Project launched to protect rivers that feed North Devon’s surf ecosystem

A pioneering partnership between the North Devon World Surfing Reserve (NDWSR), the National Trust, Earth Action North Devon (EAND) and the Save the Waves Coalition is driving an ambitious effort to restore and protect North Devon’s rivers, beginning at Combesgate, near Woolacombe.

The pilot Coastal Rivers project aims to improve river health, slow the flow to reduce erosion and flooding and enhance water quality that feeds into the North Devon World Surfing Reserve.

By working with the landscape rather than against it, the project is already showing how practical, low-cost interventions can make a measurable difference.

READ NEXT: ‘Almost half’ of people won’t swim in the sea - MP condemns North Devon sewage spills

North Devon World Surfing Reserve is a community-led organisation that protects local surf breaks and their related ecosystems to conserve the surfing experience and make sure there are waves for all forever.

In the Combesgate valley, the National Trust team has completed 27 interventions so far, involving the removal and breaking up of historic land drains and the installation of nature-based measures including leaky dams and baffles.

Above: The first 15 interventions were installed in 2023 by the National Trust Ranger team and specialist contractors using material sourced from local woodland. Credit: National Trust

These structures help slow the flow of water and trap sediment before it reaches the beach, reducing polluted run-off from land into the surf zone.

By holding more water in the landscape for longer, these interventions help filter pollutants, reduce erosion, support wetland creation, and increase carbon capture and biodiversity. Early monitoring suggests these natural measures are already improving water quality and building resilience.

Above: The interventions immediately created a pool effect about the dams, created some flow diversity and caught plastic waste. Credit: National Trust

Thanks to seed funding from the Save The Waves Climate Mitigation Fund, matched funding from the National Trust via the Species Survival Fund (funded by Defra), and support from North Devon-based clothing manufacturer Dryrobe, the National Trust team has already made a strong start in the Combesgate valley.

Early work is showing how natural interventions, such as restoring vegetation, reconnecting floodplains and managing runoff, can help rivers recover and thrive.

Above: Leaky dams catch plastic waste and increase vegetation. Credit: National Trust

Claire Moodie, CEO of Earth Action North Devon, said: “This project is about regeneration – restoring balance between land, water and the coast

“With heavier, more intense rainfall now a reality of climate change, we need low-cost, nature-led interventions like these. The work at Combesgate shows how practical solutions can make a measurable difference to water quality and local resilience.”

Alex Palmer, project manager, riverlands, at the National Trust said: “Our Coastal Rivers project aims to improve the smaller streams running directly into sea from our landholding and beyond.

“These streams are not only important habitats for the species that use them, they are also the last line of defence to stop pollutants entering the marine environment. We are already seeing improvements to these water courses and hope by working in partnership with other landowners we can further enhance their effectiveness.”

The pilot at Combesgate will act as a blueprint for expanding similar restoration work to other rivers and tributaries that flow through National Trust land into the World Surfing Reserve, with a long-term goal of improving five catchments across North Devon.

Above: Combesgate is a popular surfing spot for local people and visitors. Credit: Viral PR

Claire Moodie added: “Our coastal rivers are unregulated and underfunded. It’s down to organisations like the National Trust and smaller, local conservation charities and local landowners to improve river quality and biodiversity.

“You can help us continue and fast track this work.”

The project has launched a Crowdfunder and every £1 donated towards interventions will be match funded by the National Trust, meaning support goes twice as far.

Those wishing to contribute to the project’s growth can visit the Coastal Rivers Project crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/coastal-rivers

Adam Hall, co-founder of NDWSR, said: “As heavier rainfall and run-off events increase, projects like this matter more than ever.”

Watch a short introductory film on the project at: https://rb.gy/uk8ymk  You can also find out more at www.earthactionnorthdevon.org