Local environmentalists visit River Otter to learn how salt marshes are being restored

The effects of climate change, including rising sea levels and fiercer storms, threaten our coastal areas, and adaption will be necessary for many Devon communities.

Environmentalists from five West Dorset and East Devon eco groups recently visited Budleigh Salterton to see what is being done to breach existing flood embankments to allow the sea to flow in, and recreate the salt marshes that made Budleigh famous in Medieval times.

The visiting group was made up of those with a passion for rivers, many of whom carry out monthly river water quality monitoring as part of the Westcountry Rivers Trust citizen science programme.

River keepers from the River Char, the Yarty, Kit Brook, the River Sid and the Otter listened to Kate Ponting from Devon Clinton Estate, which owns the land, explain that, because of climate change, it was no longer possible to hold the sea back.

This multi-million pound project is enabling the sea to return in a managed way, restoring 55 hectare of lost inter-tidal habitat, which will become a haven for wading birds.

The group was joined by Simon Browning from the Westcountry Rivers Trust, who co-ordinates the river monitor volunteers across the South West.

Simon was delighted to see the interest shown by volunteers. He commented: "One of the aims of the citizen science river monitoring programme is to enthuse local people about their rivers. It's a great turnout today. We're seeing people keen to learn about the importance of rivers and inter-tidal habitats."

Vicky Whitworth from Chardstock Eco Group said that the Lower Otter Project was a great illustration of how complex issues are when it comes to climate change.

"I used to paddle in the Otter as a kid just after Beeching closed the rail line down from Otterton," she said.

"We used to park in the old railway station and trudge over the fields to the river. I feel really torn. Obviously all this is going to look a lot different to how it does now and how it was when I was a child.

"But it's no use sticking our heads in the sand. The climate is changing and the sea is rising – and something had to be done.

"It looks a mess right now, and I know it's controversial, however I can see great care is being taken, and the idea is that other communities will benefit from the model being developed here."

Lisette Johnson from Eager Beavers, the environmental group up the road from Budleigh at Tipton St John, came along with two of her colleagues.

She said: "We have recently started monitoring the water quality of the River Otter, and it's a disgrace that a river which has one of the very few free-living beaver populations is not in great condition.

"Our aim is to create change, and to bring back crystal clear, pollution-free water in our river."