Lead organisation
Wild Waters Festival
Partner organisations
Local parish and town councils, and their communities
Project description
Inspired by bioregional principles, this growing collaboration brings together parish councils, community groups and local people along the Bristol River Avon, from Bradford on Avon to Batheaston.
At its heart is the River Festival, a month-long celebration of the river and the communities connected by it. Running from 30 May to 30 June 2026, the festival now includes 32 events across 14 communities, creating opportunities for people to explore, celebrate and better understand the river that shapes their place.
The partnership uses culture, creativity and community action to shine a light on the challenges facing the river, from climate change to biodiversity loss, while inspiring positive action at a local level. Momentum continues to grow. In 2025, the project was recognised in Parliament through an Early Day Motion from the local MP, while independent research demonstrated the positive impact of the partnership's community-led approach. Together, the project is building stronger connections between people, place and river, helping communities become active stewards of their local environment.
Project location
Along the limestone river valley of the Bristol River Avon, between Bradford on Avon and Batheaston.
Contribution to Big Chalk
This is a grass roots community initiative helping local people value and act positively for climate and nature in our part of this precious limestone landscape. Some of the early ideas for festival events include river water quality testing, bats and rivers talks and walks, art projects inspired by the local river and its landscape. Each community has committed to running at least three events during the festival, curated to appeal to a variety of audiences and groups.
Do you have a project that could strengthen the future of southern England’s iconic chalk and limestone landscapes?
The Big Chalk programme brings together a dynamic suite of partner-led projects, each unique in its focus, area, and partnerships but sharing a commitment to our collective vision.
If your project contributes to the Big Chalk mission, we invite you to register it as a Big Chalk Project. Registered projects gain access to networking, shared learning, and best practice—alongside the Big Chalk brand, boosting your profile and connecting you to a powerful, growing network of partners.
Together, these projects form a united effort to secure the future of southern England’s chalk and limestone landscapes, making a lasting impact for nature and communities.