New film asks: can north Devon turn the tide on water quality?
A new short documentary, commissioned by the North Devon World Surfing Reserve (NDWSR) and filmed entirely by North Devon Moving Image trainees Lavinia, Imogen and Mollie, explores the state of our coastline's water quality and searches for hope amid the headlines.
North Devon's coast is a UNESCO Biosphere, a National Landscape and a World Surfing Reserve, but its rivers and seas are under growing pressure from sewage, agricultural runoff, plastic and road pollution. In 2025, a surf competition at Croyde was cancelled mid-event after a sewage discharge closed the beach. A sharp reminder of what's at stake for swimmers, surfers and local businesses alike.
The film goes beyond the problem to meet the people tackling it. Backed by a Save the Waves grant, the NDWSR and National Trust's Coastal Rivers Project is using nature-based fixes (leaky dams, wetland creation, even water buffalo) to filter pollution before it reaches the sea. North Devon National Landscapes is working with around 60 local farmers to keep livestock out of watercourses and cut runoff, while the new Smart Biosphere platform is building a year-round, real-time picture of water quality across the catchment.
Real progress is already happening, and there's a role for all of us to play in it.
Watch the film to hear from the people working to protect North Devon's waters…
Get involved
Passionate about clean water, thriving rivers and tackling climate change? Follow these tips from the North Devon Biosphere:
Walk your local river and report any issues. Pollution should be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060
Always bag and bin dog waste.
Use eco cleaners around your house.
Stop using fabric softener; generally these chemicals are not removed by treatment works.
Create a "rain garden". By diverting downpipes onto your garden, you can slow water flow into the sewer system and reduce the risk of sewage overflows.
Add water butts to your downpipes to reduce water usage and thereby keep more water in our rivers.
Remove litter from rivers and beaches.
Stop using pesticides in your garden.
Avoid/reduce the use of flea treatments for pets.
Support campaigns for improving water quality.
Find out more about the Healthy Rivers project.
And don’t forget to join the citizen science network – email info@earthactionnorthdevon.org or more information.