October Update
THE ENVIRONMENT AGENCY HAS CEASED TESTING FOR 2024
The Environment Agency has now stopped testing bathing water sites in the River Dart until May 2025. Friends of the Dart has committed to year-round water testing, identifying problem spots, and advocating for lasting change. This testing will be funded by our Crowdfunder.
CROWDFUNDER STRETCH TARGET
Our ‘Stop Sewage in the Dart’ Crowdfunder has received enormous support, which led to our decision to stretch the target to £60,000. We received significant donations from local businesses, including Rockfish, who donated £5,000.
The Crowdfunder has raised £55,000 so far. This would have been impossible without the huge support of the Devon Environment Foundation who have contributed £15 000.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT FOR THE CROWDFUNDER
The campaign has been boosted by generous rewards given to the crowdfunder in exchange for donations. These include two mindfulness retreats on the beautiful Sharpham Estate, one of which has been claimed already. You can find more details here
Details of the other rewards still available can be found here
SPONSORED EVENTS
Thanks to our supporters who have organised events! Notably:
Nick Oldridge raised £705 running the Robin Hood half marathon.
Robert Ledger swam two miles in The Serpentine, raising £530.
Friends of the Dart Night Paddle: A heartfelt thanks to our crew from the Stoke Gabriel Boating Association, Peter Waite and Will Howitt for a safe and memorable night paddle. Special appreciation to Julian Cornell at Sharpham Trust, Amanda Keetley at Devon Environment Foundation, Ian Wakeling at Dart Sailability, Evie Worthington, and our amazing volunteers David Hawkes, Sam Lew, and Nick Richards.
Our newly appointed MP Caroline Voaden came to see us off. Thank you, Caroline, for your support!
SUPPORT OUR CAMPAIGN
We are immensely grateful for your continued support. There’s still time to share our campaign or organise a sponsored event! For more details, contact us at hello@friendsofthedart.org
LONG TERM SUPPORT
We would like to thank all of those who have opted to support us with monthly donations. Friends of the Dart is committed to long term change and regular payments will make it easier for us to plan ahead. Testing of the water will be necessary for the foreseeable future, so this is a call out to anyone who would like to make regular donations to our campaigns. Your support is vital for the health of our beloved river.