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Burgh Island Hotel has announced the return of the Island Assembly on Thursday 13 March, a conference hosted by Avon River Champions and Bigbury Net Zero that will focus on tackling water pollution.
The conference will place a particular emphasis on Devon’s rivers, which are under “severe” threat as 80% currently fail to achieve ‘good’ ecological status.
Monty Halls, a marine biologist, conservationist and broadcaster best known for his work on the BBC, Channel 4 and National Geographic, will deliver the keynote address, highlighting the urgent threat of water pollution and its impact on local communities and the environment.
The Assembly will also feature a line-up of speakers, including Caroline Voaden, MP for South Devon; Guy Singh Waston, founder of Riverford; Nick Bruce-White CEO of Devon Wildlife Trust; Katrina Walker, solicitor World Wildlife Fund; Gary Jolliffe, CEO of Force4Nature; and Simon Browning, technical lead at The Rivers Trust.
Following the success of the inaugural Island Assembly in 2022, which brought together over 60 delegates to discuss sustainability initiatives across energy, transport and farming, this year’s event reaffirms Burgh Island Hotel’s commitment to “eco-friendly hospitality and environmental advocacy”.
Burgh Island Hotel has been a champion of sustainability for nearly two decades, first receiving the Green Apple Organisation’s Gold Award for Conservation in 2007. The hotel continues to set industry standards by sourcing 80% of its ingredients from within a 30-mile radius, installing solar panels on disused tennis courts, and implementing a guest opt-in policy for digital devices to reduce energy consumption.
Beyond its sustainability efforts within hospitality, Burgh Island Hotel actively supports the local community in South Hams through regular initiatives such as the Tom Crocker Day Festival and the Burgh Island Swim.
Giles Fuchs, owner of Burgh Island Hotel, said: “While climate change is a global challenge, its impact is felt most acutely at a local level. As part of the South Hams community, Burgh Island Hotel is committed to playing its role in protecting our natural surroundings. Hosting the Island Assembly reflects our long-standing dedication to sustainability, and we are proud to support this vital initiative in driving positive change for Devon’s waterways.”
Niki Fuchs, owner of Burgh Island Hotel, said: “It is our pleasure to once again host the second iteration of the Island Assembly, and bring together local voices, experts, and policymakers to drive meaningful solutions to protect our rivers. As custodians of Burgh Island, it is our responsibility as part of the Bigbury community to work together to create real change, and such initiatives are essential to this.”
Louise Wainwright, chair of Avon River Champions, added: “We are thrilled to be able to hold the Island Assembly again this year, in partnership with Burgh Island. It’s fantastic to have so much support from some excellent speakers, scientists, local councils and leaders of environment and community groups at the forefront of the practical work needed to protect Devon’s waterways.”
