Target reached - and now extended - as volunteers extend water quality testing

The Friends of the Dart say there's been an amazing response to their campaign

Volunteers are testing water quality in the well used river
Author: Andrew KayPublished 16th Oct 2024

A community group's efforts to raise funds for testing water quality in the River Dart, has been extended after it surpassed expectations.

Friends of the Dart had originally set up a crowd funder to raise £30,000 to enable them to test the river's water quality.

It's since passed the original total and it has now set a new target of £60,000 to continue year-round testing.

Nicky Rajska, a spokesperson for the group, said: "Local businesses, community support, and sponsored events have been instrumental in driving the success of Friends of the Dart’s ‘Let’s Stop Sewage in the Dart’ Crowdfunder.

"With the Environment Agency ceasing its river testing in 2024, to resume in May 2025,, FOD will continue pollution monitoring using testing kits funded by donations.

"The organisation also hopes to secure more regular contributions, which would enable a long-term monitoring plan."

More details about the group and its fundraising appeal can be found here

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.