Wc12 - local river exe

• where is the River Exe?


  the River Exe flows for 82.7km from its source in the hills of Exmoor, through Tigerton and Exeter, to the sea at Exmouth on the Devon coast
• what are the physical characteristics of the Upper River Exe Catchment?


  -601km^2

  -max elevation 514m, min elevation 26m

  -84.4% impermeable rocks

  -67% agricultural grassland, 15% woodland, 3% moors and peat bogs
• how do these physical characteristics impact the water balance?


  -rainfall is high, so water can flow off saturated hills rapidly

  -overland flow =65% of the water balance

  -impermeable bedrock reduces percolation and base flow

  -drainage ditches reduce soil water storage
• what is the Wimbleball Reservoir and what does it do?


  -in 1979, River Haddeo (tributary of the River Exe) dammed to create the Wimbleball Reservoir

  - 150 hectares

  -supplies water to Exeter and parts of East Devon

  -regulates water flow by preventing peaks and troughs of water discharge that make flooding or drought more likely
• does the reservoir support a sustainable water supply?


  yes:

  -large surface area increases evaporation which increases precipitation in the drainage basin

  -water supply all year round

  
  

  no:

  -natural processes altered

  -creation of the dam flooded surrounding area

  -maintenance costs
• what is the aim of the exmoor mires project?


  to restore 3,000ha of peatland

  a rise in the water table level of 2.65cm on average across the areas monitored
• how was the exmoor mires project carried out?


  100km of drainage ditches blocked by 2015 to raise water table and increase saturation of soil

  data collected using dipwells which record the depth of the water table
• what were the benefits of the exmoor mires project?


  -More water storage in upper catchment- steady flow of water

  •-Improved water quality- slower throughflow

  •-More carbon storage- encouraging active peat growth (+ re-wetting), CO2 absorbed from atmosphere via photosynthesis

  • Improved opportunities for education, leisure and recreation- Peatland habitats are very

  biodiverse

  • Improved grazing and water supply for animals
• What are the psychological implications of Willy's vulnerability?


  • Self-worth tied to external validation
  • Inability to accept personal limitations
  • Toxic masculinity and pressure to succeed
  • Generational conflict