Building on the incredible success of the Restore Nature Now march back in June, River Action UK led the charge and organised the March for Clean Water, bringing over 130 different organisations together to call for the government to tighten regulation of water bodies, enforce existing legislation to end illegal polluting incidents, and to commit to restoring our rivers, lakes, and seas to full health by 2030.  

River pollution is an issue we at the Wildlife Trust have been vocal about for some time. Here in Cardiff our Stand for Nature youth forum have been busy tackling this issue on a local level through the Save our Taff campaign. Our members are incredibly passionate about this topic. When we heard about the March for Clean Water, we leapt at the opportunity to add our voices to the national cry for clean waters. 

We had an early start from the banks of the river Taff in Cardiff on the morning of the march, setting off for the iconic river Thames in Albert Embankment where the event was set to begin. Our group had been busy in the lead up preparing banners and placards to bring along. We were eager to join the sea of peaceful protesters with all their creative banner designs. There were otter puppets dancing through the crowd, fish flying overhead on sticks and wire, and even a life-size whale model built entirely from recycled plastic pollution.  

One of our forum members even took to the stage to lend her voice to Welsh waterways at the event. Lili spoke in front of thousands of people about her lived experience with water, and how important it is to protect our rivers and seas for both people and wildlife.  

She said “Young Activists like myself are acutely aware of the danger we are in, as our futures stretch uncertainly ahead. But so often we are a tick box at the table, a footnote in the discussion. Yet the weight of restoring a liveable planet is places firmly on our shoulders. We need everyone to listen, to realise that we cannot afford to stand by, we must act, as the places that have raised us come under increasing threat.” 

Lili’s voice was among some other well-known speakers at the event, including Wildlife Trust President Liz Bonnin, Olympic gold medallist Imogen Grant, and wildlife TV presenter Chris Packham. There was also space for music and poetry, with a performance of “The Water” by of Johnny Flynn’s, and a recital of Robert MacFarlane’s poem “Riversong”, written especially for the march. 

Marianne Evans, our Wilder Engagement Officer, said the march was “absolutely inspiring for my first protest through the streets of London. It was great to see so many organisations coming together under one cause. From anglers to cold water simmers to our very own youth group. Of which one member, called to the masses through her moving speech which brought me to tears.” 

It was incredible to see so many people passionate about our waterways. We all left the event tired but inspired, ready to continue campaigning for cleaner rivers. Only by working together can we stop the pollution of our waterways. After the March for Clean Water, it's reassuring to know that there are so many people from across the UK who share in this vision for a healthier, cleaner, and more biodiverse future.