Chicken river pollution claims float Nando's way as celebs pile behind open letter
The River Wye stands on brink of 'ecological disaster' say Paul Whitehouse, Liz Bonnin and dozens of other concerned actors, wildlife presenters and campaign groups. Nando's has denied their claims.
Chicken restaurant chain Nando’s is facing pressure from celebrities and environmental campaigners over claims it is polluting one of Britain's favourite rivers.
An open-letter has been published to the chief exec of the 'British icon' saying 'your chicken is killing our rivers'.
Signatories of the letter include presenter Chris Packham, actor Dominic West, chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, presenter and activists Dame Joanna Lumley and comedian Stewart Lee.
Organised by River Action the letter claims Nando’s has been removing web pages relating to its supply chain and calls on the group to clean up its act over waste going into the River Wye - which campaign groups say is linked to chicken farms which supply Nando’s.
The Wye, in Herefordshire, is on the 'brink of ecological collapse' according to the campaign group.
During May 2023 Natural England downgraded the status of the Wye from unfavourable-improving, to unfavourable-declining.
River Action’s Head of Campaigns Amy Fairman said: "The Wye River is on the brink of ecological collapse, and companies like Nando’s have a moral responsibility to ensure their supply chains are not driving this destruction."
Celeb backer Chris Packham said: If Nando’s wants to position itself as a sustainable and ethical company, it cannot ignore the environmental catastrophe in its supply chain. The Wye is dying, and companies profiting from its destruction must take responsibility.”
While environmentalist and presenter Liz Bonnin said:
“If Nando’s truly cares about sustainability, it must act now to cut ties with polluting suppliers and set an example for the industry. Anything less is greenwashing.”
But Nando’s has hit back at the open letter - saying it is not polluting the River Wye and has offered to meet with River Action and campaigners.
A spokesperson for Nando’s told The Lead: “We care passionately about the environment and having a positive impact. We have a water policy in place for all our chicken suppliers. We will meet with River Action and we are happy to discuss with them how this might be further improved.
“We are not polluting the River Wye, and our supplier has assured us that no manure is spread, stored or otherwise disposed of on any of the chicken farms we source from. We will be conducting an independent third-party audit to provide further assurances."
What does the open letter say?
The letter is addressed to Nando’s chief exec Mark Standish, who was hired in March last year.
It states:
Millions of Brits have shared countless “cheeky Nando’s” moments. Nando’s is a British icon—which is exactly why we need to talk.
Your chicken is killing our rivers.
The Wye used to be one of Britain's most beautiful rivers. Now? It's turning into a brown, lifeless mess - killing wildlife, destroying habitats, and even making local children sick after swimming.
The culprit? Pollution from factory farms that supply chicken to major restaurant chains like you.
This is where your responsibility lies as CEO of Nando's. You are buying chickens from massive factory farms and their waste is absolutely destroying Britain’s rivers.
The good news is that you’ve got the power to help fix this. Nando's isn't the only company buying these chickens - but as one of Britain's most-loved brands, when you make moves, others follow. You could revolutionise how restaurant chains source their produce.
You keep telling us that sustainability “isn’t just a buzz word” for Nando's. It's time to walk the walk.
Local children from the River Wye reached out to you about this. Hundreds of people commented on your social posts. In response, you've quietly deleted the web page that told everyone where your chicken comes from, and now claim your supplier assures you they’re not spreading waste on chicken farms in the area. But where’s the proof it's not ending up in our rivers?
We need real answers, not just PR speak. Like you did with your Better Chicken Commitment, we’re asking you to design and implement a sector-leading commitment to protecting Britain’s rivers in your sustainability policy. The future of Britain's rivers - and your reputation - depends on your response.
Who is backing the campaign?
Chris Packham - Naturalist and TV presenter
Dominic West - Actor
George Monbiot - Author, Journalist and Environmental Activist
Hugh Fearnley-Wittingstall - Chef & Campaigner
Iolo Williams - Naturalist and TV presenter
Iwan Rheon - Actor and musician
Jerome Flynn - Actor and musician
Jeremy Wade - TV presenter
Jim Murray - Actor and activist
Jo Brand - Actor and comedian
Dame Joanna Lumley - Actress, presenter and activist
Johnny Flynn - Musician and actor
Lara Maiklem - Author and mudlark
Liz Bonnin - Wildlife biologist, natural history and environmental broadcaster
Max La Manna - Chef and author
Dr Mya-Rose Craig - Founder and present, Black2NaNature
Poppy Okotcha - Author and horticulturalist
Paul Whitehouse - Comedian and fisherman
Robert MacFarlane - Writer
Sam Bentley - Sustainability creator
Dame Sian Phillips - Actress
Stewart Lee - Comedian and presenter
Dave Gillian - Save The Wye
Jack Steadman - CEO of People vs Profiteers
James Wallace - CEO of River Action UK
Jamie Cook - CEO of The Angling Trust
Mark Lloyd - CEO of The Rivers Trust
Rosie Downes - Head of Campaigns Friends of The Earth
The Lead is committed to covering what’s happening with our environment, and it’s not the first time we’ve dipped a toe in what’s happening in Britain’s rivers. we visited Devon to hear how fishing towns are dying due to river pollutions and in Blackpool how the sea is no longer safe to swim in. Consider subscribing below to receive The Lead’s newsletter direct to your inbox every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday - and taking a paid subscription to support our in-depth news and features going beyond the headlines.
