Conservation
Free Movement of Life Through Clean Water
The River Dart is one of the finest rivers in England, valued for its wild fish, beautiful habitats, and unique character. As anglers, we are privileged to fish it — and we also have a responsibility to help protect it.
Our club’s conservation work focuses on practical improvements that benefit the river, fish stocks, and the wider ecosystem. This includes habitat enhancement, monitoring river health, supporting salmon restoration, and promoting best practice among members.
Our conservation priorities
Protecting and improving habitat (banks, shade, gravel, in-stream structure)
Supporting salmon and sea trout recovery
Monitoring and reporting pollution and water quality issues
Encouraging fish welfare and responsible angling
Preventing the spread of invasive species through good biosecurity
We work in the spirit of cooperation with local landowners and conservation bodies wherever possible, and we encourage members to get involved through volunteer days and river reporting.
If you see anything concerning on the river (pollution, fish in distress, obstructions, unusual algal growth), please report it — details are on our Water Quality & Pollution Reporting page.
Volunteer
Subscribe we mail you our Conservation News Letter, allowing you to volunteer for tasks, projects that appeal most. Non anglers welcome.
Fellow Campaigners
Free Movement of Life through Clean Waters
No one owns the River Dart. Whether we are anglers, walkers, residents, landowners, farmers, or visitors — we are all custodians of this remarkable river. The only way we will improve its long-term health is by working together, sharing evidence, raising concerns responsibly, and supporting practical solutions.
The Dart Angling Association is therefore committed to working with fellow custodians, partners and campaigners, including:
- Environment Agency (EA) — enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
- South West Water — customerrelations@southwestwater.co.uk
- South West Rivers Trust — info@swrivstrust.org.uk
- Westcountry Rivers Trust — info@wrt.org.uk
- University of Exeter — info@exeter.ac.uk
- Friends of the Dart — info@friendsofthedart.org
- Natural England — enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk
- Dartmoor National Park Authority — enquiries@dartmoor.gov.uk
- Devon County Council — enquiry@devon.gov.uk
- Defra — helpline@defra.gov.uk
- The Angling Trust — enquiries@anglingtrust.net
- Fish Legal — enquiries@fishlegal.net
- Duchy of Cornwall
Dart Fisheries & Conservation Association
Dart Fisheries & Conservation Asociation is the organisation responsible for protecting and managing the River Dart above Totnes Weir.
Working on behalf of private owners and stakeholders, they oversee the stewardship of the river’s fisheries and promote responsible use of this important stretch of water.
Dart Fisheries & Conservation Asociation concentrates on:
- Safeguarding Salmon, Sea Trout and Brown Trout stocks
- Supporting sustainable, well-regulated angling
- Improving habitat and protecting spawning grounds
- Monitoring fish populations and environmental pressures
- Providing clear guidance on access and permitted activities
Stewardship of the River
Covering a 475 km² catchment from Dartmoor to Totnes, the River Dart is one of Devon’s most significant natural assets.
River Dart Angling & Conservation works to maintain the health, productivity and long-term sustainability of the river — ensuring it remains protected and properly managed for future generations.
