VOLUNTEERS working to clear the waterway in Dawlish are due to start work on lower parts of the Brook.

WADE - Waterways Around the Dawlish Environment - was set up last year to organise teams of volunteers to tackle the Brook in response to concerns over the state of the town’s waterway.

Organisers now have a plan to complete the last round of training and get people insured before setting to work on the lower part of the Brook.

Plans have been delayed due to Environment Agency regulations over spawning fish which make it an offence to disturb spawning fish, or the areas they use

A spokesman said: ‘Hopefully you have noticed our team cleaning the waterway, tidying paths, planting splays and wildflowers, and removing nettles, brambles and rubbish.

‘Finally we will be able to deal with sediment up to 3ft from the banks, and do some bank repairs.

‘We need to be clear we are re-profiling not dredging.

‘We are not disposing or removing any spoil (that has its own COSHH permits).

‘We are working in a public space, as well as insurance we need to keep to our EA exemption, ensure we comply with any regulations both on the brook and where it flows out to the beach - Public Space Protection Orders, and the Bathing Water Directives.

‘We have had to wait patiently until now.

‘We have had to wait because the Environment Agency’s Salmonid breeding season runs until June 15.’

Legislation under Section 2 of the Salmon and Freshwater fisheries act makes it an offence to disturb spawning fish, or the areas they use.

The WADE spokesman continued: ‘Larger flora and fauna are good indicators of river health.

‘The presence of fish is a positive sign, as is lush, green vegetation in the channel and along the banks.

‘The good news is we have a few “flagship species” of good water health, including kingfishers, trout, eels and dippers.

‘These rely on a good supply of macro-invertebrates in the river and they’re an indicator of very good water quality.

‘Us doing this work by hand hopefully ensures that the macro-invertebrates are not wiped out and the water quality is kept high.

'There will be more opportunities to volunteer possibly later in the year.’

Volunteers can also get involved by joining Action Climate Teignbridge under their Wildlife Warden scheme and get similar personal insurance.

Volunteer Gaye Smart said: ‘It is great being part of the team, looking after the Brook and surrounding areas.

‘Like everyone else, I’m looking forward to seeing what difference we can make when we clear the sediment.

‘This will make it nicer for the people of Dawlish and our guests.’