Restoring the Alphin Brook River

Our first project, beginning in spring 2026, is Restoring the Alphin Brook River.

The Alphin Brook is more than just a river, it’s a living thread that connects people, wildlife, and neighbourhoods across Exeter. Beginning near the village of Whitestone, it meanders through the community of Ide before flowing past the industrial area of Marsh Barton and the neighbourhood of Alphington. It forms part of Exeter’s wider flood defence scheme and runs alongside the city’s Green Circle walk. The brook completes its journey by joining the Exeter shipping canal before before feeding into the River Exe. 

Our founder was inspired to act after noticing an increasing issue with Himalayan balsam, a non-native invasive plant that destabilises riverbanks and outcompetes native species. As an accessible, urban river, the Alphin Brook holds enormous potential to enhance green spaces, strengthen biodiversity, and create opportunities for both people and wildlife to thrive together.  

By tackling challenges like invasive plants and degraded habitats, we are also raising awareness of environmental pressures, from climate change to urban development, and taking practical steps to make our city greener, healthier, and more resilient.