Powys County Council adopts Charter for the Rights of the River Wye
21 May 2026
The decision demonstrates the council's strong commitment to environmental stewardship and its ambition to deliver a Stronger, Fairer, Greener Powys, ensuring the long-term health of the River Wye and its tributaries for future generations.
The Charter recognises the intrinsic rights of the River Wye and establishes a framework for action to improve the river's ecological condition:
- The right to flow and perform natural functions
- The right to biodiversity
- The right to be free from pollution
- The right to be supported by a healthy catchment
- The right to regenerate
- The right to representation
Councillor Jackie Charlton, Cabinet Member for a Greener Powys, said:
"The River Wye is central to our environment, communities and heritage here in Powys. By adopting this charter, we are making a clear statement that the river's health matters and must be protected.
"This is about working together with partners and communities to restore the river and safeguard it for generations to come."
The River Wye is designated as a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, but remains in an unfavourable condition due to pressures such as pollution, nutrient overload and climate change.
By adopting the charter, the council will embed its principles into key policies and decision-making processes, including planning and land management, ensuring the river's health is considered across its work.
The charter has been developed collaboratively by the Wye Catchment Partnership and the Nutrient Management Board, bringing together expertise from local authorities, environmental organisations and communities to create a shared framework for action across the river catchment.
Councillor Charlton added:
"This is a vital step forward, but it is only the beginning. We will continue to work closely with partners across the catchment to tackle the challenges facing the river and deliver meaningful change."
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."
This growing support for the Charter for the River Wye will be celebrated at a community event linked to the Hay Festival, where people will come together by the river to mark the charter and pledge, in their own way, to uphold its principles and protect the Wye for future generations
