For the benefit of existing Aune Conservation Association members who might be wondering what this poster is about, I write to introduce you to an experiment!

This idea is not intended to be a replacement for the ACA but it might manage to breathe new life into an organisation that has become to seem tired and somewhat moribund with the passage of time and arrival of exciting new social media opportunities. Like most of society, we have moved on from newsletters sent by post to email updates and, now, instant messaging via mobile phones! The hope is that through this mechanism we might recruit new members, enthuse some physically fit and more youthful volunteers and, eventually, help our river and associated wildlife to thrive. At least, I’m willing to try and see what happens!

On Saturday 18th March, The Sustainable South Hams Rivers Assembly was held (the first of its kind in the UK) and saw around 150 project, group and community leaders gather to share knowledge, discuss projects and develop new ideas.
The rivers of the South Hams, as with all rivers across the UK, are under intense pressure. Agricultural runoff, sewage pollution, climate change and disruptive infrastructure are among the many factors causing harm to these vital arteries of our landscape. Many groups are working to try and protect our rivers, their wildlife and surrounding ecology, but they can end up working in isolation, reinventing the wheel and lacking connection to one another. The Rivers Assembly, held in Kingsbridge on the 18th March, was Sustainable South Hams’ plan to connect the dots between these many organisations and their important work. Having been somewhat sceptical at first, I am wiling to support this new initiative as something that might help in improving the water quality and biodiversity of the Aune along the entire length of the river in the fullness of time.

In this poster, Louise Wainwright offers the opportunity to join a new group of so-called ‘Avon River Champions’, members of which can communicate very easily via WhatsApp.

If you know of anybody who might be interested in developing this experiment, please ask them to join the ‘Avon Champions’, by use of the link – https://chat.whatsapp.com/HGS11MT2fdY7MOyag3lygu