The River Severn, Britain’s longest river, is a source of life, inspiration, and connection. Flowing through ancient landscapes, vibrant communities, and diverse ecosystems, the Severn has shaped the culture and history of the lands it touches for millennia. Yet, like so many natural entities, the Severn has often been treated as a resource to exploit rather than a living system to honor and protect.
Grounded in the recognition that rivers are not mere waterways but vital, interconnected ecosystems, this movement aims to establish the Severn bore as a living entity with inherent rights. These rights acknowledge the river’s role in sustaining life, fostering biodiversity, and supporting the cultural and spiritual well-being of communities along its banks.
Dominance to partnership
By embracing a rights-based approach*, we join a global movement that reimagines our relationship with nature, shifting from one of dominance to partnership. The Sacred Severn initiative will empower communities to advocate for the river’s health, encourage sustainable stewardship, and honour the rights of rivers:
We aim to designate the River Severn as a sacred natural site, recognising its ecological, cultural, and spiritual significance. This designation will protect the river’s unique ecosystems and ensure the preservation of the Severn Bore, a globally renowned natural phenomenon. By honoring the river as a living entity, we seek to safeguard its vitality and inspire future generations to cherish and steward this sacred waterway.
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