BLUEprint
Avon River Champions are partners in the BLUEprint Project. This is an ambitious project to engage stakeholders in the design of river catchment plans which aim to restore the health of the River Avon, River Gara & Slapton Ley and the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary - by 2027. BLUE Print has been funded by DEFRA's Water Restoration Fund and is financed by fines imposed on South West Water. Plans will be designed by March 2026 and submitted for consideration for further funding to deliver the interventions which stakeholders have included in the BLUE Print design project. BLUE Print supports participating landowners and farmers wanting to install Nature-based solutions to agricultural pollution. It will do this by inviting them to play a leading role in the design of three BLUE Print catchment plans. Farmers who participate in the River Summit (autumn 2025) will be invited to offer strategic sites for reed-beds, leaky dams or buffer zones to reduce agricultural pollution and, in some situations, may also mitigate pollution from sewage treatment works.
Avon River Champions' catchment parishes: South Brent, North Huish, Diptford, Morleigh, Loddiswell, Churchstow, Aveton Gifford, Bigbury,Thurlestone & Bantham, Woodleigh.
Friends of Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary and Sustainable Blackawton will focus on the BLUEprint activities in the Salcombe Kingsbridge Estuary and the River Gara & Slapton Ley.
More details to follow soon on a new BLUEprint Project website. BLUEprint Project started on 12th March 2025.
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BLUEprint - planning water restoration
For the Avon, Gara & Slapton Ley, and Kingsbridge Salcombe Estuary
River Water Quality Groups
A network of neighbouring parish councils collaborating with community groups to monitor and improve water quality. To encourage and support river-sensitive thinking in all sectors of the community.
Evidence-based support
Citizen Science Investigations and eDNA water sampling will provide data on the source and extent of pollution. BLUEprint partners will focus support where it is most needed and measure improvements.
Building River Sensitivity
Aquatic life is protected by how river-sensitive we all are. We impact pollution, from inadequate sewage and wastewater treatment works by what we flush down toilets and drains to how planning decisions are made.
Farmer-Led Initiatives
Participating farmers at the River Summit (autumn '25) will prioritise practical solutions to pollution from their land to be included in a submission to the Water Restoration Fund for the next 'delivery phase' of the BLUEprint project.
Community Involvement
Opportunities for local volunteers to develop new skills whilst helping farmers install 'Nature-based solutions' to pollution. Building leaky dams and silt traps, reedbeds and river buffer zones will also improve natural habitats for wildlife.
BLUEprint Legacy
A birds-eye view from the estuaries to Dartmoor will reinforce a catchment based approach to river-sensitivity and inspire engagement in the BLUEprint project. Virtual farm-tours will showcase Nature-based solutions and support peer-to-peer learning between farmers.