There are a couple of great projects happening along the River Sid where younger people are getting involved in the life of such a rich part of our natural and human heritage.
RIVER SID OUTREACH PROJECT
There is the River Sid Outreach Project – and from the start, the River Sid Catchment Group have been keen that this outreach project will benefit many young people.
The River Sid Catchment Group has secured funding from East Devon National Landscape to expand their work on the river, with a focus on nature connection within the Sid valley. The group will be working with artists, youth workers, teachers and many others to engage people on what matters to them about the River Sid.
As well as the chance to have a say, the group will be offering volunteering opportunities and hosting nature connection activities in the hope of creating the space for people to press pause in their busy lives, remembering what it feels like to be in nature, specifically alongside our special River Sid.
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Research suggests that young people are least connected with nature yet would benefit hugely from what it has to offer in terms of mental wellbeing, physical fitness and social opportunities. The outreach project aims to provide arts and volunteering opportunities for young people in order to help them build conservation experience and a greater connection with nature in general. The river consultation in the summer of 2024 showed a lack of engagement from 16-40-year-olds, so the project will aim to provide opportunities for those who might not have been able to have their say last time due to work or other life commitments.
This project is part of a ‘catchment plan’ for the Sid Valley, where the River Sid Catchment Group are working to support the river’s wildlife and help to make it more resilient to climate change, including slowing the flow of water through the valley. They are hoping to raise awareness of these issues within as many local communities as possible, encouraging more people to get on board to support the River Sid by volunteering or simply raising awareness amongst their families and friends about the challenges our river, wildlife and landscape is facing.
The project is funded by the East Devon National Landscape Community Project Fund, delivered locally on behalf of Defra. If you would like to be involved, please email the group at ourriversid@gmail.com.
And the River Sid Catchment Group’s social media has more!
Excited to be supporting this project to connect young people to their river. Keep your eyes peeled for some riverine artistic delights in the coming year!
With more from the Sidmouth Youth Centre – Young Devon | Facebook
RIVERSIDE WALKWAY REVITALISED
There is the Riverside Walkway Revitalised project at the very end of the River, from the Sidmouth School of Art:
The new walkway has had new railings, bat-friendly lighting, new benches and planters, new wayfinding signage, a brass rubbing trail and provides a new outdoor gallery exploring historic and contemporary themes. The new gallery features an introductory board and 11 artboards – each telling a story from the Triassic to today. The stories are highlighted through art and printmaking, woven together through graphic design and each has a QR code to find out more detailed information.
The walkway is the result of nearly two years of work and a huge amount of community participation led by Artist Printmaker, Emma Molony. Emma, who led a series of printmaking workshops with local people, said: “I really didn’t want to do a project where it’s one artist creating kind of a one visual response. I really love the way my printmaking has been mixed with the work that lots of other people have made.”
With a new short film documenting the Riverside Walkway project [also on YouTube] and lots on the Sidmouth School Of Art website itself:
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SIDMOUTH SCHOOL OF ART & EAST DEVON NATIONAL LANDSCAPE
Finally, both of these projects have been working together, as celebrated in the pages of the River Sid Catchment Group last week:
An absolutely fabulous start to the River Sid Outreach Project this evening which saw young people completing the Sidmouth School of Art brass rubbings ready to turn them into cards which will be sent to those in power telling them how important the river is to the young people of the Sid Valley! 
Looking forward to seeing the final art work and empowering our future river guardians to speak up for nature….
Fantastic guys 
and thanks to Sidmouth Art College and East Devon National Landscape for their support. The revived River Walkway brightens our riverside – great to see it used as a springboard for further action. 
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