Piddinghoe Parish Council agreed at its meeting on 3 March 2026 to formally support the Charter for the River Ouse. Promoted by Love Our Ouse, the Charter is the first in England to recognise a river’s rights to live, thrive and evolve. Being on the tidal stretch, villagers are vulnerable to the very real impacts of climate change and flooding. Recognition of our intrinsic relationship with the river is a huge step in addressing the necessity to live and adapt with the Ouse.
John Scaife, vice-chair of Piddinghoe Parish Council commented: “Last November councillors attended a workshop on the Charter where we were encouraged that it drew on specialist legal advice, and sought to be inclusive of the communities along the river, practical and proportionate. In the parish council’s discussion about the Charter, the view was expressed that Nature Rights are very much of our time and that the Charter is a good example of how these might be pursued and merits our support.”
More information at loveourouse.org.
