to a landmark charter that puts the future health of the River Avon at the heart of decision-making across the region.
The Avon Bioregion Charter for Rights brings together councils, environmental organisations, academics and community groups in a shared commitment to protect one of the South West's most important natural assets. The charter recognises the River Avon as a living system that should be able to flow freely, support thriving wildlife and remain free from pollution.
Developed through the We Are Avon campaign alongside river advocates, community groups and researchers, the charter sets out a collective vision for a healthier river and a stronger, more resilient natural environment. It provides a common set of principles to help organisations work together to restore and care for the river and its wider catchment.
Bath & North East Somerset Council at its full council meeting last week (Thursday 16 July), unanimously agreed a motion brought by Councillor Andy Wait and seconded by Councillor Oli Henman to support the charter.
The charter provides a common set of principles that encourage organisations to consider the river's wellbeing when making decisions. The motion builds on the council’s ongoing work to improve rivers and waterways, restore nature and help more people connect with the natural environment.
The council is already working with partners including the Environment Agency, Canal & River Trust, Wessex Water, National Trust, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust and Bath Spa University to deliver projects such as Bath River Line, which is creating a 10km linear park alongside the River Avon, and the Keynsham Memorial Park River Restoration. The council is also part of the Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership and the West of England Nature Partnership.
The Connecting Catchments Project, which is being co-funded by the council, Wessex Water and Bristol Water, is developing funding-ready projects to improve the health of rivers and waterways and restore nature in the Chew, Cam and Wellow catchments. It will also develop long-term Catchment Monitoring Plans to monitor the health of the water environment.
The Bath and North East Somerset Climate and Nature Strategy, due to be published later this year, will set out further actions the council can take to reduce pollution, improve water quality, restore habitats and support healthier rivers and streams.
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."
The council recognises that improving river health requires action from many organisations and agencies. By adopting the charter, Bath & North East Somerset Council is supporting a growing regional movement committed to protecting, restoring and celebrating the River Avon and its catchment
More information about the Avon Bioregional Charter can be found on the We Are Avon website and you can watch the full council meeting on our YouTube channel.
ENDS