Volunteers cleaning up Kit Brook to improve health of River Axe

A group of Chardstock river enthusiasts are starting a long-term project to restore the Kit Brook to good health.  

The six-mile river is a tributary of the River Axe, which runs through Axminster and neighbouring villages to Axmouth, near Seaton, and – like the Axe – is in a declining condition.  

Although water quality is not too bad there are issues with high phosphate and chemical levels and excessive algae growth, as well as increasing problems with flooding.

Paul Spearing, a founding member of Chardstock Eco Group, carries out freshwater invertebrate surveys as part of the Riverfly scheme. 

Paul reflects that, in Victorian times, the Kit Brook was described as being full of fish.  

He commented: "Fish numbers have declined in recent years, but the brook is still a national spawning river for sea trout which many locals don't realise. 

"The brook recently received a score of B- from Westcountry Rivers Trust. In my book that's a could-do-better."

Chardstock Eco Group chair, Vicky Whitwort, added: "Our project is part of a much bigger plan which is being led by the East Devon Catchment Partnership to get the River Axe and all her tributaries back into tip-top condition. 

"Our vision is that the people of the Kit brook catchment work together to create a nature-rich, connected landscape where people and wildlife flourish, clean water flows, farms and businesses thrive, the community is strong and resilient, and the well-being of people and nature are in balance.

"We've been lucky enough to recruit an ace team of specialist experts to assist us. We've got a farm adviser, an ecologist, a couple of community engagement experts, coupled with funding and support from the Environment Agency and the Blackdown Hills AONB. 

"And we're delighted to be joined by a rivers technical adviser who works for the national Rivers Trust and is well-versed in natural flood management techniques.

"Over the winter we very much want to hear what local residents think about the issues facing the river. In 2021 we had a couple of big flooding events. We'd love to hear from people who were affected. 

"We'd like to hear stories about the river, what is was like, how it's changing, what are people's concerns. 

"We'll be putting on some events in Chardstock and Wambrook to give people the opportunity to have their say. And our farm adviser is talking to local landowners and farmers about the issues they are facing."  

Gill Keam, who monitors the quality of the water in the stream outside her front door as part of Westcountry Rivers Trust's citizen science programme, added: "Many people just think of the river when there are problems with flooding – or in the Summer when the duck race is on.  

"But the river flows through the heart of the Chardstock and Wambrook communities, it connects us as people with each other and nature. 

"There's so much potential to do some amazing things to get the river in better shape."