Rivers, Streams and Wetlands

On Exmoor you are never far from the sound of water, and the rivers and streams that flow from the high ground and have cut the many deep combes are one of the defining characteristics of the National Park. The very name, Exmoor - is derived from the source of the Exe, our largest river. The Exe system, which includes the River Barle, rises in the Exmoor forest and drains south into the English Channel at Exeter, whilst the River Lyn and tributaries drain north into the Bristol Channel at Lynmouth. Exmoor also includes the source of the Rivers Tone and the Taw.

Rivers are a key aspect of Exmoor’s special landscape qualities, and vital habitat and corridors for wildlife. Clear, oxygen-rich waters are home to some of our most important wildlife including the elusive otter, salmon, brown trout, dipper and kingfisher, as well as mayflies, dragonflies and damselflies that provide a vital link in the food chain. The River Barle is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest due to it’s exceptionally natural character and wildlife importance. Many of the deep valley sides are cloaked in woodland including ancient woodland.

The rivers and streams are an important supply of water for the reservoirs which supply much of Devon and Somerset. Most of our rivers are privately-owned and managed, but luckily there are plenty of opportunities for people to enjoy them from footpaths along the rivers, canoeing down permitted sections, or spending a day fishing, respecting their value as sensitive habitats.

There are increasing pressures on these important natural resources. Only half of monitored rivers are achieving 'high' or ‘good’ status. Climate change affects river flows, with periods of intense rainfall leading to flooding and erosion, contrasted by periods of drought with low flows, and increased water temperatures impacting on aquatic wildlife. Past modification of river courses and more intense rainfall leads to the deepening and scouring of the riverbed, disconnecting the river from its floodplain, and increasing the risk of flooding downstream. The extremes of high and low flows place pressure on the sewerage systems leading to storm overflows and low dilution levels.  There is increasing evidence that the range of chemicals entering the river systems including from pharmaceuticals, veterinary medicines and everyday household products and are creating a toxic mix which is of concern for people and wildlife. Recreational activities can add to these pressures and cause disturbance to wildlife. Non-native invasive species are also a major threat to these sensitive habitats. Inappropriate land management and agricultural practices can lead to soil compaction increasing run-off, as well as pollution for example from livestock barns and farmyard manure heaps.

We want to address these pressures, tackling water management issues at source, which is much more effective than reducing pathway impacts once in-stream. This will help to ensure that Exmoor’s rivers, streams and associated valleys are in good condition and function more naturally, providing high quality habitats, bringing back species lost to Exmoor, providing clean water, and reducing flood risk.

It will take a huge collective effort to achieve our objectives for these river systems. There is an increased appreciation of the role that positive land management in the upper catchment of rivers can play in storing water, regulating river flows and boosting biodiversity through nature-based solutions and natural flood management. For instance peatland restoration, woodland management, tree planting in appropriate locations, re-naturalising river courses and installing leaky barriers. We need improved monitoring of water quality to better understand the issues and impacts

Reducing the impact of non-native species is vital to protect the natural function of aquatic ecosystems. We will also explore the potential of species reintroduction such as marsh fritillary butterflies, water voles, and beavers to enhance biodiversity.

We will continue to promote appropriate public access to Exmoor’s waterways, balancing recreation with conservation to protect sensitive habitats. Where conflicts between access and conservation cannot be resolved, priority will be given to conservation, in line with the Sandford principle[1].

Through these integrated efforts, Exmoor’s rivers and streams will not only support a diverse range of wildlife but also provide many benefits to local farmers, businesses, communities and visitors.

• G3.1 Restore the natural courses and flows of rivers, reconnecting them to their floodplains, expanding riparian habitats and supporting an increased abundance and diversity of native wildlife
• G3.2 Reduce the impact of non-native invasive species on the ecology and natural functioning of wetlands, rivers and streams
• G3.3 Increase monitoring and understanding of water quality and reduce impacts on the natural environment, particularly the effects of veterinary medicines on riverine ecology
• G3.4 Improve habitat and condition for fish, particularly spawning of migratory Atlantic salmon and sea trout
• G3.5 Explore opportunities for reintroduction of aquatic and wetland species such as marsh fritillary butterflies, water vole and beavers
• G3.6 Promote responsible access and activities that enable people to enjoy Exmoor’s rivers and streams whilst protecting sensitive natural habitats and species