Voices of Water (VoW) UK River Personhood Mission

Aim: Supporting a mission and petition for Rivers + Rias in England and Wales to be granted Legal Personhood

What is River Legal Personhood? 

River personhood is a legal concept that gives a River a voice, by granting a River the status of a legal person. This shifts a River from an ‘object’ under law, to being recognized as an entity with legal 'standing', one with intrinsic value and essential rights that deserve to be enforced and protected. In this, we at the Voices of Water Foundation (VoW) believe that granting Rivers Legal Personhood has the power to change and deepen relationships between humans and nature, away from one of domination, to one of balance.

Where the journey and mission began

I am a Wildlife Biologist and Filmmaker, who has been investigating issues, environmentally and systemically, with River and Drowned River Valley (Ria) environments in the UK for 4 years. While making a river documentary, entitled Veins of the Earth (VOTE), I realised the huge and complex systemic issues surrounding and hindering the protection of Rivers are entrenched. I asked myself, how could I as an individual be most effective?  

A ‘root’ of the issues

With this, I discovered what I believe to be a ‘root’ to some of the many issues, the fact that Nature, Rivers, are treated as 'objects' under current UK environmental law. While I believe this provides a 'doorway' for exploitation and harm to Mother Earth, I think this also causes subconscious separation, that disconnects us from 'her' in many ways. This is where I think we have a power in changing the words.

Our mission - A first for the UK

After lots of soul searching and advice from wise people working in this space, I’ve decided to do three things:

1. Launch a petition calling the UK Government to start granting Rivers and Rias Legal Personhood

2. Embark on a pilgrimage from Cornwall to South Wales, in aid of the petition, making a physical journey to move things forward, and reconnect myself to many Rivers along the way. 

3. Form an organisation called the Voices of Water Foundation (VoW).

My research began in Cornwall, by the Helford River I love and live by, and this is where I have made my VoW to flowing waters. If successful, this will be a first in the UK, one that begins to enshrine protection for the Rights of Rivers and Rias in national law, from ‘objects’ to ‘entities’, with legal rights that deserve to be protected and enforced. 

Forming an Organisation - Voices of Water Foundation (VoW)

To build a stronger 'backbone' behind the petition, and ideas for future River and Ria Guardianship protection, I have formed a soon to be Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) called the Voices of Water Foundation (VoW). VoW is now bringing in experienced trustees supporting the first 'tributary' mission - a petition and pilgrimage, beginning preparations for local and national River Guardian Groups if our petition is successful. We hope that VoW can then be a 'spring' for other 'tributary' missions to come. 

The Celtic Pilgrimage

For the pilgrimage, my cousin and camera operator, Adam Radage, will journey with me. Another message behind the pilgrimage is one of reconnection, with the waters we all come from. We believe Rivers are entities, not objects, flowing beings that are a life force for many. This our ancient ancestors knew to be true, and is reflected in the stories and history of the beliefs and sacred traditions with waters of these lands. As we journey wild, following a Celtic route, we will connect with rivers and sacred water spaces, meeting with those sharing knowledge about the history and practices of old with flowing waters, as well as with those advocating for River rights and protection in many ways.  

We will document and share our ventures in real time as we go. You can follow our journey via our instagram, and learn more about this overall mission on our website - voicesofwaterfoundation.org

You will fund

I have set up and launched this crowdfunder with a £5k initial target, as to set up an organisation and build the momentum that this campaign needs, there are costs that I as an individual can’t possibly fund by myself.

I plan to allocate the money as follows:

• Essential pilgrimage kit for myself and Adam - £1200
• Food and consumable supplies for the pilgrimage - £800
• Comms/social media support for VoW/during our first mission - £1000
• Admin support for petition and 'tributary' mission - £1500
• Contingency - £500

Your contribution will play a huge part in supporting the first 'tributary' mission of the Voices of Water Foundation (VoW). Thank you!

Video compilation footage by: Adam Radage 

Music by: David John Williamson

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 19th August 2025 at 9:21pm