Britain has at least four rivers named the Ouse (from the Celtic ‘usa’, meaning water). But it was the relatively modest Sussex waterway of that ilk which this week received a unique distinction: it is on the way to becoming the first in England to have its status as a legal personality recognised in law. Lewes District Council has agreed to back the River Ouse Rights Charter, modelled on the Universal Declaration of the Rights of Rivers.

The idea of the rights of rivers as ‘living entities with intrinsic rights to exist, rights to flow, thrive and be free from pollution’ has spread around the world since the 2017 recognition of New Zealand’s Whanganui River as a legal person.

‘This is a historic moment for environmental protection in England,’ said Emma Montlake, of the Environmental Law Foundation. ‘By supporting the Rights of Rivers, Lewes District Council has set a precedent that could transform the way we safeguard our rivers.’ The foundation thanked international firm Hogan Lovells and barrister Monica Feria-Tinta for their help in the campaign.

While perhaps not as majestic as its more northerly namesakes, the Sussex Ouse graces landmarks including the wonderful Balcombe Viaduct near Haywards Heath and Harvey’s brewery in Lewes before feeding into the busy port of Newhaven. Long may it continue to flow.

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