East Devon Catchment Through Local Collaboration

Home , Blackdown Hills, Dawlish Warren, East Devon AONB, Exe Estuary, Lympstone, River Axe (Lyme Bay)

to deliver positive and sustained outcomes for the east devon catchment through local collaboration

East Devon Catchment

ACTION PLAN 2018 – NEXT REVIEW DUE JULY 2019 The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Contents Catchment Based Approach ...... 2 Background ...... 2 One catchment within a regional basin ...... 3 The East Devon Catchment – Catchment 22 ...... 4 The landscape, land use and water ...... 4 Water Quality ...... 4 Nutrient enrichment ...... 4 Soil runoff and sediment pollution ...... 5 Bathing waters ...... 5 Key principle and strategic goals for the catchment ...... 6 Our key principle ...... 6 Our primary goals ...... 6 Our Community Engagement ...... 6 The key additional benefits ...... 6 Operational Catchments ...... 7 Creedy and West Exe...... 7 Exe (Main River) ...... 9 Clyst and Culm ...... 11 Sid and Otter ...... 13 Axe & Lim (including Branscombe) ...... 15 Appendix 1 – The Partnership...... 17 Catchment Partnership Membership...... 17 Other key partners ...... 17 Partner operational scope ...... 17 Appendix 2 – The Action Plan - a summary...... 18 Timetable and key targets (updated June 2018) ...... 18

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Catchment Based Approach Background

This action plan has been developed by the East Devon Catchment Partnership. The Partnership, established in 2014 under the Catchment Based Approach programme, has the following objectives: • To deliver positive and sustained outcomes for the water environment by promoting a better understanding of the environment at a local level; and • To encourage local collaboration and more transparent decision-making when both planning and delivering activities to improve the water environment. Adopting the approach will promote the development of more appropriate River Basin Management Plans (which underpin the delivery of the objectives of the Water Framework Directive) but will also provide a platform for engagement, discussion and decisions of much wider benefits including tackling diffuse agricultural and urban pollution, and widespread, historical alterations to the natural form of channels.

The partnership has identified key areas for focus in developing its approach in order to maximise opportunities to support the enhancement and delivery of other ecosystem services, including flood mitigation, carbon storage, and biodiversity. Specific additional outcomes that could be achieved through this action plan include: • enhancement of biodiversity including; helping to deliver Biodiversity 2020 targets; targeting activities to help rebuild an ecologically coherent network in line with Making Space for Nature (Lawton 2010) and Natural Environment White Paper (2011). Such a network is the vital underpinning to the long term provision of many ecosystem services within the catchment; • Increased community awareness of and engagement in their local rivers, encouraging long term stewardship of local areas of the catchment; • enhancing farmer and landowner knowledge and awareness of the potential impacts of their activities on the health of water bodies within the catchment and supporting them to address this; • pooling and adding to current research knowledge related to Upstream Thinking and for example the wider work being undertaken at Rothamstead Research, North Wyke • developing new relationships and project partners* with common goals. *Details of the Partnership are contained in Appendix 1. It is expected and hoped that composition of the Partnership will evolve over time as a result of delivery, outcomes and wider engagement.

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

One catchment within a regional basin

SOUTH WEST CATCHMENTS

EAST DEVON CATCHMENT

OPERATIONAL CATCHMENTS

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

The East Devon Catchment – Catchment 22

The landscape, land use and water The East Devon catchment has a varied landscape and stretches from Exmoor and the Blackdown Hills in the north to Exmouth and the Jurassic coast and west Dorset. At approximately 750 sq.km, the East Devon catchment drains the rivers Exe, Otter, Sid, Axe and Lim. Only 7% of the catchment is developed compared to the national average of 16%. The main urban areas are Exeter, Crediton, Tiverton and Cullompton. East Devon is predominantly agricultural, with lowland cattle and sheep farms constituting 38% of the farming practice. The population of the catchment includes the main urban areas of Exeter, Crediton, Tiverton and Cullompton. Exeter, the county town of Devon, has a population of 119,600.

