Two months remain to join UK’s largest environmental pollution claim

The deadline of 31 August 2026 follows the claim’s first High Court hearing in April. A timeline for the case was set out at the hearing, which determines a cut-off date for people to join.

More than 4,800 people and local businesses have already signed up to join the claim, which argues that residents and businesses have been negatively impacted by river pollution caused by manure run-off from industrial poultry operations, as well as sewage pollution. 

It is alleged that the poultry operations of Avara Foods Limited and its UK subsidiary Freemans of Newent have caused pollution in the rivers via chicken manure spread across the land, which then leeches into the rivers. It is alleged that this results in excess nutrients, such as phosphorous, and bacteria polluting the rivers.  

It also alleged that the operations of Welsh Water, which runs the region’s sewerage system, have contributed to nutrient and bacteria contamination in the rivers as well through sewage discharges directly into the waterways.  

Residents in the catchment areas of the rivers argue that the pollution has stopped them participating in activities such as swimming and canoeing, had an impact on businesses which rely on the river such as fishing and tourism, and negatively impacted people’s property values.  

Excess nutrients in the River Lugg have also led to a building moratorium being put in place by Herefordshire Council in an effort to limit further nutrient pollution. This has resulted in some residents facing years of delays and extra costs from building projects.  

Justine Evans, who is a client and the case’s lead claimant, said: 

“The River Wye is a beautiful place that so many people get enjoyment from. It offers a special, natural relationship between people and the environment. This connection is something that should be nurtured, but instead it is being shattered by the worsening state of the river.  

“My relationship with the river has completely changed in recent years, to the point I no longer feel comfortable going in it. It’s horrible to think what has happened to the wildlife it is home to. Kids are growing up seeing the river as it is now thinking this is its normal state, but it’s just not what rivers should look like. 

"It's for this reason I feel that the legal action is an important thing to be a part of, in order to do what we can as a community to put a stop to the pollution and help the rivers recover." 

Jenny-May While, another client on the claim who bought a house near the River Wye, said: 

“We were so excited to have this opportunity to live by the water. My family loves to paddle board and canoe together. Living by the river provides an affordable way of enjoying this kind of healthy activity - and is a huge part of our exercise and family time. 

“Growing up in Herefordshire we would swim in the Wye and Lugg all the time, so it feels like home. When we moved in, we were aware of the pollution, but now being so close to the river, I see it getting worse almost on a daily basis. I haven’t seen any live fish this year and the smell is so bad sometimes I don’t want to go into our garden. 

“Sometimes I’ve been in the river, and I’ve had a rash afterwards. I think it’s having an effect on the value of our property as well. 

After being filed in autumn 2025, the claim was heard for the first time at the High Court in an April case management hearing. 

Following the hearing, a deadline for people to sign up to join the claim has been set for 31 August 2026. 

Leigh Day partner Oliver Holland, who leads the legal action, said: 

“We are now approaching the deadline for people to be able to join the claim, following its first steps in court. This legal action is open to individuals and businesses within the affected catchment areas who meet the eligibility criteria to participate.  As we approach the court-mandated cut-off date for new claimants, we are keen to ensure that impacted residents are aware of the August Bank Holiday deadline.”