Overview of the project
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 within the Triple Axe plan, and raised by local communities. 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.
Rivers Run Through Us is led by Blackdown Hills National Landscape, in partnership with Dorset and East Devon National Landscapes.
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 and tributaries are special for several reasons. Not only is the catchment steeped in history, be that human, geomorphological or ecological, but it is home to a diverse array of species. From the magnificent ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) known to visit Seaton Wetlands as they begin their epic migration, to the less known brook lamprey (lampetra planeri) – a prehistoric, jawless fish which is endangered due mostly to habitat loss.
The River Axe and her tributaries face significant environmental challenges. Nutrient enrichment and sediment pollution have led to the river’s decline, placing the River Axe Special Area of Conservation in an ‘unfavourable condition and declining’ according to Natural England’s 2025 assessment. Highly sedimented river gravels make it difficult for freshwater species to thrive. Invertebrates struggle to breathe; fish have nowhere clean to spawn and plant life is starved of light and oxygen.
The project aims to reverse these trends 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 – Emily Hobson-Martin
Development Ranger – Harry Shaw
Both are based within the Blackdown Hills National Landscape team.