Through the East Devon Catchment Partnership, Blackdown Hills AONB secured £20,000 to provide nature-based solutions across the upper catchment of the River Culm to address water quality issues identified in the Water Framework Directive.

Start Date: 01/12/2017 End Date: 30/03/2018

The Culm Enhancement Project funded four pilot projects with interventions designed to make a notable difference to water quality, flood alleviation and biodiversity – without conflicting with existing agri-environment scheme support.

logs across a stream used to form a leaky debris dam

‘Leaky’ debris dam made with logs

Working to a short, three-month timeframe, the project delivered sustainable drainage systems and water resource protection measures across four rural sites, under different ownerships.

In total, the project funded:

  • 1,790 metres of watercourse stock fencing, incorporating six wooden gates.
  • Three livestock crossing-points and two drinking points made using stone.
  • Six natural flood management features, in the form of ‘leaky’ debris dams.
  • A small area of willow and alder planting.

The aim of these pilot projects is to build support and provide evidence for a larger project, Connecting the Culm, that will work with communities and landowners to adapt to climate change and provide a more holistic approach in line with Defra’s 25-Year Environment Plan.

Cattle drinking point made with stone

Cattle drinking point made with stone