Flotilla for the Dart 2025

Friends of the Dart Launch River Health Hub Crowdfunder

The River Dart was shimmering with colour, kayaks, and community spirit this weekend as the now annual Flotilla for the Dart took to the water once again. Friends, families, and local supporters gathered for a joyful day that unfolded in sunshine, laughter, and the welcome presence of herons, seals, and pasties.

Building on last year’s successful testing crowdfunder, we have now launched a new fundraising campaign to create a River Dart Hub Platform. This digital hub will bring together and share information about water quality, while highlighting the many ways local people can help protect the river. It’s also designed to serve as a public resource, helping communities stay informed and hold water companies to account.

You can visit and support the crowdfunder here:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/river-dart-hub

The campaign officially launched on Sunday 2nd November with a kayak flotilla setting off from the Higher Ferry Slipway in Dartmouth. Supporters gathered from 11:30am to cheer, chat, and wave the paddlers upriver as they set out.

Organisers shared their heartfelt thanks to Ben and the team at Sea Kayak Devon for their generous support and to everyone who took part in this growing community celebration. The Flotilla for the Dart is now an annual tradition — a chance to honour the river and the people working year-round to protect it. We are already registering an expression of interest to join next years event!

A lovely clip of the day, thanks to Nick Oldridge

Special thanks to our fabulous Nicky Rajska for organising the event.