We are raising funds to expand and develop our Salmon Run, to take the Salmon’s message to more people and communities along the Exe.

The Salmon Run is a unique community event using science, arts and physical activity to celebrate the endangered Atlantic Salmon and explore what it can teach us about the health of our river.

'I learnt that I can run, not just for myself, but also for my community, as we celebrate the natural world.' Salmon Run participant

Combining a 5km fun run, a 50-mile Ultra, and a team relay from the sea to the spawning grounds, the Salmon Run involves people in the epic migratory journey of the Atlantic Salmon.

Through the run itself and at a festival and pop-up exhibitions along the route, we build links and knowledge among the riverside communities. Scientists, archaeologists, anglers and artists are all part of the event, sharing knowledge and ideas to explore serious issues particularly in light of the climate and nature crisis, inspiring action to tackle the threats the Salmon faces.

The Atlantic Salmon has seen a  decline of 70% in British populations since 1980s. In 2023 the Atlantic Salmon went on the IUCN Red List for endangered species. We inspire community and personal action for the river and work closely with the Westcountry Rivers Trust who are working to improve conditions for Atlantic Salmon on the Exe through their Exe Weirs project and also through Friends of the River Exe (FORE).

In this third year, we want to take the salmon run into schools – with an engaging assembly for primary pupils in schools along the route of the river.

We need to raise £5000 for:
Event costs (materials, permissions, infrastructure etc)
Education and outreach (publicity, printing, marketing etc)
Personnel (medics, run director, performers, photograper etc)
School and community visits (props and resources, education consultant, delivery etc)
Further aspirations: A toolkit, a podcast and a video to share Salmon Run with more people and other rivers.

This is where you come in! Please donate what you can. Aviva have kindly agreed to match funds raised through this site – so every pound you can give is worth two.


Tidelines is a community-led CIC (Community Interest Company) that brings together arts, science, action and research to celebrate and care for the Exe estuary and coast. We work with Friends of the River Exe, Westcountry Rivers Trust and Wild Running on this unique event.

Please keep an eye on our social media @exetidelines (Fbk and Insta) and exetidelines1 (twitter). More info at https://tidelines.uk/

And thanks so much in advance for your support!

'a powerful way to improve people's awareness of the environment' Salmon Run participant

'Joy in connecting with other people across generations, and in connecting with a salmon's body through my own' Salmon Run participant