Drip Drip was born out of a People's Assembly held in response to deep community concerns about the state of the River Tamar. Nestled around the village of Calstock, the River Tamar has been central to local life for centuries—once a vital artery for transport and trade, and now a cherished space for recreation and a haven for diverse wildlife.
Recognizing its importance, our community came together with a shared vision: to protect and restore the river for current and future generations.
The Tamar is not just a scenic backdrop; it's a vital ecosystem and community resource.
The Tamar is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) home to protected species like Wild Salmon and Allis Shad. The weir at Gunnislake is the only recorded spawning site for the Allis Shad in the area.
The river welcomes seals, otters, and even beavers, highlighting its ecological richness and significance. This diverse ecosystem supports both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife throughout the Tamar Valley.
For centuries, the Tamar has been central to local life - from its historic role in transport and trade to its current importance for recreation. For those who live by and love this river, its health is paramount.
At Drip Drip, we safeguard the River Tamar through community-led monitoring, advocacy, and collaboration.
We conduct a rigorous sampling program, collecting weekly water samples from strategic sites. These samples are tested in a laboratory for indicators like E. coli and Enterococcus to identify sewage pollution and assess the river's health.
By sharing our findings, we empower locals to make informed decisions about using the river safely and responsibly. We engage with community members, stakeholders, environmental groups, and South West Water to drive positive change.
Using the data we collect, we advocate for policies and actions that protect the river's ecosystem and reduce pollution. We aim to collaborate with councils, legal bodies, and conservation groups to ensure lasting impact.
Since our inception, we have achieved significant milestones in protecting the River Tamar.
Initiated a comprehensive sampling program at key points along the Tamar, providing year-round data on water quality to identify pollution sources and trends.
Engaged with our community through events like the River Festival, public meetings, and online platforms, raising awareness about river health and water quality issues.
Successfully launched a Crowdfunder campaign with significant match funding from Cornwall Council's Climate and Nature Fund and Extinction Rebellion South East Cornwall, ensuring our work continues through all seasons.
Drip Drip thrives on community spirit and collaborative partnerships.
We are a group of dedicated volunteers and environmental enthusiasts working together to make a difference. Our volunteers are the backbone of our monitoring and outreach efforts.
We engage with local and regional environmental groups such as Friends of the Dart, sharing knowledge and best practices to protect waterways across the region.
We organize events, sampling drives, and educational initiatives. Community members can join hands-on efforts through our committees working for cleaner, safer rivers.
The health of the River Tamar is a shared responsibility. Whether you're interested in volunteering, donating, or simply learning more about our work, we welcome you to join our mission. Together, we can ensure that the River Tamar remains a vibrant, safe, and thriving ecosystem for all.