Rivers Trust CEO completes ultra run for Endangered Atlantic salmon

Wild Atlantic salmon were front and centre on the River Exe on 20th September as community organisation Tidelines held their 4th annual celebration of this endangered species with a salmon run from sea to source.

Our Missing Salmon Alliance Member, Mark Lloyd, CEO, The Rivers Trust took part in the 43 mile ultra upriver from Exmouth to Dulverton, joined by his brother, Richard, and Graeme Thomas, GB Rower and Olympian. Alongside the ultra was a team relay where local runners passed Samantha – the salmon baton – between them.

At the Salmon Gathering in Exmouth there was also a wonderful array of talks, workshops and music. Despite stormy weather and outdoor activities being cancelled, there was still a real buzz on the seafront and in the event venues – former Olympic Canoeist, Etienne Stott, powerfully reminded us all of our role as citizens to protect our natural world.

The purpose of the run and accompanying events was two-fold: to celebrate the amazing wild Atlantic salmon, mirroring their incredible journey up from the river mouth to their spawning grounds on Exmoor; secondly, to engage communities along the river catchment and tap into their connection to nature.

While the event also highlighted the lack of wild salmon in the River Exe, it served to energise the community and give people an opportunity to be part of catchment restoration with the  Westcountry Rivers Trust. Tidelines works with Westcountry Rivers Trust to improve the river habitat to help this keystone species a fighting chance.

Congratulations to Mark and all those that took part in the ultra and relay runs and participated in this wonderful event. Wild salmon are in crisis but through ambition and action, there is hope.