Volunteer with TACA and the National Trust - Friday 5 September 2025

When: Friday 5 September 2025

Time: 9:30 am meet-up at ///rally.riverside.snow (Dogmarsh Bridge near Mill End Hotel) till 15:00 pm

Where: Stretch between Dogmarsh Bridge ///rally.riverside.snow and ///exotic.airbag.coins

Why this matters

In a previous blog entry that seems like an age ago now, Spate Rivers & Woody Debris!, we explored how high-flow events - like our now normal freak storms - can uproot trees, sending the logs and branches swirling downstream. It might seem chaotic, but sometimes these large items settle permanently, becoming what we river lovers call ‘woody debris’. This plays a vital role in river ecosystems:

It creates a natural refuge and microhabitat for juvenile salmonids - offering shelter from predators and strong currents while encouraging biodiversity of flow and substrate.
Natural ‘leaky dams’ slow flows, allowing sediment and gravels to settle in calmer zones, while elsewhere, flows scouring the bed remove silts - both benefiting aquatic life..
Managing woody debris thoughtfully ensures ecological health without compromising recreation - like our passionate fly fishers and planned Volunteer clearing events help strike that balance between access and habitat.

In short, woody debris is a hidden hero in salmonid survival, and our volunteer actions help harness its benefits while maintaining accessibility and safety.

Join Us: Volunteer Day – Friday 5 September 2025

So, on this date, we’ll be teaming up with the National Trust to build upon these insights and put them into practice on a stretch of the Upper Teign… Here's what you can expect:

What We'll Be Doing

Clearing brash and leftover timbers from footpaths to ensure safe access (previously, the National Trust would have been carrying out some tree work in the area)
Reinforcing eroded banks using the timber - supporting both habitat and footpath stability
Constructing river entry and dog-watering points from the larger logs - both practical and beneficial access for all

*Learn how diversification of river flow can help improve habitat…*

Why Attend?

Learn about Supporting juvenile salmonid habitat using structural diversity in the river - more light, varied flows, which help the all-important gravel beds
Learn from TACA and the National Trust and gain some hands-on experience in practical bankside restoration
Roll up your sleeves in nature - this is our ‘green gym’, where every bit of effort counts for wildlife, habitat and community
Connect with like-minded volunteers - get inspired and join in with fellow subscribers

What to Bring

Robust footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
Garden Gloves (if you have them; extras will be available)
Water, snacks or packed lunch, and plenty of enthusiasm!

In Summary

Together, we can turn the science of woody debris and restoration ecology into real-world action and right here in our own catchment. This volunteer day will not only illuminate how light, structure, and flow improvements benefit our rivers, but also demonstrate how mindful management of timber can enhance habitat while keeping rivers accessible and beautiful.

Save the date - Friday 5 September 2025, 9:30 AM
Meet us at - ///rally.riverside.snow (Dogmarsh Bridge)
No experience needed - just a willingness to help and get involved!

Let’s bring a little sunshine (and structural diversity) back to our river one log at a time. Join us, and let’s make a difference - for salmonids, for habitat, and for the river we love.

Give Our River a Hand