Statement to mark World Rivers Day – 24 September
The council is supporting World Rivers Day on Sunday 24 September. It is an international event which aims to highlight the value of our rivers across the globe and to encourage improved management to minimise pollution.
South Oxfordshire District Council’s corporate plan includes the aim to protect and enhance the area’s natural assets with special emphasis on the River Thames. To support that aim the council has had a designated councillor role of Thames Champion since 2020, whose focus is to work with partners to enhance both access and water quality.
In addition, the council works with the South Chilterns and River Thame catchment partnerships to help guide enhancements to our rivers.
This year the council is supporting two applications to the government for bathing water status on the River Thames, which if successful would help to drive improvements to water quality.
Cllr Freddie Van Mierlo, South Oxfordshire District Council Cabinet member for climate change and nature recovery, said: “Rivers and streams are incredibly important wildlife corridors, providing links between different habitats and a refuge for many rare species. We must continue with our commitment to protect this precious resource from pollution.”
Cllr Jo Robb, South Oxfordshire District Council Thames Champion, said: “We know that many hundreds of people enjoy the river in our district. During the recent hot weather almost 400 people on one day were counted swimming at the Wallingford Beach which shows how popular the river is.
“We owe it to ourselves and the wildlife that depends upon them, to ensure our rivers are clean and healthy now and for generations to come.”
- For more information please see our Rivers and Waterways page on our website.
- Local organisation River Thame Conservation Trust has events in the run up to World Rivers Day.
- While the Big River Watch weekend run by the Rivers Trust is happening from 22 – 24 September.
