Our aims
Wild About The Erme River (WATER) is a catchment-focused environmental charity working to restore the Erme River, its tributaries and habitat to their naturally healthy state.
Our aim is to safeguard people and wildlife from the harmful effects of pollution and to protect and improve the water quality and biodiversity of the Erme’s entire catchment area, its estuary and beaches.
Why the Erme needs our help
Like most rivers in England, the Erme has a combination of water quality, habitat and biodiversity issues. Pollution has reached a level where, in it’s first season after being designated as ‘Bathing Water’, the water quality at Coastguards Beach, at the mouth of the estuary, was classified as ‘Poor’ by the environment Agency in November 2024.
This not only has a potential impact on the health of people using the river recreationally but also impacts on the aquatic and terrestrial wildlife in and along the river. Indicator species such as migratory Salmon and Sea Trout are declining in numbers throughout the South West as riverbed spawning grounds, and access to them, diminish.
Our strategy
- Carefully planned positive actions
- Ensure water quality is monitored
- Encourage and motivate farmers
- Hold responsible organisations to account
Our strategy is to take planned positive and co-ordinated actions to protect the river from the harmful effects of pollution from a variety of sources, ensure water quality is properly monitored by the Environment Agency and motivate farmers and landowners to put measures in place to reduce further impacts and restore the river’s water quality, habitat and biodiversity.
We lobby and hold to account South West Water, to ensure they meet their stated commitments to improving treatment processes and reducing sewage spills from Waste Water Treatment Works on the Erme and its tributaries.
Who we work with
WATER works in partnership with multiple organisations including the Environment Agency, South Devon National Landscape, Westcountry Rivers Trust, the Rivers Restoration Centre, Surfers Against Sewage, Devon Wildlife Trust, Dartmoor National Park, Catchment Sensitive Farming, Farming in Protected Landscapes, River groups like Yealm Estuary to Moor, Friends of the Dart plus local environmental groups, our local MPs, County, District, Town and Parish Councils.
Latest News
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We’ve done a lot of river cleans, but never one like this
May 1, 2026A canoe trip down the river gave us a unique perspective for our documentary as well as the chance to could carry out a river clean. -
How to become a Wildflower Meadow Maker
May 1, 2026WATER (Wild About The Erme River) and Devon Wildlife Trust are proud to introduce Erme Meadow Makers, a long-term initiative to grow a living network of meadow habitats across the River Erme catchment. -
RIVERS & MOORLAND FESTIVAL, Ivybridge 5th-6th June
May 1, 2026This inaugural festival is part of Dartmoor National Park’s ‘Dartmoor Dynamic Landscapes’ project, a five-year programme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. -
New Experienced Volunteers Join the WATER Team
May 1, 2026We are delighted to announce that we are able to further strengthen our leadership team with the appointment of a Fundraising Manager and a Social Media Manager. -
Could you train to be an otter spotter? Then join our Otter Survey Evening
May 1, 2026The River Erme catchment is home to some remarkable wildlife, but how much do we really know about what lives alongside us? WATER is on a mission to find out, and otters are next on the list. The Eurasian otter is one of our most iconic and elusive river mammals, and one of the most… -
Water’s Annual Public Meeting is on 15th July
May 1, 2026Put the date in your diary and come along to our annual meeting.
Keep up to date
Keep up to date with all the latest news from WATER by joining our mailing list.
How you can help
There are many ways you can help us protect and restore water quality and habitat in the beautiful river Erme. To find out how, just click SUPPORT US