The catchment contains one National Park and three Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) covering 66% of the catchment. East Devon’s varied landscape provides ecologically important habitat, with 4 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), 1 Special Protected Area (SPA), 1 National Nature Reserve (NNR) and 29 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

There are 103 river water bodies in the catchment as well as 4 lakes, 4 estuaries, 10 groundwater bodies and coastal waters to the south. There are areas in the catchment where the benefits of the water environment is recognised and designated as protected areas. These areas can be designated as protected for several reasons, whether they are important habitats, bathing waters or areas around drinking sources.

Water Quality Rivers, groundwater and coastal waters in East Devon are used for drinking water, recreation and should support healthy fisheries and wildlife. There are a number of water problems affecting the Rivers Axe, Otter and Clyst mainly related to manures, slurry and soil entering the river. There are also water quality problems related to sewage and runoff from urban areas. However, the pressure from manure and slurry from farming is greater. In terms of potential pollution loading, a dairy cow is equivalent to about 50 people (Biochemical Oxygen Demand population equivalent). Therefore, a single herd of 250 dairy cows is equivalent to a population of 12,500, about the size of Honiton.

Nutrient enrichment Our rivers are monitored regularly to meet standards set out in the Water Framework Directive. Widespread non-compliance with objectives occurred during 2014 on all rivers (including the Rivers Axe, Sid, Otter and Clyst) caused by nutrient enrichment affecting phosphate levels, algae and aquatic plants. Parts of the River Axe are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). At the moment the river is in an 'Unfavourable Declining' condition due to siltation and nutrient enrichment which is affecting the plant and animal communities.

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Soil runoff and sediment pollution Salmon are particularly sensitive to sediment pollution that affects the quality of spawning habitat. The salmon population of the River Axe declined through the 1970s and 1980s to the extent where no salmon were recorded in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Most of the adult salmon returning to the Axe at present are probably derived from introduced hatchery reared fish as part of rehabilitation work, although there has been some natural reproduction. The Rivers Otter and Sid do not support a salmon population due to historical barriers affecting fish migration. The River Clyst is not a natural salmon river. However, water quality is poor in this river affecting Water Framework Directive objectives to protect fish such as trout.

Bathing waters Coastal waters in East Devon meet Bathing Water Directive standards for bacteria. However, bathing waters at Budleigh Salterton and Seaton are subject to short term pollution caused when heavy rainfall washes faecal material into the sea from livestock, sewage and urban drainage via rivers. These waters have had warnings advising against swimming in recent years.

In 2009 30% of water bodies in the East Devon catchment where classified at good ecological status or better under the Water Framework Directive. The Environment Agency has investigated the possible reasons for failure and found that diffuse pollution from agricultural sources account for 54% of the water bodies not achieving good status and barriers to migratory fish account for 23%.

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Key principle and strategic goals for the catchment

Our key principle To support actions that maximise expenditure and that provide the best value for money

Our primary goals 1. Prevent deterioration of the watercourse 2. Contribute to protected area* objectives 3. Maintain and enhance water quality and habitat for ecology in and around watercourses to secure good status in the highest number of water bodies and the highest number of elements 4. Reduce wildlife impact of man-made structures in the watercourse 5. Reduce impact of diffuse and point source pollution (agriculture, domestic, industry (creamery, paper mills, etc). 6. Control invasive species – Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed, Giant Hogweed – all catchments. Non-native Crayfish – Exe.

