12 volunteer Custodians were recruited to kick off this project to restore the Black Devon to “salmon clean” status, considered the gold standard when it comes to rivers as it means that the river is clear from significant pollution. The project is expected to last 7 years: the first 3 years will concentrate on measuring the state of the river and making any major improvements. The remaining 4 years will centre on developing community led projects aimed at improving mental health, developing environmental industry skills, supporting outdoor education programmes, reinstating a local anglers association and developing a full catchment action plan.

The Custodians have ownership of all measuring and monitoring activity and are given training to develop the skills and knowledge required to steward the river on behalf of the local communities.

The group are now fully established with their own constitution and management board, with a pipeline of proposed projects.