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Avon Bioregional Charter

A River Charter for Avon Bioregion

With support from research from Conham Bathing and the University of the West of England,  we are in the process of forming and implementing the UK’s first ever bioregional declatory motion recognising our river’s rights.

There are 17 and counting River Charters across the UK with more being announced every month. We Are Avon core team member Meg Avon sits on the Board of Directors for the UK River Rights Network as the Nature Representative.

We thank all parish, town and unitary authority councils accross the bioregion in co-developing our charter and working towards unanimous adoption of it.

Winsley Parish council was the first Avon council to formally announce the charter for the Rights of the Avon and Bioregion in June 2026.

All the rights in the charter point to existing enviromental laws. The River Guardianship scheme is integral to these rights being upheld, putting power back into the hands of local people. For more FAQ’s on what is a charter click here.

Charter of Rights for the Bristol Avon and Bioregion

  1. Right to exist, thrive, and evolve naturally 

To maintain and support ecological function of the river at all stages along its life course from source to sea 

  1. Right to flow sustainably 

Through naturally functioning patterns that support the resilience of the river’s ecosystem where reasonably practical

  1. Right not to be polluted  

To achieve good ecological health, free from detrimental levels of known and emerging pollutants

  1. Right to biodiversity integrity 

To promote good biological health through the existence and flourishing of diverse species and unique habitats 

  1. Right to regeneration and restoration  

To recover ecological function and be resilient to the ecological threats caused by human-derived climate instability

  1. Right to cultural and community connection  

To recognise the value and interconnectedness of all living entities, including human, with the river and the bioregion

  1. Right to representation and advocacy 

To have active and influential voices to speak on behalf of the river