The THRIVING
AVON CHARTER
COMMITMENtS
We the people who live, work and play within the catchment of the Bristol Avon, name ourselves as its guardians.
As such, we commit to engaging in a relationship with the river, its tributaries, and the ecosystems that it nourishes that is characterised by:
RESPECT
we respect the river’s rights, as stated below
RECIPROCITY
we not only take from the river, but endeavour to give back to it, and understand that as guardians we enter into a duty of care
RESPECT
As guardians, we believe the River Avon possesses, as a minimum, the following fundamental rights in accordance with the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers:
The right to flow
The right to perform essential functions within its ecosystem
The right to be free from pollution
The right to feed and be fed by sustainable aquifers
The right to native biodiversity
The right to regeneration and restoration, and
The right to maintain lateral and longitudinal connectivity
In addition, as guardians of the Avon, we believe the river possesses:
8. The right to be resilient to the ecological threats caused by human-derived climate instability, both naturally and with human intervention where necessary
9. The right to a human council, composed of representatives from each local authority through which it flows, to speak on behalf of the river and to uphold its rights
RECIPROCITY
What does a fulfilling relationship with the river look like?
In June 2021, the Conham Bathing group conducted a workshop during the Save our Avon celebration to consider what the river does for humans and non-human nature, and what we can do for it in return. We encourage all Avon guardians to consider the diversity of reciprocal relationships with the river.
GUARDIANS
Who can be a guardian of the Avon?
Anyone, of any age or background, who is committed to upholding the rights listed in this charter in whichever ways they are able. The way we engage with the river can take many forms. Guardians may include, but are not limited to:
Anglers, Artists, Bathers, Bird watchers, Boaters, Botanists, Bristolians , Canoeists, Citizen scientists, Divers, Dog walkers, Ecologists, Educators, Farmers, Filmmakers, Foragers, Gardeners, Ichthyologists, Kayakers, Ornithologists, Paddle boarders, Photographers, Picnicers, Policymakers, Riverside business owners, Rowers, Sailors, Surfers, Swimmers, Walkers, Writers
SIGN THE CHARTER
The more people show their support, the stronger our Charter is.
If you agree with the principles of the Charter, sign it now and help cherish and preserve the Avon for current and future generations.