A River looking for its rights...

Just as our River Deben meanders and passes many different places as it journeys to the sea, our campaign forges its own path, seeking direction and setting its goals as it goes along the way.

We invite you to join us! 

Our 'Save The Deben' campaign represents a broad political platform, is non partisan and inclusive of all.

Our campaign goals are to:

*Raise public awareness of the plight of the River Deben

*Support investigation into issues (raw sewage, farm land run off, pollution from roads etc) that contribute to the current crisis

*inform and motivate the full range of recreational river/riverside users, local businesses and residents to achieve change through positive engagement with the Environment Agency, Defra, Anglian Water, environmental charities and other stakeholders and our County, District and Town Councils

*Educate, engage and energise youth groups in bringing about change to our river environment

*Read the Draft Declaration of the Rights of the River Deben at every possible opportunity until it becomes legislation, and to uphold the basic principles of the rights stated in the declaration:

These include...the right to flow freely, to perform essential functions within its ecosystem, to be free from pollution, to feed and be fed by sustainable aquifers, to native biodiversity, and to regeneration and restoration.

The Declaration also asserts that each river shall be entitled to the independent appointment of one or more legal guardians that acts solely on behalf of the river’s rights.

Our priority areas of active interest include:

- Designated bathing water status application for Waldringfield/Woodbridge

- A Sea Grass Rejuvenation project between the river mouth at Bawdsey up to Woodbridge

- Exploring current practice in sewage management for houseboats at moorings along the river esp Ferry Quay, Woodbridge, Martlesham Creek and Robertsons Boatyard (we are keen to identify, highlight and share some of the excellent practice that has been discussed regarding the use of compost toilets aboard).

-Impact of the use of antifouling paint (neurotoxicity)

and finally:

- applying for Independent rights for the River Deben

This campaign is dynamic and evolving - we welcome any ideas and comments that the public may have!