Project Dates: 1.10.25 to 1.4.26

Engaging with the community to raise awareness about the sources of river pollution and promoting the tangible, impactful steps that householders, landowners, farmers and local businesses can take to reduce pollution; alongside lobbying South West Water to upgrade critical  infrastructure.

Objectives:

‘To leave the River Dart in a better place for future generations’, with a primary focus on improving river water quality. Aiming to achieve this by delivering a programme that will engage and empower communities and businesses along the Dart’s 47-mile length and within its entire catchment area.

 

Methodology:

The project proposes two main streams of activity, each delivered in two phases:

• Community River Ambassadors: This involves enlisting, engaging, and training valued members of the public committed to improving water quality. Community Ambassadors will be recruited from Dartmouth up to the sources on Dartmoor. They will receive training in both reactive measures (observing, recording, and reporting adverse events) and proactive measures (reducing polluting water flow, identifying/rectifying leaks, using porous surfaces, avoiding disposal of non-biodegradables in drains/WCs). Training will also cover river ecology and the River Fly Project for assessing river health.
• Business River Ambassadors: This stream seeks to engage a broad range of local organisations and businesses within the catchment or interacting with the river to share information, fundraise, and inspire best practice among their staff and customers. Target businesses include those involved in river leisure (sailing, kayaking, ferry operators), marine engineering, fishing, hospitality (hotels, cafes), retail, and the Dart Harbour Authority. Business engagement includes promoting sustainable practices, sharing ways to reduce pollutants, and supporting initiatives like exploring alternative antifoul paint. Rejuvenating the shell fishing industry is noted as a longer-term example.