Joining Herefordshire, are Forest of Dean District Council, Wye Valley National Landscape, Powys Council and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, alongside community and environmental organisations. 

Monmouthshire County Council are expected to confirm their support in the near future, completing what is the first coordinated effort of its kind across the full River Wye catchment to align local authorities behind the concept of a shared “rights of rivers” approach. 

Developed in 2025 by a working group of community representatives, councillors and environmental organisations with an interest in the future of the river, it sets out a series of principles recognising the importance of the River Wye and its tributaries to people, nature and future generations. 

The Charter provides a shared framework to support more coordinated working across the catchment. It does not change existing statutory responsibilities such as planning, regulation or enforcement. 

Herefordshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and Environment, Councillor Swinglehurst, said: “Protecting the River Wye requires genuine partnership across borders and organisations. Supporting the Charter is about standing alongside our partners and communities in recognising the river’s importance, and committing to work together on its long-term recovery. It doesn’t change our legal responsibilities, but it does strengthen the shared direction and ambition we all need if we are to make real progress.” 

Forest of Dean District Council was the first to formally support the Charter following Herefordshire Council’s initial involvement, with other partners now joining or preparing to confirm their support. 

Andrew McDermid, River Wye Charter original working group member, District Councillor and River Water Quality Champion for Forest of Dean District Council, said: “The concept of rights for rivers is an idea whose time has come. It is gaining momentum amongst local councils across the country and becoming more influential given the unsatisfactory state of many of our rivers due to pollution from sewage and agricultural run-off. It is a moral rather than a legal movement at this stage but one day hopefully gain enough critical mass to influence central government to take stronger action to restore our precious rivers.” 

What is the Charter? 

The Charter for the River Wye sets out a shared ambition for the river and its catchment, recognising its intrinsic value and importance to biodiversity, communities and local economies. 

It encourages organisations to think and act at a catchment scale and to use shared principles to inform conversations and decision-making. It does not create legal duties or override existing responsibilities. 

A partnership across the river 

The Charter has been developed through collaboration across the England–Wales border, involving local authorities, environmental organisations, land managers and community groups. While it is not the first river charter in the UK, it represents the first time an attempt has been made to bring together local authorities across the full River Wye catchment in support of a shared ‘rights of rivers’ approach. 

The approach reflects growing collaboration across the catchment and a shared commitment to long-term recovery of the river through partnership working. 

The Charter was formally launched on 24 May at a riverside event featuring readings, speeches and a symbolic appearance of the Goddess of the River Wye. Aspects of the launch event were curated by ceremonialist Vey Straker, also known as Lady Wye, and featured performances by the Climate Choir.