Protecting the River Dart together this World Rivers Day

Friends of the Dart

This World Rivers Day, we celebrate the River Dart — a place of beauty, biodiversity, and connection. It’s a river that sustains communities, nourishes wildlife, and inspires thousands who live, work and visit along its banks. Yet, like so many of our waterways, it faces increasing pressures from pollution, habitat loss, and climate change.

At Friends of the Dart, we represent the interests of the River Dart and advocate for its health on both a local and national level. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: minimising pollution, improving biodiversity, and empowering communities from source to sea. We do this through evidence-based advocacy, constructive engagement, and collaboration with partners, stakeholders, and everyone who loves the river.

Our work and impact

FOTD leads what we believe to be the largest citizen-funded bacterial monitoring programme in the country, conducting monthly water quality sampling at 31 sites across the catchment under both wet and dry conditions. Now in our third year, we use this data to identify pollution hotspots, inform regulatory bodies, and push for better protections.

This evidence has already led to significant change:

• Securing designated bathing water status at four sites — the highest number achieved on any UK River.

• Achieving planned infrastructure upgrades at 16 South West Water assets, including the installation of UV treatment at Kilbury Sewage Treatment Works.

Partnering with universities, regulators, and other river groups to share knowledge, mentor emerging projects, and campaign for stronger protections.