A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT Dart Harbour – its nature matters to us all
Dart Harbour, Dart Estuary or to many ‘The River’, is the final stretch of the River Dart. The estuary itself is the stretch where the freshwaters that started from rain falling up on the highlands of Dartmoor, meet and mix with the saltwater of the ocean at Start Bay.
The tidal conditions dictate some challenging conditions but despite this, highly productive wildlife communities of saltmarsh, tidal reedbeds and mudflats enrich the estuary; all rivalling tropical rainforests for the amount of ‘blue’ carbon that they trap and store indefinitely. All parts are special but the Upper Dart is designated as a Marine Conservation Zone and the mouth as part of the coast’s Special
spread
stop the
Invasive plants and animals can harm the marine environment and wildlife, damage boats, and foul hulls, pontoons, and other hard surfaces. They can be small and hard to spot so are easily spread on damp equipment and clothing.
Protect the marine environment and sport you enjoy by keeping your kit free of invasive plants and animals.
check theseplaces Remember to
WORM WART WEED SLIPPER LIMPET
Area of Conservation, parts of our national Marine Protected Areas network.
The Dart Estuary is a ‘drowned river valley’ or ria, formed through the last Ice Age; sheltered, tree- lined, steep sided and deep waters - near perfect as a natural harbour. The river’s significant rainwater catchment area leads to the estuary being freshwater dominated, its water quality greatly influenced by its catchment, as well as how we use it locally within the harbour.
Watch out for:
One of the best ways to enjoy the estuary and discover its wildlife is to quietly explore its tranquillity from the water. You will surely see seals and many birds, but otters and kingfishers are quite possible too! The South Devon National Landscape website provides many free self-guided trails & guides about this special area – visit www.
SouthDevon-NL.org.uk Maybe join an informative local tour - find out more from one of our great local Information Centres.
CARPET SEA SQUIRT WAKAME
CHECK clean dry
Check boats, equipment and clothing after
leaving the water for fouling or plant material. Remove anything you find and put it in the bin. Reapply anti-fouling annually.
Clean everything thoroughly with freshwater as soon as you can, paying attention to ropes, bilges, trailers, and areas that are damp and hard to access. Wash your anchor and chain before leaving an anchorage.
Dry - drain water from every part of your trailer and boat, including the bilge, before leaving the site. Dry everything for as long as you can before using elsewhere.
Dart Harbour Authority have a leading role within the long-term conservation management, enhancement and stewardship of the estuary and we encourage our customers and stakeholders to join us in its pride and care. Further information is included within the pages of this guide (and on our website
www.DartHarbour.org) - some of our priority issues include:
• Improving water quality
• Minimising wildlife & habitat disturbance • Avoiding litter & managing waste
• Wildlife conservation with a current focus on saltmarsh
• Biosecurity and the prevention of spreading invasive species
Find out more about invasive plants and animals and how you can help to stop the spread at:
nonnativespecies.org/checkcleandry 46 Dart Harbour Ch 11 DARTNAV
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