We envision a future where the River Frome (and River Severn catchment) is recognised as a living entity with inherent rights, thriving ecologically, legally protected, and held in a deep relationship with the communities it sustains. Currently all rivers in the UK are dying because of sewage, agricultural and road run-off, and general rubbish. Existing legislation aimed at protecting our rivers is drastically failing. Like other communities in the UK The Wilder Network wants to protect our local river by raising awareness and developing a charter of rights that holds polluters to account. The purpose of the project is to: 1. Galvanise local people and build cross-sector collaborations to develop new stewardship models that protect and uphold the rivers’ rights. 2. Deepen community connection with nature through mapping, research, river-based ritual, pilgrimage and ceremony. 3. Co-produce a charter of rights and new legal framework that can be ratified by local authorities

What we'll deliver:

• 1 ceremony river ritual
• 1 pilgrimage (source to the Severn)
• An artistic map of the river (source to the Severn)
• A River Community Festival & Declaration of Rights Day
• A written River Frome Charter
• A network of cross-sector partnerships and collaborations with environmental groups and local opinion leaders

Why it's a great idea:

Public outreach and data indicates an urgent need to act to protect our rivers. We have seen increased local awareness about the plight of the River Frome and growing momentum that can be harnessed in this call to stewardship. What our project will contribute towards achieve: Ecological Outcomes: - Improved water quality, safe human and ecological use - Restoration of habitats and increased biodiversity - Reduction of non-native species - A flowing, adaptive, and regenerative river system Legal & Structural Outcomes: - A River Frome Charter and Rights Declaration - Progress toward legal personhood as aligned with global movements - Exploration of land stewardship models (e.g. land held in trust for the river and community) Social & Cultural Outcomes: - New public consciousness toward animacy and inter-being - Strong community stewardship and collaboration - Active network of new volunteers - Cross party/ cultural shared purpose

Steps to get it done:

• 1 consultation, community engagement, cultural celebration event including a river blessing ceremony
• 1 River Frome Community Festival Day - crafting, story-telling, songs, inter-species council, and discussing rights
• 1 River Frome pilgrimage from source to R. Severn with 50+ local people
• 1 artistically illustrated map of the river Frome from the source to the R.Severn
• A River Frome Charter and Rights Declaration Day