Otter River Catchment Action (ORCA) is a community initiative which has been created by the Otter Valley Association, working to restore the health of the River Otter and its tributaries in East Devon. Through volunteer/citizen science water testing, public awareness, and partnerships with farmers, anglers, and local groups, ORCA aims to reduce pollution, improve water quality, and revive the river’s wildlife.

Their focus is on a number of different aspects:

1. A testing programme to look at water quality along the River Otter
2. Ongoing data analysis to ensure everyone has the facts relating to water quality along the River Otter
3. Awareness building into the community to ensure everyone is aware of the issues facing people and nature in the catchment of the river Otter
4. Working to enable change (farming, house building, South West Water, Weir management, etc).

They welcome any input into their plans and of course any expressions of interest to join their group of water testers. Their goal is that by 2028 the ecological status of all sections of the river Otter should be classified ‘moderate’ or ideally ‘good’.

Join the movement to #ReviveTheRiverOtter — protecting one of Devon’s most beautiful and vital natural ecosystems for future generations.