Sharpham supports launch of the Wild Dart Action Plan
Helping the river recover
The action plan is the culmination of a year’s work by the River Dart Catchment Partnership and the launch event will feature presentations from key organisations involved in the river’s future, including Friends of the Dart, South West Water, Dart Harbour, Westcountry Rivers Trust, and the Peatland Partnership.
A panel of speakers will share insights from their ongoing work to benefit the River Dart and discuss the next steps to secure its long-term recovery. Following the presentations, there will be an interactive Q&A session, giving attendees a chance to learn more about the current efforts in the catchment area and how they can contribute to preserving this iconic river.
Julian Carnell, Chair of the River Dart Catchment Partnership and Director of The Sharpham Trust, said:
“The River Dart is one of the best-known and most loved rivers in the Southwest. Unfortunately, like many of our rivers, it has faced challenges such as pollution and declining wildlife. The Wild River Dart Action Plan aims to bring together a variety of initiatives to ensure the river's long-term health, both for the environment and the local communities who rely on it.”
Roger English, South Devon National Landscape Manager, added:
“The Wild River Dart Action Plan takes a holistic, catchment-wide approach. We need to consider the full range of activities impacting the river to develop more integrated, long-term solutions. By working together, we can restore this iconic waterway from source to sea.”
What is to be done?
The action plan identifies several priority areas for improvement, including:
- Improving and creating habitats
- Fish recovery
- Water quality and quantity
- Sustainable farming practices
- Engaging and empowering local communities
- Mentoring & research
Speakers at the event include:
Hannah Pearson, Friends of the Dart – Water testing and citizen science
Nick Paling, South West Water – Bidwell Brook Project
Conrad Barrowclough, SW Peatland Partnership – Peatland restoration
Dan Osmond, Westcountry Rivers Trust – Fish recovery
Paul Britton, Dart Harbour & Navigation Authority – The future of our estuary
The River Dart catchment area spans 475 km², including a quarter of the Dartmoor National Park. The region features internationally important habitats, such as blanket bogs, peat mires, oak woodlands, and estuary mudflats, all of which support endangered species like the Atlantic salmon and greater horseshoe bat. Yet, the catchment area, home to 80,000 residents and visited by 1.4 million people each year, is under growing pressure due to climate change, agricultural intensification, and recreational activities.
A new Partnership website launching at the end of March will enable local residents to provide feedback on the proposed priorities and see the map of existing and upcoming projects. This platform will serve as a central hub for information on the River Dart and its restoration efforts.
The Wild River Dart Action Plan Launch will take place on April 11th, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Totnes Civic Hall. This event is free and open to local residents, community leaders, and media attend and join in this crucial conversation about the future of the River Dart.
