Rescuing Britain's Rivers From Sewage and Farm Pollution

Founded in 2021 by campaigner Charles Watson, River Action UK investigates and litigates against the sewage discharges and agricultural runoff destroying English rivers. Its Wye, Lugg and Usk legal claim -- the largest environmental pollution case ever brought in the UK -- had been joined by more than 4,500 people by its first High Court hearing in April 2026, targeting poultry supplier Avara and Welsh Water over phosphorus, nitrogen and bacteria pollution linked to intensive chicken farming. The charity also runs public campaigns against retailers tied to polluting supply chains and pushes for stronger enforcement of clean water law, growing from a startup to 15 staff within its first five years.