In a desperate attempt to save the River Wye from irreparable damage, Herefordshire-based Canwood Gallery has partnered with national environmental charity, River Action UK, to launch its Save The Wye exhibition from 11th August to 18th September 2022.
The River Wye is approaching the point of no return due to high levels of damaging phosphates, which effectively suffocates the river ecosystem that relies on it. Deeply concerned the river is running out of time the popular gallery has called on artists from the counties which surround the river to create their masterpieces to raise much-needed funds. This call has proved a huge success, with local artists combining to create an incredible exhibition dedicated to the River Wye. All artworks will be available for purchase, with a percentage of all proceeds being donated to River Action UK.
Campaigners have been working tirelessly on Save the Wye campaigns to bring the rivers plight to the forefront of the political agenda, and have recently been joined by celebrities Stephen Fry and Monty Don.
However, in order to save the river and its tributaries from irreversible environmental damage caused by intensive agricultural practices, a mandatory catchment-wide Nutrient Management Plan must be implemented with immediate effect.
Hannah Dale, of Canwood Gallery, said: “It’s immensely worrying times for the River Wye and its surrounding communities and businesses, and we need to take action before it’s too late.
“We have launched our Save the Wye exhibition to firstly raise funds, but to secondly raise awareness of the current situation. We are losing more and more wildlife every single day, and more pollution incidents will soon cause the death of our beautiful river. We encourage everyone to visit us to see some incredible art while making a much-needed difference to the future of the Wye.”
River Action is a charity on a mission to rescue Britain’s rivers using a blend of community empowerment, mobilising communications and policy advocacy. All of Britain’s 200,000km network of rivers are chemically polluted with only 14% fit to swim in. The very lifeblood of our natural world is facing the devastating effects of agricultural and sewage pollution exacerbated by climate breakdown, species extinction and food and water insecurity. River Action’s solution to address this issue is to build natural resilience to pollution, climate, biodiversity, health, food and water risk by protecting and restoring our rivers, locally and nationally. With a powerful campaign to Save the Wye already underway, River Action continues to work tirelessly to save this iconic river, and others like it across the UK.
Canwood Gallery exhibits thought-provoking art within the beautiful and inspiring countryside of Herefordshire. Entry is free, all artworks are for sale and a donation from the proceeds of the Save the Wye exhibition will be given to River Action to support its vital work. For more information, please visit www.canwoodgallery.com/savethewye/. The public can also show their support by signing the petition.