WWF-UK and others secure plans from the government to tackle pollution of key rivers in England

WWF-UK, Angling Trust and Fish Legal have received 32 plans from the government to tackle diffuse pollution of some of England’s best-loved rivers. This was thanks to court proceedings launched by the three groups back in 2015.

WWF-UK, Angling Trust and Fish Legal first threatened the government with court proceedings back in 2010 on the basis it was failing to tackle diffuse pollution of some of England’s best loved rivers – and the most highly protected for nature. The government promised more money and action, but it was difficult to discern progress on the ground.

In 2015 WWF-UK and the other two groups took the government to court over its failure to consider taking more focused action to tackle river pollution – including potentially using "Water Protection Zones" (WPZs) as a tool.

This led to a Court Order in which the government was required to produce “diffuse water pollution plans” as the way to identify the causes of the pollution and whether WPZs were required.

Whilst we are delighted to mark receipt of over 30 plans from the government to tackle pollution in rivers up and down the country, there is still work to be done. Not all these plans are fit for purpose and some clearly kick the can down the road in terms of the need for more radical measures.

That’s why WWF is pleased to publish these documents so that campaigners and members of the public can see where this has got to. This way everyone can assess and take further steps to turn these plans into action to help protect our rivers.

WWF-UK and partners will keep pushing the UK Government to produce the final few remaining plans for rivers to ensure we have a complete set. From there it’s on all of us to ensure these plans become a reality, and nature in these important areas is brought back to life.