Thousands join "UK's biggest-ever legal claim" over river pollution
A lawsuit which almost 4,000 people have joined is challenging river pollution in the Wye and Usk catchment areas
Last updated 8th Oct 2025
Three major companies are facing the UK’s biggest ever legal claim over environmental pollution after nearly four thousand people signed up to take them to court over the state of three rivers.
The lawsuit, led by law firm Leigh Day, targets Avara Foods Limited, Freemans of Newent Limited, and Welsh Water. The claimants - residents, business owners, and people who use the Wye, Usk and Lugg rivers for leisure - say pollution has badly damaged local businesses, tourism, and property values since August 2019.
They’re asking the High Court for substantial damages and for the rivers to be cleaned up and restored to health.
Among those involved are people with riverside properties or fishing rights, businesses reliant on tourism and river activities, and households near poultry farms or sewage infrastructure. Some are affected by the “Lugg Moratorium” - a building ban around the river Lugg brought in to protect it from pollution, which campaigners estimate has cost individuals tens of thousands of pounds in fees and losses.
The claim alleges that pollution has come from farm run-off containing high levels of phosphorus, nitrogen, and bacteria, mostly from poultry manure and sewage bio solids spread on the land.
It also accuses Welsh Water of causing bacteria and nutrient pollution by discharging sewage directly into the rivers.
These pollutants are said to have caused algae blooms, choking fish and wildlife, and making the rivers smell. The claim says this has created a public and private nuisance, and breached environmental laws.
Avara, Freemans and Welsh Water all deny the claims.
A Welsh Water spokesperson said:
“Welsh Water is a not-for-profit company, unlike other water companies. The amount we can charge for our services is subject to regulatory control, which therefore limits the funds available to us for re-investing into our infrastructure. Despite these financial constraints, we have made significant investments over recent years, and we have achieved real improvements in water quality.
“In the past five years we have delivered £70 million of investment to improve our sites on the Wye River – and delivered them ahead of the target set by our regulators. We are also currently investing £33 million to improve the Usk River. Unfortunately, the water pollution caused by other sectors during this period has increased significantly, reducing the overall impact of the water quality improvements we have achieved.
“We intend to defend this case robustly: the fact that we are a not-for-profit company means that any payments to these claimants would necessarily reduce the amount that we can re-invest in delivering further improvements for the benefit of all of our customers and the environment.”
Avara (which is also the parent company of Freemans) said:
"We believe that this legal claim is based on a misunderstanding, as no manure is stored or spread on poultry-only farms that supply Avara Foods."
"Where poultry manure is used as fertiliser, it is for other produce in other agricultural sectors"
The firms now have to file a defence with the High Court, and unless the case is settled, it will proceed to a full civil trial. The companies can also apply to have the claim struck out.
Those bringing the claim want compensation for the impact on their lives and properties; including odours, insects, and noise from over one hundred intensive chicken farms and sewage plants in the area.
The claim is led by Leigh Day international and group claims partner Oliver Holland, who said:
“We see this legal claim as the culmination of an extraordinary effort by local community members and campaign groups to research, monitor and advocate for their rivers. The claimants have watched their rivers become the subject of national press coverage, public campaigns, Parliamentary debates and government pledges. Formally commencing this legal action is a concrete step towards protecting these vital national ecosystems.
“The court will now hear leading experts on the allegations of environmental harm, and will be asked to order those responsible to clean up these rivers, and restore these communities and wildlife that depend on them.
“This is the largest legal action concerning environmental pollution ever brought in the UK. In a context where government and regulators have failed to prevent the degradation of our rivers the court has become the last avenue for justice. Our clients believe they have no other option but to seek accountability through the legal system – and this marks the next step in that journey.”
Justine Evans (pictured above) is acting as the lead claimant. She works in wildlife filmmaking for international broadcasters and moved to the Wye area in 2012.
Justine says that the River Wye used to be clear, with the natural growth of plants and wildlife on and beneath its surface easily visible. But in recent years, she has seen a stark decline in its condition.
Around the time of the Covid pandemic, she observed a large algal bloom which gave the river a pea soup appearance. She says the condition has continued to worsen in the years since, leaving it in a murky and slimy state.
Having previously enjoyed activities such as swimming and canoeing in the Wye, Justine now feels more cautious about direct contact with the water and, like many people she knows, would not want to put her head under the water.
As a result, Justine now spends far less time around the river. She is concerned about the possible health effects of swimming in the Wye, and feels the connection between the community and the river has been damaged.
Justine said: “The River Wye is a beautiful place that so many people get enjoyment from. It offers a special, natural relationship between people and the environment. This connection is something that should be nurtured, but instead it is being shattered by the worsening state of the river.
“My relationship with the river has completely changed in recent years, to the point I no longer feel comfortable going in it. It’s horrible to think what has happened to the wildlife it is home to. Kids are growing up seeing the river now as it is now thinking this is its normal state, but it’s just not what rivers should look like.
“I now have to cast my mind far back to try and think ‘what did the river used to be like?’. The feeling of contentment I used to get from being in the river has all but disappeared.”