Volunteer with TACA and the National Trust – Friday 14th November 2025

When: Friday 14th November 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

Heltor Brook - The Return!

In October, we kicked off our first session along a 150-metre stretch of Heltor Brook, installing leaky dams to re-wet the forest floor and restore more natural hydrology. Using cleared timber, we built features to slow flow, spread water onto floodplain ground, and reconnect wetland habitat. You can see the result (and how we built it) in our short video Heltor Brook – Leaky Dams.

Those interventions are already bedding in nicely, and now we’re returning for Part 2 - to continue the wetland restoration downstream, deepen the impact, and invite more hands on deck.

*What could have been if Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs had been filmed on the Heltor Brook…*

What we have done so far

Installed log deflectors and leaky dams across a 150 m stretch starting as high up the brook as possible. Designed to hold back water, slow runoff, and promote wet conditions on the surrounding forest floor.
Began to reconnect isolated wet patches of land to the stream’s flow, helping connect the natural floodplain and encourage wetland regeneration.
Cleared areas of bramble to allow more light into the forest floor

What we’ll be doing on 14th November

Continue installing leaky dams and additional timber features further down the stretch, expanding the reach of restoration.
Pause to reflect, admire and adjust if necessary. We’ll take a look at how the features are performing, spot early signs of vegetation recovery, and plan the next stages

*Some nice structures from our October day*

The Early Signs Are Promising

Although we only started this work a few weeks ago, the logs and leaky dams are already settling in well. The timber deflectors have bedded into the channel and are holding firm even after recent rains. It was amazing to see whilst we were they, existing channels begin to re-wet after installing only a few leaky dams.

Restoring wetland and side channel habitat isn’t just a nice extra; it’s a massive benefit to the catchment as a whole. Slowing flows, increasing water retention, and reconnecting floodplain areas all support the health of the river and build resilience into the system ahead of changing weather patterns. By putting these features in now, we’re making sure the Heltor Brook is in its best shape for the seasons ahead.

Join Us – Be Part of the Solution

This is a great opportunity to roll up your sleeves, spend a morning in nature, and contribute to something tangible. Whether you’re experienced or completely new to river restoration, your help matters.

What to bring…

Wellies or sturdy waterproof boots (as we’ll be working in and around the brook)
Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing
Gloves (we’ll have extras if you need them)
Lunch, snacks, water, and a camera if you like to document the transformation
A willingness to get muddy and feel good about doing something worthwhile

In Summary

We’re excited to get back to Heltor Brook on Friday 14th November and build on the great start we made. If you’ve been curious about volunteering, enthusiastic about wild rivers, or simply keen to spend a meaningful day outdoors, this is your moment.

Let’s meet at 10:00 am at ///breathed.observes.unguarded and bring our energy, our hands and our hearts to the river.

Because when we help the catchment work better, fish thrive, the land breathes, and nature regains its quiet strength.

Volunteer Day No.2 on the Heltor Brook