Will Brexit break down or expand the new approaches that have been improving our rivers?

This post is by Richard Benwell, head of government affairs at WWT, Green Alliance Blog 13/7/17

Every stretch of river has its own character. Here are a few of the personalities I’ve got to know over the years:

• Beverley Brook – small, beautiful, prone to outbursts; a Richmond river with a film star name
• Byron’s Pool – tranquil, romantic, deep and surrounded by wildlife (but no bears)
• Thames at Lechlade – the first point where Old Father Thames gives a hint of his power
• The Severn Estuary – the last point of the UK’s longest river; a famous bore

Each has its own charms and needs. It’s this diversity that can help to inspire communities to love and protect their rivers and it’s the reason why every portion of every river needs to be given its own care. The attention that will calm the bursting banks of Beverley Brook might be a drop in the ocean elsewhere. 

A thousand small abuses are spoiling our rivers
Unfortunately, English rivers and streams remain in poor state. Only one in five are in good ecological condition. Even globally important wonders like our chalk streams are suffering; three quarters fail to meet a good ecological standard.  Click here to read the blog