River Discovery Zone coming to the Devon County Show

It will be a biennial feature and is designed to showcase the endeavours of Devon landowners, farmers, national environment, organisations, businesses and community group.

Primarily it works to improve the health of the region's rivers and to restore wildlife habitat.

The zone was curated by South Devon River Champion, Louise Wainwright.

She said: "Pollution of our rivers and the loss of wildlife habitat is of serious concern throughout Devon.

"HM Government has determined that all rivers will achieve Good Ecological Status by 2040.

"Only 21 per cent of our rivers in Devon are achieving this status.

"The River Discovery Zone will show Devon County Show visitors of all ages what is being done, and what more can be done to protect these waterways."

The zone will be set up in a Clearspan marquee housing numerous attractions intended to engage visitors.

Prominently featured is Whaley the Whale, a sculpture approximately half the size of a real-life sperm whale that reaches 10 meters in length, including its tail.

Created by 'Till the Coast is Clear', a South Devon community project focused on river estuary and coastline clean-up, Whaley is a stark symbol of pollution.

The project has recovered more than 25 tons of pollution, much of which undergoes sorting at a depot for recycling, while a portion is set aside for Whaley's stomach.

Visitors to The Zone can also enjoy River Reflections Corner, where professional storytellers from South Devon will immerse audiences in river myths and folk tales on Saturday.

Ms Wainwright said: "The purpose of the stories is to help listeners to connect with the meanings and values of rivers on our lives and introduce some of the magical river creatures from dragons and monsters to magical fish and faerie folk."

Additionally, show attendees have the chance to voice their concerns on the Devon River Manifesto, formulated by South Devon River Champions.

They are invited to vote on priorities to present to the next elected government.

The preferred actions will be compiled into an illustrated manuscript for delivery to every MP in Devon.

Complete with 'Heralds' of the River, individuals donning capes featuring wildlife motifs who will guide visitors to The Zone, the River Discovery Zone promises an immersive and eye-opening experience.