Rivers all over the world are suffering. They have been polluted with toxic chemicals and waste, their natural flow manipulated, and are consistently treated as dumping grounds. They can no longer breathe; the vast biodiversity that once existed has disappeared, and they are often unsafe for humans to bathe in, let alone drink.

The rivers in England are no exception.  Only 14% are classed as having ‘Good Ecological Status’ (i.e., as close to their natural, healthy state as possible), and all of them failed their most recent chemical tests.

Yet this was not always the case, nor does it have to be. Friends of the River Medway strive to change this and help the River Medway return to optimum health. We aim to do this through following three interwoven streams: the Practical, Legal and Sacred impulses. Though we eventually hope to extend our vision and reach all Rivers, our initial focus is on our local catchment area: the Upper Medway.

For us, the poor health of the River Medway and surrounding banks has largely arisen out of a disconnect between humans and nature, as well as the need to control and dominate the natural environment that is predominant in many industrialised societies. It is a pattern that is evident across the globe, leading to disharmony and chaos across ecosystems.

Rather than just addressing pollution sources, we seek to transform what is at the root of the problem: our relationship with the river. We wish to approach the River in friendship and respect so that we can become loving guardians of the water, reviving the gratitude, connection and respect that were once deeply ingrained.