West Dorset Rivers and Coastal Streams

The River Asker

Issues appraisal

Over the winter of 2014-2015, the Dorset AONB team led on a small piece of research to identify the main water quality issues faced by local people and organisations within the West Dorset Rivers & Coastal Streams Catchment.  This project was delivered in partnership with, Dorset Coast Forum (DCF), Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) and Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group SouthWest (FWAG).  Following this piece of work, a community-led approach is being trialled on the River Asker to see if we can help solve some of the significant issues that are of most concern to local people.

The River Asker rises under Eggardon Hill and flows for approximately 12km until it meets the River Brit in Bridport. The catchment is predominantly agricultural, and the farming is mixed with dairy units and associated permanent and temporary grassland along with maize as well as some arable.  The principle settlements within the area are Askerswell, Uploders and Loders.

The main issues identified with the community are:

1. Weirs that impact the movement of fish and cause sedimentation of the river bed
2. Shade from riparian trees that reduce the number of plants.
3. Catchment land use that has the potential to influence the duration and severity of flood waters.
4. Agricultural phosphate which impacts aquatic plants.
5. Invasive species that cause bank erosion, which is a source of sediment.

With the support of the Dorset Strategy Group and the Environment Agency, we are working to overcome these problems, in partnership with landowners in the area and using a merry band of volunteers from the villages along the river.