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A remarkable community effort is currently underway in the charming seaside town of Dawlish, located in Devon, England. Volunteers are working tirelessly to restore a local brook, aiming to return this vital waterway to its former splendid state. The brook, which meanders through the heart of the town before flowing into the sea, has recently suffered from significant accumulations of silt. These build-ups have not only made the area appear ‘shabby,’ a sentiment echoed by local residents, but have also raised concerns that the town’s appeal to tourists might diminish.

The group spearheading this important initiative is called Waterways Around the Dawlish Environment, or WADE. Their primary objective is to ensure the brook is brought back to ‘its absolute best,’ maintaining it as a beautiful and thriving component of the town’s natural landscape. The Environment Agency has granted WADE permission to undertake this crucial restoration work, though strict conditions apply. For instance, the task must be completed entirely by hand and exclusively during specific periods of the year, a measure designed to minimise any potential disruption to the delicate local ecosystem.

David Force, a dedicated member of WADE, explained that the extensive silt problem observed over the last couple of years is a consequence of recent severe storms combined with insufficient water flow within the brook. Despite the challenging nature of the work, the call for volunteers has met with an overwhelmingly positive response from the community. Local residents have been keen to lend a hand, arriving with their own picks, shovels, and spades, eager to get stuck in and clear as much silt as possible. Their efforts include digging up and weeding out an island situated within the brook, which will help to facilitate a more free-flowing current.

Among the many committed volunteers is Judy Saunders, who shares a deep personal connection to the waterway. She fondly recalls regularly enjoying its boating pond during her childhood in the 1960s. Although she now resides in Exeter, Ms. Saunders felt compelled to return and assist in clearing the brook, driven by a desire to see it revert to its previously pristine condition. This profound sense of local pride and commitment is truly admirable.

Looking to the future, Mr. Force expresses considerable optimism, declaring confidently that ‘Dawlish is winning, Dawlish is coming back.’ He anticipates a brilliant summer ahead for the town, firmly believing its future appears very promising indeed, all thanks to this collective endeavour. This inspiring story beautifully illustrates the tangible difference that concerted community action can make to local environments, demonstrating that through working together, residents can achieve significant improvements that benefit everyone.

1. What is the main purpose of the community effort in Dawlish?

• A.To attract more international tourists to Devon.
• B.To restore a local waterway affected by silt and enhance the town’s appeal.
• C.To create new job opportunities for local residents.
• D.To protest against the Environment Agency’s regulations on waterways.

2. According to the article, what are the primary reasons for the silt build-up in the brook?

• A.Pollution from nearby factories and excessive boat traffic.
• B.Lack of regular maintenance by local authorities and hot weather.
• C.Recent severe storms and inadequate water flow.
• D.Increased fishing activity and wildlife disturbance.

3. What can be inferred about Judy Saunders’ motivation for volunteering?

• A.She has a nostalgic attachment to the brook and wants to see it preserved for future generations.
• B.She was asked directly by David Force to help with the restoration project.
• C.She believes her professional skills are particularly useful for clearing silt.
• D.She wants to move back to Dawlish from Exeter in the near future.

4. Which of the following describes David Force’s attitude towards Dawlish’s future?

• A.Cautious and reserved, acknowledging potential challenges.
• B.Slightly pessimistic about the long-term success of the project.
• C.Neutral, focusing only on the current progress of the work.
• D.Highly positive and optimistic, expecting a promising outcome.

5. In the context of the article, what does ‘pristine’ mean?

• A.Historically significant or ancient.
• B.Clean, fresh, and in its original excellent condition.
• C.Easy to access and navigate.
• D.Suitable for various recreational activities.