Some of country’s most polluted rivers in protected parks

ENGLAND and Wales’ most picturesque landscapes are home to some of the country’s most polluted rivers, with sewage discharge in Dartmoor National Park now lasting nearly three times longer than outside its borders.

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New analysis by Campaign for National Parks, working alongside ‘The Rivers Trust, reveals that sewer overflows within Dartmoor National Park spilled for an average of 792 hours in 2024. This compares with 549 hours across all national parks and just 266 hours outside park boundaries.

‘The report, titled Rivers at Risk, points to ageing sewage infrastructure, insufficient legal protections, and regulatory failings as key reasons behind the crisis. Campaigners say iconic rivers across protected areas are facing a “triple threat” of sewage, agricultural runoff and toxic chemicals.

Dr Rose O'Neill, chief executive of Campaign for National Parks, said: “National Parks should set the gold standard for clean and healthy rivers, but instead they are being ignored and neglected by government, regulators and water companies. These are rivers loved by millions of people: if we cannot protect the jewels of our waterways, then we are failing the nation”