Ep. 040: Rivers in Crisis – A Conversation with James Wallace
What happens when we treat our rivers like sewers, ignore regulation, and allow polluters to profit from destruction? In this milestone 40th episode of The Wilder Podcast, we sit down with James Wallace, CEO of River Action, for one of our most eye-opening conversations yet. Beyond the outrage, this conversation is a masterclass in what needs to change, how it can change, and what each of us can do to be part of the solution.
Your Hosts
Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/
Chloe Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloe-constable-24155821b/
Website: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk
Podcast Journey Page: https://www.grangeproject.co.uk/wilder-podcast
Grange Project Contact & Social Media
Email: hello@grangeproject.co.uk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grange.project/
Our Guest: James Wallace is the CEO of River Action, an environmental NGO committed to ending river pollution in the UK. A former archaeologist, campaigner, and founder of multiple environmental organisations, James has worked on conservation projects from the UK to Madagascar, and now leads legal and policy challenges to clean up Britain’s rivers.
🌊 Explore the River Rescue Kit
📱 Follow @riveractionuk on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn and X
Episode Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction and updates from the Grange Project, including the new market garden, the first school visit to the project and freedom for the pigs.
[09:42] Meet James Wallace – CEO of River Action and hear his journey from chalk stream childhood to river campaigner
[13:42] What’s the problem with our rivers? A breakdown of pollutants
[17:46] What healthy rivers could mean for wildlife, communities and the economy
[23:24] Why haven’t we fixed this already? A deep dive into regulation and politics
[27:35] What can individuals and communities do to make a difference?
[34:33] What is the River Rescue Kit and how will it help local campaigners?
[38:00] Do we need new laws or better enforcement of existing ones?
[42:42] Political will, lobbying pressure, and the role of growth narratives
[46:00] Why River Action is pursuing new legal challenges in 2025
[49:00] Reflections on the river as a public good—and why this moment matters
[53:20] Closing reflections from Tom & Chloe
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