Yesterday (3rd November), we joined an estimated 15,000 activists – dressed in blue – in central London to March for Clean Water. Together we called on the new Government to clean up Britain’s waterways.

Every single river in England is polluted with toxic cocktails of raw sewage, agricultural runoff and chemical pollutants. Factory farming is a major contributor to the degradation of our rivers, and we must do everything we can to end it.

A wave of support

The march, which was organised by River Action, was supported by groups including Greenpeace, The Wildlife Trusts, WWF and RSPB.

Several high-profile figures attended the march including Liz Bonnin, Megan McCubbin and Hugh Fearnly-Whittingstal.

The march set off from Albert Embankment and culminated in a rally at Parliament Square where a range of speakers, including our Patron Chris Packham, took to the stage to talk about the state of UK rivers and the political action needed to improve the situation before it’s too late.

There was also inspiring music, poems and films celebrating the wonder of our rivers, seas, streams and estuaries.

Strength of public opinion

Anthony Field, head of our UK office, said: “It was fantastic to see Team Compassion march with so many likeminded people united in their call for the need to clean up our waterways. The sheer number of protesters shows the strength of public opinion on the need for stronger political action to tackle this issue.

“Agriculture is the number one source of river pollution in the UK and cannot be ignored. The new Government must take urgent positive action for our rivers, and it is vital politicians from all parties act now.”

Agricultural pollution

Journalist and campaigner for the River Wye, Nicola Cutcher, who spoke at the event said: “Over 70% of the pollution on the River Wye comes from agriculture. That's nearly 3/4 of pollution coming from farming and so, we have to tackle farming pollution.

“All the measures in the Water Special Measures Bill are about sewage and sewage pollution is a terrible problem but so is farming pollution.

“Most of our land is farmland, most of our rivers are impacted by farming practices. If we neglect that, most of our rivers are doomed and will continue to decline.”

End.It

Factory farming is having a huge impact on the degradation of our rivers, polluting them with slurry and runoff containing damaging pesticides and nitrites. Sign our End.It petition to help put an end to factory farming globally.