UWE Bristol researcher helps develop pioneering Avon Bioregion River Charter

A University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) academic has helped develop a bioregional charter of rights, to support the protection, restoration and long-term health of the River Avon and its surrounding ecosystems. 

Dr Elena Blanco, Associate Professor of International Economic Law at UWE Bristol, brought together local authorities, community organisations, artists and environmental activists from across the region to develop the Avon River Charter. 

In July, Bath and Northeast Somerset Council (BANES) formally adopted the Avon River Charter.  Since then, Bristol City Council Committee for Environment and Sustainability has also endorsed the Avon River Charter and referred it to full council for adoption in early September.  

The work comes at a time when rivers across the UK face growing challenges from pollution, habitat degradation and over-exploitation. Communities in the Avon catchment have responded through river guardianship schemes, public engagement activities and local environmental action.  

Elena worked closely with Meg Avon, River Bride and River Guardian Coordinator for We Are Avon, community action group Conham Bathing, councillors from the unitary authorities across the Avon Bioregion, and representatives from town and parish councils.  

Drawing on her expertise in legal frameworks and multi-partner collaboration, Elena helped draft a single charter to unite every council in the catchment around a shared, bioregional approach to river protection. The charter set out a clear commitment to strengthen the protection of rivers and recognise their fundamental importance to communities, ecosystems, and future generations.   

According to Elena, the project demonstrates how communities can play a leading role in shaping the future of environmental governance.  

"Water governance is fragmented and under significant pressure, but communities are saying 'enough' and are taking action to protect the rivers they care about. What is particularly inspiring is the willingness of people from different backgrounds to work together towards a common goal."  

The Rights of Rivers movement has grown significantly in recent years, with the UK being the fastest growing movement of rights of nature in Europe. Following the River Ouse becoming the first river in England to have its rights recognised by a local authority in 2025, around 40 river charters and related initiatives have since emerged across the UK. As part of her research, Elena met river communities across England and Wales to explore different approaches to river protection.    

Elena believes the movement's success lies in its ability to connect people with nature through both evidence and storytelling.  

"Data and scientific evidence are essential tools for understanding environmental challenges, but stories are what move hearts and change lives. The Rights of Rivers movement has captured the public imagination, and that is exactly what we need if we are to transform both public policy and public engagement with nature."  

Place-based organisation We Are Avon has so far recruited 120 river guardians to actively monitor the waterway and 260,000 acres of the landscape surrounding it.  
 
Elena said: “The adoption of the Avon River Charter marks an important milestone for the region and demonstrates how collaborative research, community action and local leadership can contribute to more sustainable and inclusive approaches to environmental stewardship.”