Three local authorities have now taken steps to recognise the rights of the chalk stream rivers in the Solent catchment.
The Rights of Rivers is a global movement that seeks to better protect rivers by granting them legal personhood and rights. These rights include the right to flow, to be free from pollution, and to function as ecosystems.
The first river to be granted personhood was the Whanganui River in New Zealand, through the Te Awa Tupua Act 2017. The Māori tribe had campaigned for over a century to secure protection for the river after the British Crown broke its treaty with tribal leaders—seizing land and resources, including the riverbed of the sacred Whanganui River. In Māori culture, the river is considered a living ancestor and holds deep physical and spiritual significance. The Te Awa Tupua Act grants the Whanganui River “all the rights, duties, and liabilities of a legal person,” laying the foundation for more collaborative and holistic decision-making.
While the UK does not yet have a legal framework to grant personhood to rivers, local authorities have begun passing motions to acknowledge the intrinsic rights of rivers. These motions could inform new frameworks for planning, land use, and water management, which may then be incorporated into Local Plans.
Four local authorities across the country have now taken this step—three of which are in the Solent catchment. Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council passed its motion on 15 May 2025, followed by Southampton City Council on 16 July, and Test Valley Borough Council on 23 July. These motions aim to strengthen existing protections for both the Itchen and Test rivers.
The Itchen and Test rivers are globally rare chalk streams—85% of the world’s chalk streams are located in England. Often described as the country’s equivalent to rainforests, chalk streams support an incredibly diverse range of wildlife and are valued for their natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities. Despite their importance, both rivers face growing pressures from pollution, water abstraction, and urbanisation, which have led to a decline in their ecological health.
Recognising the Rights of Rivers is a positive and forward-thinking step that can help strengthen their protection, improve community engagement, and ensure these treasured landscapes are safeguarded for future generations.
