The government is lowering environmental protections on nearly 10% of our rivers and lakes without adequate explanation or supporting evidence!
They are proposing to do this by designating them as ‘Heavily Modified Water Bodies’ which are then exempt from having to meet the required EU ‘good status’ for our rivers and lakes to make them healthy by 2027.
Designated rivers and lakes are given a lower standard (‘good potential’) which allows for degrading of the natural aquatic habitat by damaging works such as river dredging and clearance. Under strict criteria, physical works are allowed to support vital human activities, but these criteria have not been met.
We are calling on the government to stop the proposed designation until appropriate analyses are conducted and supporting evidence can be provided for this lowering of environmental protections for 1 in 10 of our precious rivers and lakes. This designation will be detrimental to the protection and restoration of vital habitats for our wildlife, such as kingfishers and otters.
You can take action by submitting to the public consultation on this designation before 5pm, Friday 23rd May 2025. We’ve made it easy to do by clicking the button below and sending a quick pre-made email submission. Thank you!
Note: if the pre-made email does not work with your email system please click here to get the wording to send by email.