What happens when a riverkeeper who has spent 37 years fighting to protect his beloved River Test comes face-to-face with the CEO of Southern Water?
In this episode of The Last Salmon, we bring together veteran riverkeeper, Donny Donovan, and Southern Water CEO, Lawrence Gosden, for a frank and sometimes uncomfortable conversation about the future of one of Britain's most iconic chalk streams.
Donny has witnessed first-hand the devastating impact of water abstraction, pollution and declining salmon numbers. After decades of promises and little meaningful progress, his patience — and his trust in the water industry — has all but disappeared.
Lawrence acknowledges the scale of the challenge and sets out Southern Water's plans to reduce abstraction, invest in new water infrastructure and rebuild public confidence.
But are these genuine commitments to change, or more promises that will go unfulfilled?
The discussion explores:
- The impact of abstraction and pollution on the River Test and its unique strain of Atlantic salmon
- Why 37 years of promises have left riverkeepers disillusioned
- Whether the privatised water industry is fundamentally broken
- The case for renationalisation versus greater public accountability and private investment
- Southern Water's proposals to reduce abstraction and restore river health
- Whether cooperation between water companies, conservationists and local communities can deliver real change
It's a powerful encounter between two people with very different perspectives, can confrontation finally give way to action? And can Southern Water deliver the change that the River Test so desperately needs?
Season 3 of The Last Salmon is in partnership with Loop — driving change for wild fish and wild places.
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The Last Salmon, presented by actor and activist, Jim Murray MBE offers hope and solutions to the tragic story that is unfolding for an iconic species in crisis - the wild salmon.
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