Should Rivers Have Rights? Join our Creative Workshop on the Rights of Nature

Across the world, communities are beginning to ask a powerful question: what if nature had rights, just like people or companies do? The Rights of Nature movement is about recognising that rivers, forests and ecosystems have their own right to exist, to thrive, and to be free from harm — not just because they’re useful to us, but because they have intrinsic value as living systems.

This approach, now gaining momentum here in the UK, invites a shift from seeing nature as property or a resource to something we owe duties to. In places like Aotearoa New Zealand, the Whanganui River is recognised as a legal person, with guardians who speak on its behalf. In the UK, communities from the River Ouse to the River Dart are developing local river rights charters that give their waterways a “voice” in local decision-making.

As part of our Caru’r Cegin project, the North Wales Rivers Trust is inviting local people to explore these ideas at a creative workshop on Friday 14th November (18:00–19:30, Rhiwlas Village Hall).

Together, we’ll reflect on questions such as:

• What would it mean if our river had the right to flow freely?

• How can communities act as guardians for the places they love?

• What changes — legal, cultural, or personal — could help rivers truly thrive?

The evening will be informal, creative, and open to everyone.

If you would like to come along please email poppy@northwalesriverstrust.org