Manifesto

Ouse

Love our Ouse

Love our Ouse is a community based initiative linking people to celebrate, learn and take action for Sussex River Ouse from source to sea. We believe the Ouse has the right to support a rich biodiversity and a thriving riverside community.

There’s so much to learn about the Ouse; its rich history, topography, ecology and water quality to name a few. Sadly the river ecosystem also faces a multitude of threats and challenges in the immediate and long term. However there are many local groups and initiatives striving to restore the river and it is much loved by local people. Love our Ouse formed to help link up and accelerate positive change.

The Ouse is approximately 35 miles long along from it’s furthest point starting in Mid Sussex and the Wealden, through the Lewes District to Newhaven where it meets the sea. It comprises a 250 square metre catchment area including 750 miles of streams, rivers and brooks spreading across the valley like a tree.

The Ouse is an important spawning ground for Sea Trout and home to other notable species including Sea Lamprey, Mullet, Eels as well as a huge variety of birds, mammals and insects.

The river has a rich heritage supporting industry, shipping and transport of goods. As such it is a heavily modified river which has experienced extensive straightening, deepening and diversions including the addition of weirs, locks and flood prevention measures.

Love Our Ouse is facilitating the development of a River Rights charter in close consultation with local people, key stakeholders and those with statutory duties. Rights of Rivers is a way of reframing our relationship with nature that acknowledges its intrinsic value to exist, regenerate and flourish. Love Our Ouse is part of a fast growing Rights of Nature network both locally and nationally.