As a child, Robert Macfarlane would spend long hours floating in the River Avon, situated on the edge of his grandparents’ field in Scotland. The crystal-clear water and the sight of salmon darting beneath the surface left an indelible mark on him. Today, Macfarlane, who has penned twelve books about the natural world and received accolades including the Wainwright Prize for nature writing, explores the relationship between humanity and rivers in his new book, Is A River Alive? Piloting through a conversation in Cambridge, he pairs nostalgia with a stark reality: numerous rivers in the UK have become increasingly polluted.
Macfarlane's journey into writing about rivers began in earnest in 2020, ignited by a burgeoning cultural awareness of the state of British waterways. His research, which took him kayaking in Canada and observing India's polluted ponds, unveiled unsettling truths about the fragile ecosystems that were once thriving. In the UK, however, the numbers paint a bleak picture: the Environment Agency reports that none of England and Wales's rivers are in "good chemical health." Macfarlane recounts a particularly jarring moment: coming across a Southern Water sign warning against contact with the water, ironically juxtaposed with their slogan—"Water for life."
The role of sewage discharge in this environmental crisis is alarming. Macfarlane identifies it as “the mega-villain of river death,” illustrating a system that continues to rely on outdated Victorian infrastructure. During heavy rainfall, combined systems, which carry both rainwater and sewage, overflow, resulting in untreated effluents entering rivers. This practice, combined with illegal sewage discharges in dry weather, resulted in a record-breaking 3.62 million hours of untreated sewage being released into British waters in 2024. Such statistics fuel frustration not only among environmental advocates but also the general populace. Campaigns have emerged urging for accountability and reform, culminating in events such as the "March for Clean Water" in London, which saw thousands demanding action.
The financial aspect behind this neglect is equally concerning. Between 1991 and 2023, the privatised water companies in England disbursed over £78 billion in dividends, even as they accumulated substantial debts. This prioritisation of shareholder returns over necessary infrastructure upgrades has elicited outrage. As Macfarlane succinctly puts it, the water companies have “sweated the assets they were handed.” Critics, including Environment Secretary Steve Reed, have labelled the situation as disgraceful, highlighting the inadequacy of regulatory frameworks such as Ofwat, which has failed to impose substantial penalties to deter repeat offenders.
Agricultural practices, notably the management of slurry, present another significant threat to river health. Excess animal waste, if not properly managed, can wash into local waterways, exacerbating pollution levels. While recent efforts to financially incentivise better practices among farmers aim to address this issue, transformation will require sustained commitment from all sectors.
Despite these grim challenges, there remains a glimmer of hope. Macfarlane points to the responsiveness of nature itself, suggesting that rivers can heal remarkably fast when given the opportunity. Examples such as the Klamath River in Oregon, which saw salmon returning within weeks of a dam removal, demonstrate the possibilities for revival. Moreover, regions in Scotland, particularly the Highlands, continue to maintain excellent water quality, providing a stark contrast to the situation in England. The River Nar in Norfolk, for instance, highlights the effectiveness that regenerative land management can have in preserving clean water.
A burgeoning grassroots movement is also emerging, driven by passionate citizens, including swimmers, kayakers, and activist groups. Collaborations like the River Rescue Kit from River Action offer practical solutions such as testing water quality and reducing sewage discharges. Such efforts signal that, while the challenges are daunting, there exists a collective will to instigate change.
Ultimately, the core thesis of Macfarlane's work is profound. Rivers, he argues, are not merely ecosystems; they are vibrant, living entities that reflect the health and spirit of their surroundings. This notion becomes tangible when observing revitalised waterways, unearthing the potential for ecological renewal. Macfarlane's recent swim in the Highland rivers serves as testament to the revitalising power of clean water. "In a river, you feel life flowing into you. It feels like enlivenment," he shares, emphasising the essential relationship that humans can forge with these water bodies—if only they are given the chance to thrive once more.
As he articulates both the complexities and the beauty of rivers, Macfarlane also underscores an urgent need for systemic change. Is A River Alive? serves not just as an exploration of the natural world but as a clarion call for action—a recognition that the health of our rivers is intricately linked to the health of our communities and ecosystems alike.
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Source: Noah Wire Services