The WI celebrates its second WI Week of River Action 16 – 22 September
This week, we are marking the second WI Week of River Action (16- 22 September). WIs across England, Wales and the Islands are making waves for clean rivers, holding awareness stunts, undertaking craftivism and citizen science, and lots more in their communities.
Pictured: Bordon Belles WI in Hampshire kicked off the WI Week of River Action by decorating a local bridge over the River Wey
We are also partnering with Earthwatch to support their citizen science drive, the Great UK Waterblitz, this weekend. WI members across the country will get out into their local rivers to test the water quality.
“We are delighted to support the Great UK Water Blitz during our WI Week of River Action this September. WI members care greatly about our environment and are passionate about putting an end to the disastrous pollution of our rivers. Since our ‘Clean Rivers’ campaign was launched by members at our Annual Meeting last year, the WI has been busy calling for stronger regulators, promoting bathing water designations and making waves in their communities. We know that not enough is happening to stop river pollution and that we need better data, so WI members are eager to get out to their local rivers and get stuck in to contribute to a solid, up-to-date picture of this horrible situation.”
Melissa Green, Chief Executive - NFWI
A review of our water system?
We are pleased to see the government has heard our calls for a comprehensive review of our water system, but we need to make sure it paves the way for transformative legislation that tackles the water crisis once and for all.
The WI will keep putting pressure on the government to ensure this opportunity is not wasted.
Pictured: WI members held a mini-protest dressed as aquatic life for WI Week of River Action 2023. Photo: Holly Revell
Designated bathing waters are also key to clean up our polluted waters, as the only places where water quality is regularly monitored for its effect on human health, and legal obligations are put on polluting industries to clean up their act.
We need to see bathing water applications in England urgently reopened after DEFRA decided to put them on hold earlier this year.
Join us at the March for Clean Waters 26 October
On Saturday 26 October, the WI is joining a coalition of charities and campaigners, led by River Action UK to demand that our new government takes urgent action to address the UK’s alarming and dangerous water pollution crisis.
The march, which will go through Central London to Parliament Square, marks the end of the first 100 days of the new government and is inclusive, accessible, step-free and everyone is welcome to join. Marchers are encouraged to wear blue to symbolise clean water and to let their creativity run free and bring placards, banners and costumes.
WI members can register their interest here.
Find out more about how you can get involved in the Week of River Action here.
About the Clean Rivers campaign
- The WI has a long tradition of campaigning for the protection of our environment.
- The Clean Rivers campaign was launched by WI members in May 2023, calling for more bathing waters and serious action to clean up our rivers.
- Since the campaign was launched, we have signed River Action UK’s Charter for Clean Rivers and joined the End Sewage Pollution Coalition and have been busy calling for urgent and meaningful change to our water system.
- WI members have been busy raising awareness in their communities and putting pressure on decision-makers
- WI members have also successfully campaigned for bathing water designation, such as in Wallingford and Sudbury.