The Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) promotes collaborative working at a river catchment scale, delivering a range of environmental, social and economic benefits and protecting our precious water environments – providing us with the safe water we need for living, for our businesses and for recreation.

Within a river catchment, all rain and run-off water eventually flows to a river, the sea, or into a groundwater system. At approximately 750 sq.km, the East Devon catchment has a varied landscape draining to the rivers Exe, Otter, Sid, Axe and Lim.

Predominantly an agricultural landscape, with lowland cattle and sheep farms constituting 38% of the farming practice, there are a number of water problems affecting the Rivers Axe, Otter and Clyst – mainly related to manures, slurry and soil entering the river. Urban areas present water quality problems too, however the pressure from manure and slurry from farming is greater.

The East Devon Catchment Partnership promotes engagement, discussion and decision-making amongst community representatives, landowners and managers for wide benefits, including tackling diffuse agricultural and urban pollution.