Friends of the Dart Launches Crowdfunder to Tackle Sewage Pollution

19th August 2024 – Friends of the Dart has launched a Crowdfunder with the objective of eradicating sewage pollution in the River Dart. The grassroots group, established as a community interest company after locals noticed an increase in illness among people using the river, has set a target of £30,000 to be used to cover testing and community engagement. The Devon Environment Project will be matching all donations made before the closing date of 20th September 2024.

Friends of the Dart is a collaborative community of local river lovers who began testing pollution levels in the river themselves after becoming frustrated by a lack of action around the issue of sewage contamination. Support for the group led to them being awarded four designated Defra water quality testing sites, and to completing their own pilot water quality testing programme led by a team of community volunteers.

The water in the Dart is tested from May to September by the Environment Agency, but Friends of the Dart aim to raise vital funds to add a further three test sites to their year-round water quality testing programme and to test year round. Their rigorous and high-quality standards of testing have given them a voice at a national level, where they contribute to discussions on where current Regulations and Policy fall short and where vital changes are needed as well as inspiring other communities to follow suit.

The organisation is active locally, participating in educational events and talks, something they hope to expand using the funds raised by the crowdfunder. Local people and businesses including the Sharpham Estate, have joined in the campaign by offering goods and services as rewards for donations. Books, cream teas, dance classes, retreats, cider, art and canoe adventures are all available to anyone who wishes to donate.

Friends of the Dart believe this campaign will add accountability and transparency to their pivotal conversations driving long term positive action. They are in talks with South West Water about a timeline of effective infrastructure updates to resolve sewage pollution.

The £30,000 they hope to raise will be used to cover testing equipment and laboratory analysis which will allow them to make regular reports regarding water quality. Additional funds will be used for the creation of an app that will facilitate the sharing of test results and the reporting of pollution and sickness, a River Ambassadors Programme, a River Fly survey, Guided River Walks and a far-reaching social media campaign.

Let’s Stop Sewage in the Dart is live at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/friends-of-the-dart---fundraiser - start and has already begun to receive donations. This increase in funding will enable Friends of the Dart to hold the water company to account so that progress towards infrastructure upgrades can be made and sewage spills can be eradicated, making the river safe for wildlife and for the public.