Love Our Ouse made headlines all around the world when their motion to develop a charter of rights for the River Ouse was passed at a Lewes District Council meeting back in 2023. “It was this torrent of interest… globally. I’ve lost track of all the stuff we’ve done, but one that stands out is talking to Al Jazeera about rights of the Sussex Ouse!”
Two years and innumerable hours of work later, with the support of a passionate team of collaborators and organisations, international lawyers and the local citizens, the Council passed a pioneering charter that enshrines eight rights of the River Ouse. Matthew talks about how it came about, and what needs to happen next to bring these words into practice. The charter is an inspiration and perhaps a blueprint for other communities seeking to celebrate, protect and act for their river.
