A condition assessment was conducted for the River Axe Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) to determine the ecological status of the SSSI. The SSSI was assessed against published UK attributes and targets (Common Standards Monitoring Guidance for Rivers) (CSMG) which identify the standards required for river special interests to be considered in favourable condition.
The River Axe SSSI was assessed on the rivers and streams feature which encompasses several attributes including flow, water quality, siltation, the physical structure of the river and artificial modifications, river vegetation and invertebrates, the structure of the bankside vegetation and the presence of invasive non-native plant species. A climate change risk assessment was also conducted.
The assessment found the River and Streams feature of the River Axe SSSI to be in an unfavourable, declining condition, with numerous pressures identified including physical modifications such as weirs, poor riparian habitat quality due to heavily grazed and impoverished riparian structure, invasive plants, diffuse water pollution and siltation.
Several mechanisms have been identified to help bring the SSSI into favourable condition. These include investigative and regulatory mechanisms. Riparian landowner participation is cited as a vital requirement without which tangible change is unlikely to materialise.