Court to decide the fate of English rivers

Time Well Spent December 2, 2024

Fish Legal will fight the UK Government and Environment Agency (EA) at the Court of Appeal on January 14-15 in a landmark case that may decide the future health of every river and lake in England.

Last year, representing Pickering Fishery Association, Fish Legal won what has become a national test case when the High Court ruled that the UK Government and EA’s River Basin Management Plans for Yorkshire’s Costa Beck were unlawful.

The court judgement concluded the plans were “so vague and lacking in commitment to real, on-the-ground action, they would inevitably be ineffectual”. The judge characterised the then secretary of state’s approach as one of “smoke and mirrors”, ruling that more action was needed to meet legally binding targets by 2027.

The Government appealed the decision.

The broad statutory purpose of River Basin Management Plans is to “enhance nature and the natural water assets that are the foundation of everyone’s wealth, health and wellbeing, and the things people value, including culture and wildlife.”

The plans must consider climate change to be a critical challenge that requires urgent action and investment.

Fish Legal, which has represented anglers for more than half a century, is seeking donations to fund its case and has launched the campaign Every River Counts.

Penelope Gane, head of Fish Legal, said: “This case is not just about the Costa Beck. It is about every river and lake across the country, however big or small. Like you, we want to see them all thriving with life. We have had enough of empty Government promises and spin over substance. If you have, too, back us in our legal fight in the Court of Appeal.”

Find out more at everyrivercountsappeal.fishlegal.net