Our Community Engagement 1. Provide wider benefits that result in improvements near to where people live in particular for a. Community engagement and educational value/awareness b. Access and enjoyment of the local countryside and greenspace

The key additional benefits 1. Improve marine or fisheries environment 2. Alleviate flooding – combine benefits for flooding and diffuse pollution reduction and ecology. 3. Improve biodiversity – help meet Biodiversity 2020 and Countryside Stewardship targets. 4. Provide socio-economic benefits, in particular to areas of high economic deprivation 5. Deliver eco-system services a. Maintain landscape and historic environment b. Community involvement

* Protected areas are areas as defined under the Water Framework Directive and include [numbers in the East Devon catchment] • Bathing Waters [19] • Drinking water protected areas [7] • Shellfish waters [2] • Natura 2000 sites (special areas of conservation [6]/special protection areas) [2] • Urban wastewater treatment [1]

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Operational Catchments Creedy and West Exe

Outline of the Catchment

The Creedy & West Exe catchment is west of the main River Exe. This catchment is mainly agricultural and rural in nature. Crediton and western Exeter are the main areas of urbanisation. The Creedy merges with the River Yeo just below Crediton, and ends where it meets the River Exe at Cowley Bridge. The catchment contains a number of tidally influenced streams, which empty into the Exe Estuary, and the popular coastal resort of Dawlish and Dawlish Warren is found at the lower end of the catchment

C22 partners operating in this catchment • Dartmoor NPA • Environment Agency • Exe Estuary Management Partnership • East Devon District Council • FWAG SW • National Trust • Natural England • South West Water • Westcountry Rivers Trust

Other key partners operating in this catchment • County, City, District, Town and Parish Councils • Exeter Waterways Partnership (to be formed) • Devon and Severn IFCA • RSPB

Key issues and targets1 • Improve modified physical habitats • Manage invasive non-native species • Manage pollution from waste water • Manage pollution from rural areas

1 For all operational catchments as identified in the East Devon Catchment Management A summary of information about the water environment in East Devon Management Catchment (EA 2014)

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Existing action • Upstream thinking (SWW/WRT) • Catchment Sensitive Farming (NE)

Existing action: Upstream Thinking South West Water, in collaboration with a group of regional conservation charities, including the Westcountry Rivers Trust, have initiated one of the largest and most innovative conservation projects in the UK, called the ‘Upstream Thinking Initiative’.

WRT’s work aims to improve raw water quality through a collaborative approach that sees landowners informed and assisted in the protection of river catchments. Tailored one-to- one advice and farm plans are supported by a capital grant scheme.

The work in this catchment is focused on Cofton Cross drinking water boreholes and is targeting biodiversity, river health, WFD status, pollution controls and farm efficiency.

Project development areas • Devon Soil Economy Project (FWAGSW) • Catchments in Trust(NT)

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Exe (Main River)

Outline of the Catchment The Rivers Exe and Barle rise in the wet open moorland of Exmoor before running through a steep sided valley featuring extensive ancient oak woodlands. Below Dulverton (Somerset) the River Barle joins the Exe, and from here the Exe and its tributaries cut through the Culm Measures, creating valleys with rounded ridges. In the lower end of the catchment, the floodplain widens out through the gently undulating Devon landscape. Beyond Tiverton the rich farmland of the Devon Redland extends to the coast. The Exe meets the sea below Exeter; the Exe Estuary is designated as a SSSI and a SPA.

C22 partners operating in this catchment • Devon Wildlife Trust • East Devon District Council • Exe Estuary Management Partnership • Exmoor NP • Exmoor Mires Partnership • Environment Agency • National Trust • Natural England • South West Water • Westcountry Rivers Trust

Other key partners operating in this catchment • County, City, District, Town and Parish Councils • Devon and Severn IFCA • Exe Estuary Users Association • Exe Mitigation group • Exeter Waterways Partnership (to be formed) • FWAG SW • River Exe &Tributaries Association • RSPB

Key issues and targets • Improve modified physical habitats • Improve the natural flow and level of water • Manage invasive non-native species • Manage pollution from rural areas • Exe Estuary Shellfish Water record of poor compliance

