Dartmouth: A Green Haven on the Dart

Sustainability in and around Dartmouth: A Green Haven on the Dart

Nestled in a truly beautiful part of the country, Dartmouth and its surrounding villages are leading the charge in sustainability initiatives. The local businesses and communities recognise this stunning location needs to be protected for future generations, ensuring there is a careful balance between the commercial needs of a thriving business sector and the sensitivities of the natural environment.

From renewable energy projects to environmental conservation efforts, this corner of Devon is making impressive strides towards a greener future.

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Use the links below or keep reading to learn how Dartmouth is leading the way in sustainability:

1. 1. Dart Harbour’s Environmental Commitment
   2. Creekside Boatyard’s End-of-Life Boat Study
   3. River Dart Designated Bathing Water Sites
   4. The Habitat Group
   5. BeWild: Creating a wilder conversation
   6. Dartmouth Orchard: A Haven for Wildlife

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Dart Harbour’s Environmental Commitment

Dart Harbour & Navigational Authority has a leading role within the long-term stewardship of the estuary. As such it has placed environmental protection at the heart of its strategic plan, creating an environmental code to protect the Dart environment.

The special nature of the Upper Dart Estuary is clear in its designation as a Marine Conservation Zone. This means extra emphasis is encouraged on its conservation and all relevant authorities, including Dart Harbour, have an appropriate duty of regard for its care.

In 2022 Dart Harbour identified the need to begin decarbonisation of their fleet, with an eventual aim of net zero. After considering various options, it was decided that the first project for this target would be to convert the old yacht taxi ‘Phoebe’ to fully electric propulsion. The conversion was carried out by Dart Harbour alongside local contractors and visitors arriving in Dartmouth by boat can call up “Phoebe” to get to shore.

Innovative Recycling: Creekside Boatyard’s End-of-Life Boat Study

In a groundbreaking initiative, Dartmouth’s Creekside Boatyard is participating in a study to address the issue of abandoned vessels. The project aims to fully recycle all parts of an end-of-life sailing boat, providing a solution to a growing problem in coastal communities.

This collaborative effort involves South Hams District Council, South Devon College, and marine environmental organisation Blue Parameters. The project not only aims to find practical solutions but also to raise awareness among future marine engineers about dealing with waste composites.

River Dart Designated Bathing Water Sites

In 2024 22 sites in the UK were designated bathing water sites by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This status means the locations will be tested for pollution by the Environment Agency throughout the bathing season, from 15 May to the end of September. The designation aims to improve these areas so that they are consistently available as swimming sites.

The River Dart had 4 sites designated – the only area to achieve multiple site designations:

1. Steamer Quay, Totnes
2. The Ham, Dittisham
3. Creek, Stoke Gabriel
4. Warfleet, Dartmouth

This was the result of a very successful campaign by the community action group, Friends of the Dart, who marshalled local swimming groups and others to come out in support. Their work has now developed to include “improving biodiversity and empowering communities from source to sea”.

The Habitat Group

Bringing together volunteers from across the villages local to Dartmouth, The Habitat Group is working to reverse some of the losses from the local habitat. They have reintroduced water voles to the river Gara, created a Gardening for Wildlife booklet that has been given free of charge to over 14,000 households and are about to reintroduce glow-worms to the local area.

BeWild: Creating a wilder conversation

BeWild, spearheaded by naturalist Victoria Benns, is a growing community initiative that champions biodiversity and positive environmental change in order to create a much wider conversation about what can be done to support our wildlife. BeWild brings together local businesses and conservation groups to create exciting collaborations that champion local biodiversity and inspire the community to put the natural world much higher up the agenda.

Key activities include:

• Wildflower Habitat Restoration
• Inspiring Businesses to inspire their Communities
• Community Engagement

Dartmouth Orchard: A Haven for Wildlife

Dartmouth Orchard is another cornerstone of local sustainability. Managed as a community resource, this orchard not only preserves traditional apple varieties but also provides critical habitats for wildlife.

Highlights include:

• Horseshoe Bat Conservation: The orchard plays a vital role in supporting this protected species by maintaining undisturbed habitats.
• Tree Renovation: Efforts to prune and care for aging apple and pear trees ensure the orchard remains productive and ecologically valuable.
• Community Involvement: Local residents actively participate in maintaining the orchard, blending heritage preservation with environmental stewardship.

These initiatives are complemented by other efforts across Dartmouth and its villages:

• Across the river, Sustainable Kingswear is implementing its own sustainability initiatives: addressing light pollution to save energy and protect wildlife; encouraging the use of eco-friendly cleaning materials; and promoting wildlife-friendly gardening practices
• Renewable Energy Projects delivered by a number of solar panel installations at local farms
• A short boat ride up the river from Dartmouth, Sustainability Dittisham is building understanding, sharing information, and improving the environment of the parish of Dittisham. Their work includes a range of projects around art/celebrations, energy/buildings, food & farming, habitat & garden, transport, and waste.

Dartmouth also boasts a growing number of Sustainable Tourism Accommodation Providers, including Dittisham Hideaway, Nethway Farm, and Wild Comfort. All offering a chance to get off grid and amongst the nature on offer in this stunning area. As well as a growing number of Bcorp certified businesses, including Nkuku, Pepe Garden Furniture, Sharpham Dairy and Red Paddle Co.

Together, all these projects highlight Dartmouth’s dedication to preserving its unique environment while fostering a culture of sustainability for future generations. From renewable energy production to innovative recycling projects, Dartmouth and its surrounding areas are showcasing how rural communities can lead the way in sustainability. These initiatives not only protect the stunning natural environment of the Dart Estuary and Start Bay but also ensure that this beautiful corner of Devon remains a green haven for generations to come.