Volunteer with TACA and the National Trust – Friday 24th October 2025

When: Friday 24th October 2025
Time: Meet at 10:00 am at ///breathed.observes.unguarded (Steps Bridge Car Park) and finish around 15:30 pm
Where: Heltor Brook, ///poems.inclined.niece - Teign Valley — working with the National Trust

Why This Matters

As autumn settles across Dartmoor, the rivers begin their quiet transformation - flows return (when we eventually see some more rain!), leaves drift, and the valleys take on that familiar golden hush. It’s a season that reminds us of why we do what we do: to help our rivers function naturally, breathe freely, and support the life within them.

This month, we’re teaming up once again with our partners at the National Trust for an important hands-on day in the Teign Valley, supporting the restoration of natural wetlands and floodplain habitat along sections of the Heltor Brook.

This work draws direct inspiration from the Woodland Trust’s work at Halls Cleave, where a series of leaky dams were installed to slow water flow, encourage sediment deposition, and rejuvenate areas of wetland that had become dry and disconnected. The results spoke for themselves - ground able to hold water in the headwaters, richer vegetation, and thriving wildlife.

Now, we’re applying this simple recipe high on the Heltor Brook with the National Trust - and we’d love you to join us!

What We'll Be Doing

We’ll be assisting the National Trust in restoring sections of the wetland along the Heltor Brook by:

Installing natural leaky dams using cleared timber to help slow flow, spread water across the floodplain, and restore natural hydrology.
Reconnecting and rewetting parts of the surrounding wetland area to create habitat for aquatic invertebrates, amphibians and woodland plants
Improving resilience in the brook itself by holding water high in the catchment
Gaining hands-on experience in one of the most rewarding aspects of catchment restoration - seeing how a few simple, natural interventions can transform an entire ecosystem over time.

It’s practical, purposeful, and good for body and soul — our version of the ‘green gym’

*Leaky Dams - Installing these helps to hold water back to restore the natural wetland*

Why We Do This

Every stretch of restored wetland helps our rivers in ways that can’t always be seen at first glance. By working with nature - not against it - we:

Slow runoff from heavy rainfall, holding water back, helping reduce downstream flooding and erosion.
Improve water quality, as suspended sediments and pollutants are naturally filtered through vegetation.
Support biodiversity, providing shelter and breeding space for countless species.
Restoring Woodland by restoring the natural wetland, the forest floor will regenerate into a thriving ecosystem

This is about resilience - giving our river system the tools to adapt to changing weather patterns.

Why Attend?

Learn by doing: Find out how natural flood management techniques like leaky dams and rewetting really work.
Get active in nature: It’s a workout with purpose - fresh air, muddy boots, and a day spent outdoors with like-minded people.
Be part of something bigger: Your time contributes directly to TACA’s wider mission of improving the Teign catchment for salmon, sea trout, and all river life.
Connect and inspire: Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or completely new, this is a welcoming, friendly group effort.

What to Bring

Wellies or sturdy waterproof boots — we’ll be working in and around the brook.
Weather-appropriate clothing — Dartmoor in October can throw a surprise or two!
Gloves (if you have them — extras will be available).
Lunch, snacks, and water — we’ll break mid-day for a breather!.
Plenty of enthusiasm — and perhaps a camera to capture the transformation in action.

In Summary

This is a brilliant opportunity to roll up your sleeves, get active, and make a tangible difference to part of the Teign Valley’s most beautiful and ecologically important forests. By working together to restore these natural wetlands, we’re creating a river system that’s more resilient, more alive, and better able to support the wildlife we care about.

If you’ve been meaning to join a volunteer day - this is the one. It’s rewarding, it’s sociable, and it truly matters. This will be the first in a couple of sessions on the Heltor brook, so please stay tuned for more dates!

Join us on Friday 24th October at 10:00 am — ///breathed.observes.unguarded

Let’s put our energy, hands, and hearts where they matter most - right back into the river.

Volunteer Day on the Heltor Brook