River health is connected to so many environmental topics, from biodiversity to climate change, making rivers a key way to focus sustainability work within a catchment. Sustainable South Hams has had a spotlight focus on rivers for the first half of 2023, including a productive Rivers Assembly.

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Food, Land & Water

This section is under construction and will be completed very soon!

The Rivers Assembly

On Saturday, March 18th, 2023, the Rivers Assembly convened at Kingsbridge Community College to address South Hams rivers and their catchment areas. This gathering aimed to bring together stakeholders, organizations, and communities to discuss and act on river conservation and sustainability. The day featured presentations on the five South Hams River Catchments, followed by an extensive exhibition showcasing various projects and initiatives, including those related to wildlife conservation, water quality monitoring, and community engagement. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in creative discussions, roundtable sessions, and topic spotlight talks. The event fostered knowledge exchange and collaboration among attendees to drive positive change for the region's rivers and ecosystems.

News

Learning from an Exemplar Project: Yealm Estuary to Moor

Learning from an Exemplar Project: Yealm Estuary to Moor

On June 20th, several group leaders from rivers projects on the Erme, Avon and Dart met three leading members of Yealm Estuary to Moor to learn and gain inspiration. Find out more in our blog post from Rachael Tily.

June 27, 2023
What's Happened Since the SusSH Rivers Assembly?

What's Happened Since the SusSH Rivers Assembly?

The Sustainable South Hams Rivers Assembly this March was a fantastic opportunity for making new connections and sparking new projects. Find out a bit more about some of the outcomes from the Assembly in the two months since.

May 25, 2023
Partnerships, Projects and Possibilities at April's Group Leaders' Gathering

Partnerships, Projects and Possibilities at April's Group Leaders' Gathering

April’s Sustainable South Hams Group Leaders’ Gathering followed up the Rivers Assembly with updates from new partnerships and ongoing projects.

April 16, 2023

Groups

South Devon River Champions

South Devon River Champions

SDRC is providing links between community groups in catchments throughout South Devon and promoting the expert services of relevant professional organisations. By profiling all the existing catchment groups under one network, the individual groups have a greater opportunity to apply for funding of a scale that makes catchment wide projects feasible.

20-100
Volunteers
Other
Project Cost
Yealm Estuary to Moor Steering Group

Yealm Estuary to Moor Steering Group

Our goal is to create and restore habitats within the Yealm Catchment, working with professional partners such as Westcountry Rivers Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust, AONB, Dartmoor Parks Authority, National Trust.

20-100
Volunteers
Other
Project Cost
Westcountry Rivers Trust

Westcountry Rivers Trust

We have been restoring and protecting freshwater environments in the Westcountry for more than 25 years. Our Mission is to restore and protect the rivers, lakes, and estuaries of the Westcountry for the benefit of nature, people, and local economies. Our Vision is to see people helping our Westcountry rivers flow freely and teem with life and valuing our vital natural resource, water.

100+
Volunteers
Charity
Project Cost

Projects

Clean and Survey Your Local Beach

Clean and Survey Your Local Beach

Hope Cove and Soar Mill beach cleans and beach surveys with SMASH

Volunteers
Project Cost
Create a Wildlife Corridor Along a River

Create a Wildlife Corridor Along a River

Yealm Estuary Moor aims to improve the health & biodiversity of the River Yealm

Volunteers
Project Cost
Protect Our Rivers' Health with Citizen Science

Protect Our Rivers' Health with Citizen Science

Contribute to the resilience of our region's rivers, their habitats and wildlife

20+
Volunteers
£50k +
Project Cost