The River Sid Catchment Group (RSCG) was established in 2023 by volunteers living in the Sid Valley with the vision of restoring the River Sid to excellent ecological health. This small river in the South West flows into Lyme Bay, with its catchment located within the East Devon National Landscape and encompassing communities such as the seaside town of Sidmouth and Sidbury village, alongside farms, hotels, B&Bs, and scattered homes.

Historically, the land was managed in ways that supported the river system, such as using nutrient-rich eroded soil from upland sheep grazing to fertilise water meadows and harnessing fast-flowing streams to power fulling mills, but changing practices and the impacts of climate change now require a reassessment of river management.

Although often described in glowing terms, the river faces notable ecological challenges, and understanding current biodiversity levels requires establishing reliable baselines from both local and national records, which can vary over time due to ongoing wildlife decline. The group therefore aims to monitor species and habitats to better track present conditions and short-term changes, forming the basis of this community-led catchment plan developed through extensive public consultation.