Project to improve the health of River Axe given green light

The initiative, named Rivers Run Through Us, will begin early next year, with more than £250,000 in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and over £60,000 from the Environment Agency's Water Environment Improvement Fund.

The project will focus on involving communities in the restoration of the River Axe, its tributaries, and the surrounding valleys.

It will be led by Blackdown Hills National Landscape in partnership with Dorset and East Devon National Landscapes, with additional funding from the Upper Axe Landscape Recovery Project and the project's partners.

The River Axe, once known for its trout streams, has faced environmental challenges in recent years.

The project will address these issues with a collaborative approach, focusing on the interconnectedness of water, soil, and people.

The aim is to empower local communities to monitor river health and work with organisations to tackle identified issues.

The project will also support farmers and land managers in safeguarding their natural resources and building mutually beneficial relationships with the wider community.

New educational programs will be developed to engage people with the river and its heritage.

Tim Youngs, Blackdown Hills National Landscape manager, said: "This project represents a significant step forward for nature recovery in the River Axe catchment and reconnecting local people with their natural heritage."

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded development funding of £250,630 to Blackdown Hills National Landscape to help the Rivers Run Through Us project progress its plans and later apply for a full National Lottery grant of £1,237,391.

This development phase will involve teaming up with community groups, schools, and farmers, trying out activities, and putting together action plans for key habitats and species.

Vicky Whitworth, Friends of the River Axe, said: "We all want our river to be clean, with thriving wildlife, but people often wonder what they can do to make rivers better.

"The River Axe was a splendid lowland river and deserves to be cherished to bring her back to her full glory.

"The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant will kick-start change and empower the people of the place to play their part in bringing the River Axe and her tributaries back to a gold standard."

Stuart McLeod, director England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We know how important it is to protect our natural heritage and we are pleased to support this project that will engage local communities with the restoration of the River Axe.

"It’s through initiatives like this that we can make a real difference, by helping people better understand, and care for, the heritage on their doorstep.

"We look forward to working with the project team to progress their plans to apply for a full grant at a later date."