 The Natural Environment committee
- provides a focus for members with an interest in or concern for wild plants and animals, as well as agricultural practices, in or near the River Otter
- carries out wildlife surveys from time to time, either independently or in collaboration with other bodies
- monitors the actions and publications of the Environment Agency and other wildlife conservation bodies for this area.
In recent years we have had a special interest in the construction of a fish pass on the weir at Otterton to allow the passage upstream of migratory fish for spawning. We are concerned with the bed and banks of that river, especially where significant erosion is a risk. We are currently concerned with the stability of the sea cliffs and any actions being taken to stabilise them. We also have an ongoing interest in the planting and maintenance of young trees in the area.
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Examples of work on projects undertaken in recent years are:
- monitoring abstraction of water from local bore holes and the flow and condition of the river Otter
- planting trees, including 40 poplars commemorating the 40th. anniversary of the Queen's reign, trees forming a Millennium Avenue into Budleigh Salterton, trees beside the Otter Estuary, trees in Otterton Park and several trees in memory of past OVA members
- encouraging habitat for Silver Studded Butterflies on the local heath land
- pond clearance
- monitoring proposals for mineral abstraction
- heath land preservation
- supporting the East Devon AONB Partnership’s “Great Tree Project”.
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We have recently published two full colour leaflets on the wildlife and flowers of the Lower Otter Valley. |
