A potential water pollution incident in the River Exe has been declared a Category 1 fish kill by the Environment Agency.
At least 70 trout have been confirmed dead at the beauty spot near Bickleigh Bridge, though the figure could be much higher. Officers have been picking dead fish from the water since Tuesday.
An investigation was launched earlier this week into the cause. At that point at 50 fish were declared dead but the number has since risen.
Photos of dead trout found in the River Exe(Image: User submission)
Possible reasons include low flow, oxygen levels and high temperature, as well as pollution. The results of the probe might not be known for some time.
An Environment Agency spokesperson said: “Ten officers attended a fish kill on the River Exe between Thorverton and Bickleigh.
“This is an ongoing investigation. We are considering all possible causes including pollution, low flow, oxygen levels and temperature, and are returning to site today to continue our investigations.”
Photos of dead trout found in the River Exe(Image: User submission)
The stretch of river between Thorverton and Bickleigh is approximately five miles. The bridge at Bickleigh is one of Devon’s most famous and picturesque rural spots and is popular with visitors, many driving to the Fisherman’s Cot pub.
The Environment Agency classifies incidents according to four levels of seriousness. Category 1 is described as having a ‘major’ or serious’ impact on the environment, including fish habitat damage.
A member of the public told DevonLive that Environment Agency teams have been spotted along the river for several miles picking up dead fish.
Photos of dead trout found in the River Exe(Image: User submission)
A spokesperson for South West Water said: “At this stage, we have found no indication of any issues from our sites. As always, we will support the Environment Agency as it carries out its investigations.”
It comes after two children recently fell ill after swimming in the River Exe at Bickleigh.