The River Severn is more than just a body of water encircling the Town of Shrewsbury.  It is the heart of the Town, providing a powerful embrace, a haven for nature, a sanctuary for wildlife and a recreational resource for the people that live in Shrewsbury.  It provides beauty and pleasure as well as character, culture and history, bringing the wider catchment area into the Town along with species from afar like the salmon that are periodically seen jumping from the water at the weir.   

Yet like many UK rivers, the River Severn around Shrewsbury is being polluted by sewage, agricultural, chemical, and road run-off, litter and many other pollutants. Insufficient infrastructure planning and construction also continues to destroy the river's catchment area and create flooding conditions and river bank erosion.    

That is why we are urging the Town Council to adopt a Charter for the Rights of the River Severn. Such an initiative can provide legal rights and recognition for the River Severn. The proposed Rights are below.  These Rights are based on similar ones adopted by Councils along the Wye River in May 2026 but adapted to incorporate the views of Shrewsbury residents.

The Rights of the River Severn in Shrewsbury 

To Flow and Function Naturally

To flow freely in its course and run naturally, free from obstructions and extractions that can damage the normal functioning of the river system.

Right to Biodiversity

To exist as a home for nature, with the right balance and diversity of native species specific to the River Severn and its tributaries including fish, insects, birds, animals and plants along the river banks which are lined with flourishing trees and native vegetation.

Right to be Free From Pollution

To exist in a state of good ecological health and not be subject to harmful levels of human-generated waste such as sewage, farm and road run-off, litter, chemicals and other pollutants that harm the wellbeing of the River Severn and all the lives that depend on clean water to thrive.

Right to be Supported by a Healthy Catchment

For water to flow through surrounding areas which are ecologically healthy in themselves, supporting the River Severn as a balanced, sustainable and resilient ecosystem.

Right to Regenerate

To recover, restore and redirect itself naturally, including by flooding natural wetlands, supported by intervention where necessary, to halt the decline in biodiversity and increase its abundance over time.

Right to Representation

To be represented at all levels from local to national, and have these Rights recognized in the determination of all matters that affect the River Severn and its tributaries’ health - now and in the future.

Supporting the Rights Charter means safeguarding the natural beauty and wellbeing of the Severn in the Shrewsbury area (Montford Bridge to Atcham). It is a way to protect the River for us, future generations and all other species that depend on the River’s wellbeing.

Please sign the petition today to encourage the Shrewsbury Town Council to adopt the charter and be part of the change to preserve the natural wonder of the River Severn.