River Management Plan
What are the main goals for managing the River Sid?
The primary objectives for the River Sid's future management, particularly driven by the River Sid Catchment Group, are multifaceted. A key focus is improving the overall health of the river system, which includes enhancing the fish population and mitigating the severity of rapid water level increases (flashes) after heavy rainfall. A significant long-term aim is to facilitate the movement of sea fish to upstream spawning grounds, potentially by creating a bypass around the school weir in The Byes, which currently acts as a major barrier for species like sea trout, Atlantic salmon, and European eels. Beyond these specific targets, there's a broader goal of improving the physical condition of the river.
How are efforts addressing the challenges faced by fish in the River Sid?
Efforts to improve the River Sid for fish are focused on removing or mitigating barriers to migration. The large weir in The Byes is a significant impediment, preventing species like sea trout, Atlantic salmon, and European eels from accessing crucial upstream habitats for spawning and growth. A key aim of the River Sid Catchment Group is the potential bypassing of this weir. Re-establishing full fish migration is a proposed action within the draft River Sid Catchment Plan, alongside assessing existing fish and invertebrate populations to understand the current ecological state. The need for investment in a fish pass is also explicitly highlighted as part of these efforts.
What is the River Sid Catchment Group and what is their role?
The River Sid Catchment Group (RSCG) is a key entity driving the development of the River Sid Catchment Plan. This plan outlines a vision for protecting and conserving the River Sid and its surrounding landscapes. The RSCG works collaboratively with various stakeholders including local landowners, river charities, and the Environment Agency. Their activities include developing specific objectives for river management, such as improving water quality and slowing down peak flows, and they have engaged in community consultation to gather local perspectives and build support for their developing plan. Their themes include Water Retention and Water Quality, Habitat and River Enhancement, and Stakeholder Engagement.
How is water quality being addressed in the River Sid catchment?
Improving water quality is a significant focus across multiple initiatives. The River Sid Catchment Plan includes Water Quality as a core theme, with proposed actions like monitoring water quality and investigating sources of pollution such as road runoff. South West Water (SWW) is also involved through their Natural Catchment Management Plans (NCMPs) for high-priority catchments like the River Sid, aiming to identify water management challenges and develop strategies to mitigate risks to water quality. SWW plans significant investment in upgrading drainage and wastewater systems in the Sid Valley to reduce their impact. Community consultation also indicated strong support for promoting clean water.
What are the plans to manage flooding in the River Sid area?
Managing flooding in the Sid area involves several approaches. The Environment Agency is leading a study in Sidford starting in 2024 to identify options for addressing multi-source flooding, working with the community and partners. This initiative is categorised under "Protection" and includes objectives such as ensuring new development considers flood risk, risk management authorities collaborating with communities, utilising nature-based solutions, and delivering flood risk management schemes and maintenance. The River Sid Catchment Plan also includes slowing peak flow as a proposed action, which contributes to flood risk reduction by managing water movement within the river system.
What role do invasive species play in the health of the River Sid and how are they being managed?
Invasive non-native species (INNS) are recognised as a problem for the River Sid's health. Himalayan balsam is specifically highlighted as a significant issue, infesting over 50% of the river's length, particularly in the upper reaches. There is a specific programme in hand to tackle this infestation, including a joint initiative with Sidmouth in Bloom. The removal of invasive species is also listed as a proposed action within the draft River Sid Catchment Plan, indicating a broader effort to address the impact of these species on the river's ecosystem.
How are natural processes and habitats being considered in the River Sid management plans?
The management plans for the River Sid place a strong emphasis on working with natural processes and enhancing habitats. Proposed actions include enriching riparian habitats (the areas along the riverbanks), planting trees and hedges to provide shade and reduce soil runoff, and potentially introducing beavers and restoring water voles. Creating or restoring other habitats, such as heathlands, is also being considered. Utilising nature-based solutions is specifically included in the Environment Agency's flood management study. Promoting sustainable farming practices is another mentioned action that contributes to the overall health of the natural environment surrounding the river. A new Defra/EA funded Natural Flood Management (NFM) project is also mentioned.
How are different organisations and the community involved in the River Sid initiatives?
There is a strong emphasis on collaboration and community engagement in the River Sid initiatives. The River Sid Catchment Group works with local landowners, river charities, and the Environment Agency. Community engagement and consultation have been conducted to gather local perspectives and build support for the developing Catchment Plan, with consultation indicating strong support for key themes. South West Water collaborates through their Natural Catchment Management Plans. The Environment Agency's flood study in Sidford involves working with the community and partners. There are also opportunities for volunteers to be involved, such as training for River Fly Surveys, and a joint initiative with Sidmouth in Bloom to tackle Himalayan balsam. These various initiatives demonstrate a multi-stakeholder approach involving community groups, water companies, and environmental agencies.