How Clean is the Tamar? Help Drip Drip to Find Out

Aim: How well is the River Tamar? That's what we want to know! Drip Drip is a community group working to understand the health of our river

Drip Drip was formed as a result of a People’s Assembly held in response to community concerns about the River Tamar.

The river flows around the village of Calstock and, while it was once an important artery for transport and trade, it remains central to daily life for many in the community. It is also a popular site for recreational activities, both on and in the water, for locals and visitors alike. Equally, if not more importantly, the river is a vital habitat for wildlife.

The River Tamar is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), home to many important and protected species, including Wild Salmon and Allis Shad. For the Allis Shad, the weir at Gunnislake is their only recorded spawning site. The river is also regularly visited by seals, dolphins, and even beavers, making it an incredibly special environment.

As part of our work, we have initiated a sampling program to monitor bacterial levels at two sites within our parish. We collect samples weekly, which are laboratory-tested for E. coli and Enterococcus—key indicators of sewage pollution.

Our goal is to gather and share evidence that allows our community to make informed decisions about using the river for leisure activities. Additionally, the data supports our advocacy for the protection of the diverse species that call the river home.

We aim to minimize pollution through constructive engagement and collaboration with other groups, stakeholders, and South West Water. We also share data with those working to protect nature and empower our community to take action for our river.

To enable our work to continue for a whole year and to provide a clear picture of the river through the seasons, we need to raise, with match funding £3,350. Your donation will help us achieve this goal.