Family events at both ends of the River Exe - as runner highlight declining levels of salmon

Environmental campaigners are staging a 45-mile ultra run this weekend - following the route salmon take along the length of the River Exe.

There's also family activities at both ends of the route at Exmouth and Dulverton to help inspire people to protect local wildlife.

Nicky Nicholls, from Exmouth's Sideshore community project, says: "It's over 45 miles that a salmon has to travel and think about the obstacles that we as humans are putting in the way - pollution or physically like weirs - it's to start the conversation really as I think it's something most people are quite unaware of.

"The health of the salmon tells us about the health of the river and we know that salmon are 75 per cent reduced since the 70s - and we know that means all is not well in our rivers.

"This event is a brilliant way of following the migration path of salmon from right here at the estuary to up onto Exmoor."

Anne-Marie Culhane, Director of Tidelines, added: "Atlantic salmon are a keystone species in the River Exe. Their presence supports a rich diversity of life throughout the catchment, and their dramatic decline is a stark warning.

"Their story is our story. By celebrating their epic migration through Salmon Run, we shine a light on the challenges they face—from climate change and pollution to barriers in our rivers—and invite our communities to reconnect with the river and take action.”

To mark the occasion, “Salmon Run: The Gathering” will take place at Sideshore in Exmouth from 9:30 am to 1pm, offering a vibrant, free festival for all ages. The Gathering brings together art, science, music, and play to explore the salmon’s story and the rivers they call home.

Event Highlights at Sideshore:

· Inspirational Talks:

· Etienne Stott (1000–1035, The Plaza - Sideshore): Olympic canoeist shares insights on winning gold and on sport as a catalyst for change.

· Toby Diggens (1200–1230, Sideshore Hub): Landscape architect discusses his hands-on experience of restoring rivers to health.

· Music Workshop & Performance:

· BSO Outreach Workshop (1000–1115): Create music inspired by the Salmon’s epic journey with professional musicians. No musical experience necessary. Booking required.

· BSO Outreach Performance (1130, The Plaza): A joyful musical celebration open to all.

· Creative Workshops:

Animation Workshop (1100–1300): Discover animation techniques and explore hands-on making to make a river-related short animated film. Venue tbc

· Creative Hack, Sideshore Hub): Kathy Hinde introduces creative coding for beginners to re-programme Sammy the Singing Salmon .

· Family Fun:

· Play Salmon Leap and the Weir Jumping game with Tony Lydington from Prom-Prom.

· River Bouncy Castle: Provided by Westcountry Rivers Trust.

History and Nature

· Salmon Boat Display: View a beautifully restored salmon fishing Seine boat near Sideshore and learn more about the history of Salmon fishing on the Exe

· FORE (Friends of the River Exe) will share info about how you can get active in testing water quality on the river and coast

· Westcountry Rivers Trust will answer all your questions about the Salmon Run, the health of the river and what they are doing to restore the Exe

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