Rivers Run Through Us

Start Date: Jan 2025 End Date: Apr 2026 See project updates

Rivers Run Through Us is a project involving local farmers and communities in nature restoration in the River Axe, its tributaries, and surrounding valleys.   

The River Axe, once renowned for its sparkling trout streams, has faced significant environmental challenges in recent years. Rivers Run Through Us will address these issues with a collaborative approach, empowering local communities to monitor river health and collaborate with organisations to tackle issues that are identified. In addition, the project aims to support farmers and land managers in safeguarding their natural resources and building mutually beneficial relationships with the wider community. 

Funders and partners

Rivers Run Through Us is led by Blackdown Hills National Landscape, in partnership with Dorset and East Devon National Landscapes. 

We’ve been able to kick-start this project thanks to a grant of more than £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, (made possible by National Lottery Players) and over £60,000 from the Environment Agency’s Water Environment Improvement Fund, with additional funding from the Axe Landscape Recovery Project and the aforementioned National Landscapes.

Environmental challenges in the Axe catchment

The River Axe, once celebrated for its pristine trout streams, has faced significant environmental challenges in recent years. Nutrient enrichment and sediment pollution have led to the river’s decline, placing the River Axe Special Area of Conservation in an ‘unfavourable condition’.  

The project aims to reverse this trend through an approach that fosters better connections between farmers, local communities and the organisations involved with the health and conservation of the river and its catchment.

Project outline – river, soil, and people

The project is structured around three interconnected themes: river, soil, and people. 

Planned activities include: 

• Supporting community action by empowering and equipping residents to monitor river health and work alongside organisations to address identified issues. 

• Educational and community activities to engage people with the river and its heritage. 

• Building understanding relationships between farmers and the wider community. 

• Exploring and celebrating the river’s historical context, by documenting and presenting the natural and human history of the landscape.     

• Supporting high-profile conservation projects that inspire community involvement and broader action for heritage.

Project team

Project Manager – Jane Robertson

Development Ranger – Emily Hobson

Both are based within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape team.