Look & Learn

Interpretation & Education

The new interpretation board at Sharpham North Quay

© DEEM

Interpreting the natural beauty and history of the estuary environment and using it to educate (all ages), is an on-going theme central to the work of Dart Estuary Environmental Management (DEEM).

The use of the estuary for education has a potential that we are only just beginning to recognise and develop. For young children the estuary can be an introduction to the awareness of their environment and the water cycle upon which we all depend. For older students and even graduates it is a mine of fascinating questions to be answered. All DEEM sponsored projects will involve an information, or interpretation, board.

The estuary touches upon education in many subjects. If you are a schoolteacher, university lecturer or youth group organiser and are thinking about how you might include aspects of the estuary in your work, please contact the DEEM office where we will be happy to advise and assist you.

Find out how DEEM aims to raise environmental awareness of the Dart estuary by reading this extract from the Management Plan. The full plan can be downloaded at the end of the extract.

The plan's guiding principles provide the context in which the aims are achieved and the actions carried out.

The full original plan can be downloaded at the end of the extract, however the latest 2006-2011 Periodic Review Dart Estuary Environmental Management Plan (EMP) can also be downloaded here. It is closely linked with the Management Plan for the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has a five year horizon.

• Guiding Principles

• To raise environmental awareness of the estuarine system and promote responsible use of resources through education and interpretation
• To interpret global aspirations for sustainability at the level in accordance with the principles of Agenda 21

• Strategic Objectives

• To promote awareness of issues in coastal and estuarine zone management