Devon County Council considers strengthened action on river protection

Devon County Council has stated its commitment to safeguarding the county’s rivers, recognising their vital role in ecology, heritage, and community wellbeing.

Councillors last week considered recommendations from the Cabinet in response to a Notice of Motion originally submitted by Councillor Jess Bailey (Independent, Otter Valley) calling for formal acknowledgement of the intrinsic rights of rivers in Devon.

The motion highlighted the importance of Devon’s waterways — including the Otter, Axe, Tamar, Dart, Exe, and Torridge — which support wildlife, livelihoods, recreation, and local economies.

It also warned of mounting threats from pollution, over-abstraction, habitat loss, and climate change.

Councillor Jess Bailey urged the Council to adopt principles from the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers, such as the right to flow naturally, remain free from pollution, and sustain biodiversity.

Following the debate at Full Council, the majority of Councillors voted in favour of the recommendations, to:

• Note the ongoing deterioration of river conditions in Devon and its impact on communities, economies, and the environment
• Urge collaboration among key stakeholders — including South West Water, the Environment Agency, landowners, and riparian owners — and lobby central government for decisive action
• Recognise the work of the newly formed water quality portfolio, which is reviewing data and practices to better understand the situation and coordinate efforts to improve river health