River Soar Funeral- October 2026
The River Soar is in such severe decline that we are holding a funeral.
This event is a solemn, symbolic act to recognise the river’s deteriorating health, a clear contrast to recent PR‑friendly clean‑ups and pennywort picks.
The evidence shows a river under chronic stress, the Soar and its tributaries are not okay, and the community deserves to see the truth without filters. so on Saturday 24th October at 12pm we will be leading a procession along the River Soar at Aylestone Meadows.
Why a Funeral?
A funeral is not dramatic, it is accurate.
For years, the River Soar and its tribs have endured repeated sewage discharges, ecological collapse, wildlife loss, and a lack of enforcement. Clean‑ups cannot fix sewage and cannot restore a dying ecosystem.
This funeral is a moment of honesty, a collective acknowledgement of what has been lost, and a call for meaningful change.
Key Evidence
• 2,317 hours of sewage discharge recorded in the Soar catchment last year
• Zero stretches of the Soar achieving “good ecological status”
• Declines in kingfisher, water vole, and invertebrate presence across monitored sites
• Multiple outfalls showing chronic pollution indicators, including elevated ammonia and low dissolved oxygen
Ahead of the Funeral: Placard‑Making Session
Ahead of the funeral, we will be holding a calm, creative placard‑making session.
• Date: TBC
• Location: TBC
• Materials provided: recycled card, black paint, pens, stencils
“We’re holding a funeral because the River Soar is in decline, and the evidence is overwhelming. This isn’t a stunt, it’s about honesty. People deserve to see the truth about what’s happening beneath the surface, and to stand together for a river that once thrived.”
Sarah- Clean River Action