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People & Communities

The resident population in the catchment of just over 80,000 people is supplemented by at least 150,000 people living just outside the catchment in Torbay, Newton Abbot and other nearby towns. From there and further afield, the catchment attracts an estimated 1.4m visitors each year. 

The River Dart has an exceptionally high level of public accessibility and use, compared to many other Devon rivers: walking, hiking, running, swimming, white-water kayaking, paddling and boating on the estuary, fishing, nature-watching, dog walking, foraging, cycling, climbing, painting, loafing and picnicking (not an exhaustive list!) beside and in the Dart provides leisure time, nature connection, health and wellbeing benefits to tens of thousands of people every year. This goes a long way to explain the levels of interest in the Dart’s condition and its future recovery.

Priority Actions Objectives What needs to happen Key Partners
Ee Engaging and Empowering People
Ee1 Develop a powerful Wild River Dart brand to support public engagement.

Engage and empower people to take action

 The existing logo is sufficient for current purpose but needs to be more impactful and designed for multiple formats/contexts. River Dart Catchment Partnership
Ee2 Develop a grassroots campaign to engage and empower people to improve the river. Engage and empower people to take action

There is a need to coordinate communications activity via a simple communications plan including website, social media and library or resources. The organisations involved in delivering the Action Plan then collaborate in delivering this plan.

Part of the plan will be to engage with Parish Councils and other community groups to reach new audiences and promote messages about taking action at home.

 River Dart Catchment Partnership
Ee3 Deliver training, learning, environmental monitoring, practical conservation projects, events and celebrations throughout the catchment. Engage and empower people to take action

There’s a need for a far-reaching activities programme to fulfil WRD objectives, and fill gaps and reach new audiences. Delivery needs to be coordinated, using the WRD brand alongside organisations’ own brands.

A key step is to understand the learning and training needs of potential audiences and how they are currently being met, and where the gaps lie; this should assess existing and potential L&T opportunities, reviewing physical facilities and activities, together with funding needs and opportunities.

 River Dart Catchment Partnership

 

Nature Recovery

People on River Dart

People & Communities

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