Meg Avon, a 30-year-old poet and campaigner, married the River Avon in an unconventional ceremony in 2023. Now, on her third wedding anniversary, she has achieved a historic milestone: convincing Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES) to unanimously endorse a charter that recognizes the river's legal rights to exist, flow sustainably, and remain unpolluted. The council's full meeting voted without dissent, with members even applauding—a rare occurrence, according to local observers.
A Unique Wedding and a Mission
Meg Avon changed her surname to match the river she married, symbolizing her deep commitment to its well-being. Since the wedding, she has spearheaded a campaign under the group 'We Are Avon', aiming to raise awareness about water pollution and secure legal protections for the waterway. The River Avon stretches 83 miles across South West England, and Avon's efforts have focused on changing perceptions of nature as a mere resource to a living entity deserving of rights.
"It's about thinking outside of the human ego, and speaking for the river as its own entity," Avon said, reflecting on the anniversary milestone. Her campaign has garnered support from local stakeholders and academics, including the University of the West of England Bristol (UWE), which assisted in developing the charter's language and engaging with community groups.
Council Endorses River's Rights
The charter endorsed by B&NES includes several key provisions. Among them is the "right to biodiversity integrity," which mandates support for native species to thrive. It also establishes the "right to representation and advocacy," requiring dedicated voices to speak on the river's behalf in policy debates. The unanimous vote came after Councillor Andy (Liberal Democrat, Keynsham East) tabled the motion, declaring, "This is what I want for our Avon."
Avon, who was recently appointed as the nature representative on the board of the UK River Rights Network, expressed excitement over the council's decision. "The fact that the council voted unanimously is very exciting. They even applauded at the end - apparently they never applaud! This really is a history making moment," she said. "We are changing the story and shifting the narrative to one that understands the connection between us and nature. It is about shifting public and political consciousness through these charters and therefore protecting the river as a living entity."
Call for Other Councils to Follow
We Are Avon has already recruited 120 river guardians to monitor the waterway and its surroundings, covering 260,000 acres of the landscape. The group now urges all councils along the River Avon's length to adopt similar charters, creating a unified front against pollution and ecological degradation. Avon emphasized that the movement is part of a broader shift in environmental advocacy, where natural entities are granted legal personhood to safeguard them from harm.
The wedding and subsequent campaign have drawn international attention, highlighting innovative approaches to environmental protection. Avon plans to continue her work as a poet and activist, using her platform to advocate for rivers and other natural features facing threats from human activity.
