Frome Adopts River Charter to Protect Local Waterways
Town council commits to the Avon Bioregional River Charter, recognising rivers as living systems and pledging to combat pollution.
By Verity Coombes
••3 min read
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Generic image of a river with a plastic bottle floating, symbolizing pollution.
Frome Town Council has unanimously voted to adopt the Avon Bioregional River Charter, a significant pledge to protect the River Frome and its ecosystem.
Frome Town Council has unanimously voted to adopt the Avon Bioregional River Charter at its latest meeting. This charter is part of a growing UK-wide movement that views rivers as living systems, not merely resources or landmarks. With over 20 river charters now in existence, the Avon Charter is notable as the first Bioregional one, based on natural catchment boundaries rather than political divisions.
The overarching aim of these charters is to unite local authorities within a river's catchment area, fostering a shared commitment to the river's protection. Key agreed values include the river's right to flow naturally, be free from pollution, and sustain the diverse species and habitats integral to its ecosystem.
Recognising the River Frome as one of Frome’s most vital natural assets, the council expressed delight in committing to this public pledge. This aligns with existing environmental priorities and the council's expanding role as a riverside landowner and steward. The council is exploring the future appointment of a Community Guardian to advocate for the River Frome and enhance community engagement with the Charter.
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"We are delighted to be part of this growing movement to recognise rivers as living systems and as a council, have adopted this charter to help support the river exist as it should. With fantastic community groups in the town working to promote the ecological and cultural importance of the river, this charter will bring together authorities and groups to support the biological health of the river and the area alongside it."
The Charter was collaboratively developed by We Are Avon, a project focused on regenerating the Avon catchment area, the University of West of England, and regional councillors. It outlines principles including the right to exist, thrive, and evolve naturally; the right to flow sustainably; the right to be free from pollution; the right to biodiversity integrity; the right to regeneration and restoration; the right to cultural and community connection; and the right to representation and advocacy.
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"I’m overjoyed that Frome has signed up to the Avon Bioregional Charter. It feels like a real step forward in protecting the river at such an important time. We can use the charter to strengthen the work already happening to protect and improve the health of the river here in Frome, and it unites us with the neighbouring towns and parishes who’ve signed up too. We all want the same thing: for the river to flow free from pollution and be a rich, healthy home for the wildlife, big and small, that lives there!"
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"We can all be river guardians. If you spot pollution, dead fish, or strange smells or colours, please report it to Wessex Water or the Environment Agency. There are lots more ways to help the river, at home or on your walks, at fromefamiliesforthefuture.co.uk/helping-the-river"
Further information about the Charter can be found at weareavon.org/avon-bioregional-charter/.
Based on information from the official source: Frome Town Council (14/10/2026)
