SOUTHAMPTON, Hampshire 16th JULY 2025 – This week, a Rights of the River Motion was passed by Southampton City Council. Following extensive work to bring about a cross-party motion on rights of the river, Councillors came together to highlight the needs of this vital blue space within our city as an official move to protect our rivers and galvanise their importance.
This motion will now lead to the creation of a “Declaration of the Rights of the River” which will be shaped in collaboration with local community, conservation groups and agencies. This declaration will be used to guide future decision making related to the river, particularly in planning and development. It is likely to involve considering the river’s needs in regard to water quality, habitat protection and public access.
Katherine Barbour, city councillor for the Green Party in Portswood, Highfield and St Denys said: “There are many groups concerned about our rivers, this was evident at the latest cabinet meeting to determine the sale of land at Woodmill. The strength of opinion is clear. People care about our rivers and demand their protection.”
The local Green Party has been talking to many local groups over the past few weeks and together with colleagues from across the political divide, will work to create a shared vision for this unique natural part of our city.
Gavin Millar from Friends of Itchen Estuary describes a proposal for a River Itchen Urban Park with a focus on nature restoration. Gavin said: “(The park would be) A place that mitigates for climate change, enhances cooling of the city and reduces flood risk. A place where people can relax, and have opportunities to access the water – that has high amenity value. It would attract more people to come and live and work in the city and could be a stimulus to the local economy.”
Katherine Barbour continues: “This motion has galvanised a lot of thinking around the wonderful River Itchen, and it is clear there is an appetite to progress this. As someone who lives 2 minutes from this river, it is my playground and my place of peace, and it needs cleaning up. I will work hard to build on this motion and bring it to life.”
Similar river support schemes in Salisbury and Southsea provide a focus for efforts and with the local universities interested and involved, there are many opportunities to take this work forwards.
If you are interested in being part of this movement, please contact any local Green groups in the city, such as Friends Of the Itchen Estuary (https://www.southamptonnpc.com/friends-of-the-itchen-estuary), or your local councillors for more information.