Protesters campaign outside Nando's to save UK rivers
Article from Hampshire Chronicle.
Protesters dressed as chickens stood outside a popular chicken restaurant in Winchester to raise awareness for its unethical sourcing and how it effects UK rivers.
A group of activists from Extinction Rebellion Winchester set up outside Nando's on Saturday, February 21, to bring attention to the 'scandalous' farming being carried out by the restaurant and how it's 'killing rivers'.
The campaign highlights the worsening pollution in the River Wye on the Welsh border and how it's due to the large number of intensive poultry farms that have been set up, producing vast amounts of chicken manure which end up in the river.
According to the group, Nando's continue to source their chicken from factory farms that are contributing to the river's pollution, despite claiming they operate sustainably.
Mike Nell, campaigner for more than four years, said: "People should think about the implication of their food choices. we are trying to interest people and educate them on the food they are eating. It is a scandalous way to farm, especially when there are such things as regenerative chicken farms. They make a big thing about being ethical but make money from unethical procedures. They are moving in the wrong direction."
The phosphates, made as a result of chicken manure, are said to cause an accelerated growth of algae, which chokes the river, reduces oxygen levels and kills aquatic life.
Extinction Rebellion has grown to have national groups across the world. Regional groups also exist in many cities, including Winchester. These groups are autonomous, taking on their own actions as well as participating in larger national actions.
The Chronicle has contacted Nando's for comment.