Rivers
From otters to freshwater shrimps, all animals are dependant on an abundant and reliable supply of clean water. Rivers sustain the natural environment, wildlife and people in equal measure.
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Photo, David Tipling/2020Vision
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Rivers of Life appeal
Donations to the Rivers of Life appeal will support work to improve river, farmland and woodland habitats for wildlife on the new Northern Devon Natural Solutions project. By helping landowners to protect riverbanks, improve soil health, create wetland habitats, better manage hedges and start 'wilding' areas of land, we can make real improvements to wildlife in our rivers and on the land alongside them - from orchids and butterflies on wet grasslands to declining Atlantic salmon and endangered freshwater pearl mussels in northern Devon's rivers.
Chalk rivers
Cool, crystal-clear waters flow over gravelly beds, streaming through white-flowered water-crowfoot and watercress in serene lowland landscapes.
What's wrong with our rivers?
Standing on the mossy banks of the river Dart, watching the peat brown water bubble and churn its way through a maze of granite boulders that are overshadowed by a forest of gaunt, fern encrusted…
Discover wildlife on the river
Learn about Devon’s rivers and the wildlife that lives in and around them. Discover which of our nature reserves provide some of the best river views in Devon.
New film highlights ‘fragile, threatened beauty’ of Devon’s rivers
Devon Wildlife Trust has released a new film which focusses on the threats facing the South West’s beautiful rivers and streams.
River lamprey
The river lamprey is a primitive, jawless fish, with a round, sucker-mouth which it uses to attach to other fish to feed from them. Adults live in the sea and return to freshwater to spawn.
Torridge River Restoration Project Success
As the Torridge River Restoration Project comes to a close team leader Matt Turley reflects on the incredible achievements of the project, gives thanks to everyone involved and looks forward to…
The River Plym Project
The River Plym flows from Dartmoor, to Plymouth, and into the sea. By connecting with the people who live and work alongside the Plym, this project looked to understand how local communities currently engage with the River Plym.
Celebrating the River Plym!
Everyone is welcome to join a unique public celebration of the River Plym, its wildlife and the communities who live along its length.
Wilder Future: a vole's view
Ratty. Sensible, dependable, loyal, comfortable in his own skin, writes Harry Barton, Devon Wildlife Trust's CEO. He is the character who gives the river in Wind in the Willows its sense of…
River Otter Beaver Trial
Discover the story of Devon’s first licensed beaver re-introduction & monitoring project, on the River Otter.