Our Catchment Groups
Three catchments collaborate to share good practice and resources in a joint endeavour to design and fund catchment plans capable of restoring our water bodies to Good Ecological status by 2030.
Our landowners and farmers are installing nature-based solutions to reduce pollution; households and businesses are learning about river-sensitive waste water management and local government is supporting community initiatives to restore water quality and extend wildlife habitat.
River Champions, trained by Westcountry Rivers Trust, support Citizen Science Investigators to record regular observations of water quality and biodiversity in our river valleys and estuaries.
River Avon
Avon Lower (good)
Avon Estuary (good)
South West Water Overspills to Aug 2023 (12 month period)
Moreleigh STW recorded 1,665 hrs
Diptford STW a total of 875 hrs
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Over the winter 2024, Bigbury-on-Sea and Bantham have had a number of warnings about sewage pollution, advising that the water was not safe to swim in. These are both designated bathing sites with year round use.
Avon River Champions
Avon River Champions, formerly Aune Conservation Association, provides a platform enabling neighbouring catchment groups to amplify their efforts and demands for Good Ecological status of their water bodies. A River Champion coordinates CSI water sampling in the Lower Avon.
Bigbury Net Zero
Bigbury Net Zero supports farmers, households and businesses in Bigbury Parish to restore habitats save carbon and enable the parish to be carbon neutral by 2050. We help sectors to measure carbon footprints and find ways to be more Carbon Savvy. We are aiming to develop a local carbon offset scheme to help this happen.
Wild About Loddiswell
Wild About Loddiswell organises conservation projects, events and campaigns to enhance the biodiversity in the parish of Loddiswell for wildlife and the enjoyment of the community. River Champions support Citizen Science Investigators from Aveton Gifford to Loddiswell
Brent Island Trust
Brent Island Trust, celebrates 30 years in 2024 protecting  the island for wildlife and people to enjoy. A River Champion coordinates Citizen Science Investigators in South Brent, Avonwick and North Huish
SSBÂ delivers projects that encourage public participation in helping to ensure the long term sustainability and character of the local area, at the same time increasing social cohesion and developing skill sets in the community
Avon Fishing Association
AFA members have an intimate knowledge of the health of stretches on the Avon and are part of the River Fly Partnership monitoring at various sites on the Avon.
Habitat
Group
The SHHG works to improve the biodiversity of our parishes by the gradual development of a range of sustainable habitats.  Add your wildlife area to their Habitat Map. Learn about their Water Vole Re-introduction project.
Deer Wood
Trust
Inspiring, nature-friendly well-being & outdoor learning in Deer Wood with foraging courses, well-being activities and nature-based workshops. The Deer Wood Trust promotes and demonstrates sustainable living.
River Gara and Slapton Ley | Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary
SWW hrs overspills to Aug '23
Blackawton STW 1,619
Slapton WWTW 1,417
East Allington WWTW 1,250
SWW hrs overspills to Aug '23
Sherford WWTW 3,131.82 hrs
East Allington WWTW 1,250 hrs
Sustainable Blackawton
Sustainable Blackawton manages the River Champions CSI team monitoring the water quality of the River Gara and its tributaries. Members are working with landowners to support the Habitat Group's Water Vole Re-introduction programme. .
Field Studies Centre Slapton Ley
Slapton Ley Field Studies Centre provides learning opportunities about biodiversity and the environment for a wide range of people, using Slapton Ley and the surrounding catchment for practical studies,
Friends of Salcombe Kingsbridge Estaury
Friends of Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary are a sub-group of Kingsbridge Climate Action. A River Champion supports Citizen Scientists to monitor biodiversity and water quality in the Estuary