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Existing action • Headwaters of the Exe catchment Programme (WRT/SWW/Exmoor NP) • Axe and Exe River improvement project (WRT) • Exmoor Mires Project (SWW/Exmoor NP/ • Catchment Sensitive Farming (NE)

Existing action: Headwaters of the Exe catchment Programme (2015-2020)

Devon Wildlife Trust and Westcountry Rivers Trust, in partnership with South West Water, have extended their work on farm management advice and habitat work to address the mobile pesticide pressures on the Exe catchment. This includes three work packages covering:

• Data assessment and targeting • Intensively farmed, lowland natural habitat, farm advice and grants • Extensively farmed, upland natural habitat, farm advice and habitat work. Through data review/targeting WRT will build on current evidence to ensure all works are targeted for maximum efficiency using Chemcatcher technology and pesticide forecasting work. From this work the advisors will give one to one advice on best management, farmer training, as well as grant incentives for capital work as a way of removing and reducing pollutants getting to the Water Treatment Works.

DWT will provide advice, management grants and support applications to agri-environment funding to restore and protect the habitats within the catchment as a way of buffering and filtering pollutants from entering watercourses. Semi-natural habitat such as flood plain, wooded slopes, wet grassland and farm ponds will increase the buffer and filter effect.

Additionally, the project will work on grazing marsh along the main Exe river channel between Allers and Pynes, as well as culm grasslands, most notably in the western parts of the catchment, and semi-natural woodland cover to buffer pollutants reaching the river, but also as a silt trap in times of flooding.

Project development areas • Devon Soil Economy Project (FWAGSW) • Development of SWW PR programme on Upper Exe and Barle (See above) • Catchments in Trust (NT) • River Exe Project (WRT)

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Clyst and Culm

Outline of the Catchment The Clyst and Culm catchment is east of the main River Exe. The Clyst rises near the village of Clyst William near Cullompton and joins the Exe just south of Topsham. The Culm rises in the Blackdown Hills at Culmhead and converges with the main Exe just below Stoke Canon, NE of Exeter. The catchment is mainly agricultural with some industry around Cullompton, Willand, and Uffculme.

C22 partners operating in this catchment • Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership • East Devon District Council • Environment Agency • Exe Estuary Management Partnership • FWAG SW • National Trust • Natural England • South West Water • Westcountry Rivers Trust

Other key partners operating in this catchment • County, City, District, Town and Parish Councils • Devon and Severn IFCA • RSPB • Lympstone Fishery & Harbour Authority

Key issues and targets • Improve modified physical habitats • Manage invasive non-native species • Manage pollution from waste water • Manage pollution from rural areas

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Existing action • GI planning associated with the new community at Cranbrook (EDDC) • Clyst Valley Regional Park (EA, EDDC, DCC and partners)

Existing action: Clyst Valley Regional Park

The Clyst Valley Regional Park is being developed to create a high quality landscape, green spaces and wildlife corridors, providing/enhancing cycling and walking opportunities in and around the new community development at Cranbrook, East Devon and east of Exeter.

• Strengthen the distinctive natural and cultural landscape of the Clyst valley. • Improve access to this landscape on foot, bicycle, horseback and via mobility

vehicles. • Enhance the natural ability of the floodplain to store and slow down flood water • Provide for alternative natural greenspace to alleviate pressure on existing sensitive wildlife sites, and to promote the health and wellbeing of

people. • Create opportunities for environmental studies and

research • Create employment and volunteering opportunities

• Enhance the rich cultural and built heritage.

Project development areas • Devon Soil Economy Project (FWAGSW) • River Culm Invasive Crayfish project (BHAONB) • Catchments in Trust (NT)

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Sid and Otter

Outline of the catchment The River Otter rises in the Blackdown Hills near Otterford and flows some 32km through East Devon to the western end of Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast at Budleigh Salterton. The Otter is one of Devon’s largest groundwater sources supplying drinking water to over 200,000 people. To the east the smaller more contained River Sid meets the coast at the Sidmouth. The main urban areas are Ottery St. Mary, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth and Honiton.

