Frome Town Councillors have unanimously voted to adopt the Avon Bioregional River Charter at the latest meeting of Frome Town Council. The Charter is part of a growing movement that recognises rivers as living systems, not just resources or landmarks. There are over 20 river charters now in existence across the UK, with the River Avon Charter being the first Bioregional one, meaning that it is an agreement based on natural boundaries rather than political divisions. The aim of the charters is to unite every local authority in the catchment with the shared goal of protecting the river. These agreed values include the rivers right to flow naturally, be free from pollution, and support the life of species and habitats integral to the ecosystem.
With the River Frome being one of Frome’s most important natural assets, Frome Town Council was delighted to commit to this public pledge, in line with existing environmental priorities and the council’s growing role as a riverside landowner and steward. The Council intends to explore the future appointment of a Community Guardian or similar, to advocate for the River Frome and support community engagement with the Charter and other signatories.
Cllr Sara Butler said: “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 developed by We Are Avon, a project working to regenerate the Avon catchment area, the University of West of England, and Councillors from the region. The Charter is a statement of principles which include the right to exist, thrive and evolve naturally, the right to flow sustainably, the right not to be polluted, 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.
Gemma Annan-Mead from Frome Families for the Future and Friends of the River Frome said “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!
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“
If you’re interested in learning more about the Charter visit: https://weareavon.org/avon-bioregional-charter/
Photo credit Matt Mellen, Frome Town Council Climate Action Lead: children look for river invertebrates at the 2026 Frome River Festival
