Management Plan

The River Sid is at a turning point. Through the work of the River Sid Catchment Group, local landowners, and agencies like the Environment Agency, a comprehensive plan is being developed to restore the river’s ecological health while protecting the town from the "flashy" nature of the catchment.

1. Restoring Fish Migration

One of the most ambitious goals for the river is to re-establish full fish migration.

• The Challenge: Currently, the 2.5m high School Weir in The Byes acts as a formidable barrier, preventing Atlantic salmon, sea trout, and European eels from reaching suitable upstream habitats.

• The Solution: Long-term plans include investigating the possibility of bypassing the weir or installing a fish pass to allow these species to reach their historic spawning grounds.

2. Slowing the Flow: Natural Flood Management

Because the Sid is a "flashy" river, managing the speed at which water enters the system is critical for flood protection.

• Nature-Based Solutions: Proposed actions include large-scale tree and hedge planting to increase water retention in the soil.

• Upland Management: Projects are underway to work with landowners on bank restoration and promoting sustainable farming to reduce soil runoff.

• NFM Project: A new £250,000 Natural Flood Management (NFM) project, funded by Defra and the Environment Agency, is focused on working with natural processes to reduce flood risk.

3. Combatting Invasive Species

Infestations of non-native plants are a major hurdle for the river’s biodiversity.

• Himalayan Balsam: This invasive plant currently infests over 50% of the river's length.

• Targeted Action: A specific programme is targeting the upper reaches of the Sid to stop seeds from washing downstream, supported by a joint initiative with Sidmouth in Bloom.

4. Improving Water and Infrastructure

Modernising how the town interacts with the river is a key theme for the coming years.

• Wastewater Upgrades: South West Water is developing Natural Catchment Management Plans to identify risks to water quality and invest in drainage and wastewater system upgrades.

• Sustainable Urban Drainage (SuDS): Plans include using "green and blue" solutions to separate surface water from the drainage system, reducing the pressure on the river during heavy rain.

• Community Monitoring: Volunteers are being trained to conduct River Fly Surveys and monthly water quality monitoring to provide the data needed for future interventions.

5. A Vision for Wildlife

The ultimate goal of these management plans is a river that can once again support lost or struggling species.

• Reintroductions: There is potential for the restoration of water voles and even the introduction of beavers to help manage the landscape naturally.

• Habitat Enrichment: Restoring heathlands and creating more shaded areas along the banks will protect the river against rising water temperatures.