At the meeting of full Council on Thursday 27 November, East Hampshire District councillors agreed to recognise the rights of the rivers that flow through the district.
The motion, brought by Councillor Ginny Boxall, calls on the council to protect the rivers that flow through the district, recognising their right to:
- flow – unimpeded, seasonally, and naturally
- perform essential functions within the ecosystem
- be free from pollution and contamination
- feed and be fed by sustainable aquifers and other freshwater sources
- support native biodiversity and restoration of ecological integrity
- regeneration and restoration from environmental harm
The council already takes its stewardship of the rivers of the district (the main ones being the River Rother, River Meon, River Wey and tributaries to the River Itchen) seriously and has recently supported local partner organisations to secure around £350,000 of funding to improve the River Rother through Rotherlands Local Nature Reserve, which is home to otters, brown trout and kingfishers.
Our current Local Plan contains strong policies that take into consideration chalk streams, rivers, and the wider water environment. These policies are taken into account when considering proposed developments and help protect and mitigate against possible negative impacts on rivers and streams.
Cllr Boxall said:
"EHDC’s recently passed motion is a vital step toward safeguarding our chalk streams and rivers—some of the most ecologically valuable and vulnerable waterways in the country.
"These rare habitats support extraordinary biodiversity, provide clean water, and are central to the character of our local landscape, yet they are under increasing pressure from pollution, over-abstraction, and climate change.
"By committing to stronger protection, monitoring, and restoration, the council is sending a clear message that these irreplaceable natural assets must be defended.
"This motion strengthens the foundations for long-term action, ensuring our chalk streams and rivers can recover, thrive, and continue to enrich our communities for generations to come.”
Councillor Robert Mocatta, East Hampshire District Council portfolio holder for Regeneration and Prosperity (which includes climate and environment), said:
“These rivers are a vital part of our local natural heritage. All play a key role in improving biodiversity. EHDC is committed to helping nature recover in our district, and this motion fully supports that commitment.
“Our dedicated ecologist is working with local community groups to support initiatives around improving aquatic habitats within the district.
“We’ll also be in contact with the Environment Agency asking them to publish an annual ‘state of the rivers’ report as proposed in the motion.”