C22 partners operating in this catchment • Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership • Clinton Devon Estates • Devon Wildlife Trust • East Devon AONB Partnership • East Devon District Council • Environment Agency • FWAG SW • National Trust • Natural England • South West Water • Westcountry Rivers Trust

Other key partners operating in this catchment • County, City, District, Town and Parish Councils • Otter Valley Association • Otter Vale Association(Angling) • Sid Vale Association/Sidmouth in Bloom • Tale Valley Trust • Otterhead Estate Trust

Key issues and targets • Improve modified physical habitats • Manage invasive non-native species • Manage pollution from waste water • Manage pollution from rural areas

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Existing action • Catchment Sensitive Farming (NE) • Himalayan Balsam/Invasives activity (NE, CDE, OVA, SVA, TVT) • River surveys/plans (DWT) • River Otter Beaver Project (DWT) • Lower Otter Restoration Project (CDE/EA) • Upstream Thinking (SWW/WRT)

Existing action: River Otter Beaver Project

Beavers, which live on the River Otter in East Devon, were discovered to be breeding in February 2014. Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) spent the six months working with Defra, Natural England, local farmers and the wider community to secure a solution that would see any disease risk associated with the beavers addressed and, should they be confirmed as the once native species, find ways to enable them to remain.

Defra’s tests revealed the beavers were clear from disease and the DNA tests proved the animals are the once-native Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). As a result, the five beavers trapped were re-released back on to the River Otter in March, just in time for the pregnant females to progress to term. The re-release signalled the beginning of the 5- year monitoring trial led by DWT and involving partners Clinton Devon Estates, Derek Gow Consultancy, and University of Exeter.

Project development areas

• Devon Soil Economy Project (FWAGSW) • Nitrogen Efficiency in legumes (WRT) • Lower Otter Restoration Project (CDE/EA)

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Axe & Lim (including Branscombe)

Outline of the catchment The River Axe is a shallow, non-navigable river that rises near Beaminster, Dorset, and flows west, then south past Axminster and joins the English Channel after 35km in Lyme Bay. The main tributaries are the rivers Yarty and Coly. The catchment is predominantly diary with increasingly large units. The River Axe SSSI is an important wildlife asset at the heart of the catchment below which sits the developing Seaton Wetlands wildlife reserve.

Other key partners operating in this catchment • County, City, District, Town and Parish Councils • Axe Vale Rivers Association (AVRA) • Axe Vale and District Conservation Society (AVDCS)

Key issues and targets • Improve modified physical habitats • Manage invasive non-native species • Manage pollution from waste water • Manage pollution from rural areas • River Axe SAC not meeting environmental objectives

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Existing action • Axe and Exe River improvement project (WRT) • Catchment Sensitive Farming (NE/EA) • Axe Invasives Project: Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed & Giant Hogweed (NE/EDAONB) • AONB Farm Facilitation programmes (EDAONB, BHAONB)

Existing action: Axe Invasives Project Invasive species are present in all of the operational catchments across East Devon and a particular problem when impacting on important wildlife sites. A new initiative was launched in 2012 by Natural England in an attempt to control some of the more troublesome and invasive non-native plant species in the River Axe catchment. These include Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed and Giant Hogweed. Any Japanese Knotweed that is not already being treated by the County Highways departments will be tackled using contractors as would any Giant Hogweed found.

With the annual, Himalayan Balsam, a different approach has been taken with local organisers paid to help raise the many volunteers that will be needed to uproot the plants. The balsam stems are then broken and the plants left to desiccate out of the flood

reach of the river. This approach will allow the native plants to remain relatively undisturbed, helping to keep the banks of the river intact and less prone to erosion. Where stands of Himalayan Balsam are dense then strimming has been used to prevent the plants flowering and setting seed.

