New film highlights 'fragile, threatened beauty' of Devon's rivers

A new, 60-second film launched today by the Devon Wildlife Trust aims to highlight the threats facing the South West's beautiful rivers and streams and the wildlife they support.

It was shot last year on the rivers Dart and Otter, and features species including beavers and common frogs, as well as the landscapes along the rivers.

It's hoped the film will also focus people's attention on the important work done by the Trust to protect Devon's nature and wildlife.

Devon Wildlife Trust's Chief Executive Harry Barton said: "Our rivers are a basic building block of life for countless species, from tiny mayflies to salmon, otters and kingfishers. They provide us with beauty, places for recreation and sources of water for drinking and for growing our food. Yet, many of our rivers are in poor shape. Today just 14% of the UK's rivers and streams are judged to be of 'good ecological status'.

"Here in Devon our watercourses suffer from plastic pollution, pollution from our sewers and from our fields. This film will bring these issues to people's attention and raise the profile of the work that we and others are doing to return rivers to a good state for people and wildlife."

The film was made by leading international film-makers All Mighty Pictures. Their creative director is Chagford-based Mark Harbour, who said: "With the enormous loss of wildlife we see reported across the planet it can be easy to miss the challenges we face on our own doorstep.

"However, from pollution to habitat loss, wildlife in the UK is struggling. We are one of the most nature denuded countries on earth.

"But thanks to the tireless efforts of organisations like the Devon Wildlife Trust, there is hope that nature can survive and potentially thrive. We wanted to support their fantastic work to protect, promote and restore wildlife and its habitats."

Devon Wildlife Trust plans to use the film as a campaign and education tool in its work for Devon's rivers. The charity's Steve Hussey said: "We're proud of our track record in the work to clean up Devon's rivers and streams. Existing initiatives including our Working Wetlands project and Torridge River Restoration Project are already working with local communities addressing practical issues such as riverbank stabilisation and reducing diffuse 'run-off' pollution from land.

"In the space of just 60 seconds, this stunning film is helping to share the importance of cleaner rivers for nature and human health."