Nature protection in Rother has been given a boost following decisions by the district council.

The authority recently approved two notices of motion to protect the rights of rivers and trees – bolstering support for nature conservation in the area.

The notices were brought by Rother councillors Sue Burton and Nicola McLaren. They called on the Council to give its backing to the growing global movement for rights for nature, and to protect rivers and trees in Rother.

Receiving approval from full council, the notices introduce into policy certain rights that safeguard biodiversity and ecosystems and seek to keep areas protected from pollution.

Cllr Kathryn Field, lead portfolio holder for the environment at Rother District Council, said: “I am delighted that the Council adopted these notices of motion. They recognise the vital role that rivers and trees play in our district – sustaining life, culture, and ecosystems.

“There is a growing global movement to recognise the legal rights of nature. Countries such as Spain, Columbia, New Zealand, and Uganda have already passed national legislation enshrining nature’s rights in law.

“The time has come for the UK to explore similar frameworks, beginning at the local level and I am very pleased that Rother District Council is playing its part to push this initiative.”

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Published: 1st October 2025