Project development areas • Devon Soil Economy Project (FWAGSW)?? • NFM ground truthing (DCC, BHAONB/EDAONB) Defra’s tests revealed the beavers were clear from disease and the DNA tests proved the animals are the once-native Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). As a result, the five beavers trapped were re-released back on to the River Otter in March, just in time for the pregnant females to progress to term. The re-release signalled the beginning of the 5- year monitoring trial led by DWT and involving partners Clinton Devon Estates, Derek Gow Consultancy, and University of Exeter.

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Appendix 1 – The Partnership Catchment Partnership Membership

Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership Clinton Devon Estates Devon Wildlife Trust East Devon AONB Partnership East Devon District Council Environment Agency Exe Estuary Management Partnership Exmoor Mires Partnership Exmoor National Park FWAG SW National Trust Natural England South West Water Westcountry Rivers Trust

Other key partners Otter Valley Association, Sid Vale Association, Axe Vale and District Conservation Society County, City, District, Town and Parish Councils RSPB Tale Valley Trust Partner operational scope Partner operational catchments Creedy Exe Main Clyst and Sid and Axe and and West Culm Otter Lim Exe Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership No No Yes Yes Yes Clinton Devon Estates No No No Yes Yes Devon Wildlife Trust No Yes No Yes No East Devon AONB Partnership No No No Yes Yes East Devon District Council Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Environment Agency Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Exe Estuary Management Partnership Yes Yes Yes No No Exmoor Mires Partnership No Yes No No No Exmoor National Park No Yes No No No FWAG South West Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Natural England (CSF) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes National Trust Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes South West Water Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Westcountry Rivers Trust Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

The East Devon Catchment Action Plan July 2018 update

Appendix 2 – The Action Plan - a summary Timetable and key targets (updated June 2018) Project Title Lead(s) Aim (s) Other partners Op Timescale Budget Funding Status Year Catch source 2014 Establish DWT/ Establish Catchment C22 Partnership All 2014 £15k CPAF Established Partnership WRT with Partnership and onwards – regular EA develop actions meetings held 2015 Produce DWT/ Produce Action Plan EDAONB All Spring 2015 £5k CPAF Completed – Action Plan WRT with Review EA annual + project table under regular review 2015-16 Diffuse DWT/ Reduce diffuse rural Contractor Clyst 2015-16 £45,327 CPAF Underway pollution WRT pollution Otter project with EA Axe 2016-18 River Culm Blackdow A river restoration Blackdown Hills Culm & 2017-18 £70k HLF, In progress – Crayfish n Hills project with white- AONB, EnvAgency, Clyst BHAONB, second project AONB clawed crayfish as its WRT, Culm Fly other tbc phase being flagship species. Fishing Assocn. considered? River Exe & Tributaries Assocn, Blackdown Environmental, Culmstock Parish Council. 2016-17 Diffuse DWT/ Reduce diffuse rural Contractor Clyst 2016-17 £30-40k CPAF Completed pollution WRT pollution Otter project – with EA Axe Phase 2 2016-17 Soils Guide C22 Building on ‘Think EA.C22 Part’ship All 2016-17 £7000 CPAF/ Completed Part’ship Soils’ guide WFD and circulated 2017-18 Medium Term EA Priority projects in C22 Partnership All 2017-18 tbc EA/ Tbc Plan the other WFD catchments 2017-18 NFM project C22 NFM project work C22 Partnership Otter 2017-21 £50k EA/DCC + Confirmed – proposal at Partnersh funding programme and local partners available other + in project Ottery St Mary ip subject to to match kind scoping and schemes £60k evidence from DCC underway 2018 - WEG/NFM 2020 project proposals 2018 Community C22 To engage a wider C22 Partnership All 2017-18 tbc EA/ Tbc Conference Part’ship range of partners WFD and raise awareness

Further details of the project development areas listed under each operational catchment can be seen in Appendix 4 – Project Proposals.