Powerful waves of hope, love and action for water, rivers and Nature stewardship rippled through Stratford-on-Avon District in March 2026! Over 400 people joined an innovative programme of events called“The Gathering: for water and Nature” between 6th and 15th March to mark the International Day of Action for Rivers on March 14th. The programme was co-organised by River Hope, Rubbish Friends Stratford-upon-Avon and Moving Souls Dance.
Coming soon – blog pieces about the different events and activities. In brief – during this first-of-its-kind event in South Warwickshire, there were speaker panels, films, workshops, ceremonies by local waterbodies, talks, performances and crafting. The Gathering provided a unique opportunity to listen, learn, be inspired, build networks, strengthen relationships and pledge action.
Presentations were made on the state of local pollution, water ecosystems and biodiversity, the impacts of climate change and extreme weather, and the responses of organisations and communities. Local elected representatives put forward their views on different aspects of the situation and how to improve collaboration.
Audiences learnt about river charters and how river guardians uphold river rights in local decision-making processes, were introduced to the innovative Interspecies Council methodology, and considered the question ‘is a river alive?’. They watched film screenings, including excerpts from the National Emergency Briefing (on climate, weather extremes and Nature), artistic films about different states of water, an animation on ‘how water makes climate’, and revealing underwater footage from England’s rivers. There were river-themed poems and an anthropological world tour of water beings.
The Gathering ended with ‘the birth of Ondine’– spirit of the river – which was celebrated in song and youth drama. She is now being nurtured locally and will be launched on Ondine’s Odyssey down the River Avon to Tewkesbury later this summer (more soon on Events page).
Who came to The Gathering: for water and Nature?
People attended from around the District and further afield, bringing a wide variety of interests and perspectives. They included creatives, officials, scientists (professional and citizen), wildlife experts, water sports enthusiasts, litter pickers and climate activists. Co-organiser Mary Manandhar (River Hope) said: “It was important to offer something for everyone. We cannot solve the complex challenges of water and river pollution and biodiversity loss with the mindsets and values that created them. We need to engage our hearts, emotions and moral imagination as well as our heads, intellect and rationality.”
Positive ripples are flowing out from this first Gathering. Attendee Eleanor Cooke (River Arrow and Alne Revival) said: “It was such a rich and meaningful week of events. People really valued meeting others who care deeply about rivers and place. I have heard lots of reflections from different people afterwards and there does seem to be a real sense that the week gave greater local momentum and importance to rivers in people’s minds.
Co-organiser Claudine Pearson (Rubbish Friends) said: “Pledges have been made to build on the momentum generated by The Gathering. These include organising a water-themed arts exhibition, a community river health day at Stratford-upon-Avon Boat Club and the launch of a Clean, Green and Blue Challenge this autumn”. Some of these pledges can be seen here.
In its April Community News, the national campaigning body River Action UK recognised The Gathering among its river champions.
The work continues …
To send us your feedback on The Gathering, or know more about our future plans, email: riverhopeinfo@gmail.com
Montage photo credits:
- Martin Liddament – https://www.martinliddament.com
- Charlie Budd – https://www.chinbadgermedia.co.uk
- Eli Rees-King – Instagram @elireesking
- Victoria Wilkes – Instagram @stratford_tor
- Brook Arts Hub – https://www.brookartshub.com/
- www.jointhewater.com
Cover image by Felicity Flashman showing River Bride (Mrs Meg Avon) from the film “Rave on for the Avon” Eighty Sita Productions
With thanks to all our funders, supporters and collaborators:
