Murmuration: A Wild River Dart Festival

The river Dart starts high in the wilds of Dartmoor. 

It carves its way through a land rich in myth and memory – through shadowed rainforests dripping with life, secret coombes, and deep green valleys.

As it descends, it gathers the stories of place and people: brushing past the industrial edges of Buckfastleigh, spiraling with energy through the soulful, creative heart of Totnes, before surrendering to the sea alongside the naval ships and tourist boats of Dartmouth.

But while the Dart continues to inspire, it also struggles. Pollution, habitat loss, and human pressure have left parts of the river in poor health. Nature is under strain. Species that once thrived withing its flow and along its banks – from salmon to Celtic rainforest – now face uncertain futures.

This festival is more than a gig. Through performances, workshops, talks and entertainment we aim to reconnect people with the Dart, deepen understanding of its challenges, and empower collective care for its recovery.

Just as a murmuration of starlings moves as one – shifting, responsive, and alive – we believe in the strength of community working together. Whether you come to dance, learn, connect, or reflect, your presence helps support a healthier future for the river and all life it sustains.