News that a Sussex river is to become the first in England to have rights legally recognised by a local authority has been celebrated as a 'momentous moment'.

Lewes District Council’s agreement to support a Charter of Rights for the River Ouse was announced in February 2025.

Part of a growing international trend of granting rivers legal rights, the initiative follows models in New Zealand, Canada and Colombia where rivers have been recognised as living entities with rights to exist, flow, thrive, be free from pollution and have guardians act on their behalf.

Community initiative Love Our Ouse first introduced the concept in September 2022. A steering group with representatives from Lewes District Council, Ouse & Adur Rivers Trust, Railway Land Wildlife Trust, Sussex Wildlife Trust and the Southwood Foundation have taken the charter forward.

Love Our Ouse director Matthew Bird said, "This is a momentous moment for the river and goes some way towards recognising that the river is an entity in its own right and that its voice needs to be represented in decisions which affect it.

“The river faces numerous challenges including pollution, climate change, overuse and development. The charter provides a common framework through which to address these challenges which we hope the other major stakeholders on the Ouse will feel able to endorse.

"We hope Lewes District Council’s decision to support the Ouse Charter will encourage communities throughout the UK to pursue charters for their local rivers."

Councillor Emily O'Brien, from Lewes District Council, said, "It is a very proud moment for me and many others to celebrate this charter for a landmark waterway that has such resonance and influence in Lewes district.

"I hope our council's support will mark another step on the journey to change the conversation, so that one day a change in the law will mean the interests of nature are fully recognised."

Emma Montlake, co-director of the Environmental Law Foundation, which is helping Love Our Ouse advance the charter, said, “This is a historic moment for environmental protection in England.

"By supporting the Rights of Rivers, Lewes District Council has set a precedent that could transform the way we safeguard our rivers. The River Ouse is an essential part of the region’s ecosystem and cultural heritage - this decision ensures a better future for the River’s health and protection.”

The next stage of the campaign will involve the implementation of the River Ouse Rights Charter for interested organisations and governance design.