The Partnership

The River Dart Catchment Partnership was established in 2024 and brings together a broad range of stakeholders throughout the catchment who are interested in achieving a better river for people and nature. The Partnership has agreed a Terms of Reference (link to library). A Steering Group meets quarterly to help organise the Partnership’s work and the wider partnership meets every six months or so. Membership of the Partnership is open to anyone who shares its goals. 

The Wild River Dart Action Plan has been developed by the Partnership and outlines collaborative efforts to significantly improve the condition of the River Dart over the next ten years by addressing local challenges and implementing projects that achieve shared goals. By working collaboratively, partnerships can deliver cost-effective solutions with multiple benefits, such as improved water quality, landscape-scale nature recovery, flood risk reduction and community engagement. The partnership theme is integral across all River Dart projects. 

The River Dart Catchment Partnership sits within The South Devon Catchment Partnership. This is one of four Catchment Partnerships in Devon sponsored by the Environment Agency to bring together interested parties to collaborate on improving the water environment. South Devon covers five catchments, the Teign, Dart, Avon, Erme and Yealm. It works to a high-level set of strategic goals and encourages projects to come forward that align with these goals. However, it lacks the capacity to take a more operational approach.

The River Dart Catchment Partnership Steering Group is made up of the following organisations who are active in the Dart catchment and influence the river’s recovery. It includes representatives of the public, private, charity and voluntary sectors. 

The current Chair of the Partnership is Julian Carnell Director of The Sharpham Trust. The Trust is acting as the secretariat for the Partnership.