Conservationists claim 'legal victory' in dispute over government protection of rivers

WWF-UK and angling organisations reach high court settlement over their accusation that Defra is failing to protect England's waterways from agricultural pollution

Conservationists and angling organisations have settled their high court dispute with the government over their accusation that it is failing to take effective action to protect England's waterways from agricultural pollution.

WWF-UK, the Angling Trust and Fish Legal claimed a "legal victory" after receiving courtroom reassurances that mandatory water protection zones (WPZs) are being actively considered alongside voluntary steps by farmers to reduce pollution in rivers and wetlands.