Connecting the Culm

Project Summary

The Connecting the Culm (CtC) Programme is a long-term initiative focused on improving the environmental condition and resilience of the 300 square-kilometres River Culm catchment in Devon. Led by the Blackdown Hills National Landscape and supported by local authorities and agencies, the Project aims to address flooding, drought, water quality, habitat condition, and soil health at a catchment scale.

Using a 25-year Blueprint, CtC is assessing and delivering nature-based solutions (NbS), including soil management measures, riparian planting, and river re-meandering. Modelling indicates these interventions could reduce flood risk for around 200 properties and lower peak flows at key infrastructure by up to 20%.
Since 2018, the project has secured £3 million, £1 million of which has enabled nature-based solutions to be delivered at scale across at least 80 landholdings. CtC has a long-term aim of influencing management across the catchment with a wider £36 million programme.