Devon's Local Nature Recovery Strategy
Work is progressing on the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS), being developed under the Local Nature Partnership. The core team - comprised of Devon County Council staff and consultants - is collaborating closely with individuals and partner organisations to identify key priorities and map areas where action is most needed. Exciting discoveries have already been made, such as the resurgence of water voles (once extinct in Devon) and the presence of rare spiders in the Teign Valley!
The LNRS map and website are being developed with input from the LNRS Farming Steering Group and others to ensure they are as user-friendly as possible. There will be plenty of opportunities to contribute to the emerging strategy throughout the autumn and early winter. To stay informed about upcoming events, please email the LNRS inbox with your area of interest.
For updates on the LNRS and other key projects across Devon - such as the Defra-funded Landscape Recovery Projects, Devon Wildlife Trust’s exciting pine marten reintroduction, and efforts to protect the internationally important Greater Horseshoe bat population - follow the Devon Local Nature Partnership on its website, Facebook and Instagram pages. If you have ideas to share, feel free to email the team, or complete the questionnaire on the LNRS webpage.
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Embrace #OutdoorSeptember in Devon!
This September, join the county-wide campaign encouraging everyone to embrace the great outdoors, ditch the car when possible, and boost those happy endorphins!
Devon Local Nature Partnership and Active Devon have partnered with Devon Climate Emergency, Public Health Devon, Travel Devon and DevonBus Partnership. Devon LNP and Active Devon will be sharing events, ideas, and tips all month to inspire you to be more active in nature for your health, wellbeing, while protecting our environment.
Whether you’re exploring scenic cycling routes, walking trails, or using public transport to uncover Devon’s hidden gems, there's something for everyone. Connect with nature through guided walks, outdoor yoga, and more.
For more information on Outdoor September and the different activities you can take part in, take a look at Active Devon’s website and follow Devon LNP and Active Devon on social media.
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Webinar - What you can spot in Devon this Autumn
Autumn is just around the corner, and Devon's wildlife is flourishing!
As part of #OutdoorSeptember, the LNP is hosting a one-hour webinar on September 26th at 6:30 pm. Join us and local wildlife expert James Chubb from Wild East Devon to explore the fascinating species you can spot this autumn and their best locations in Devon.
Whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or simply curious about the outdoors, this FREE event is for everyone. Expect engaging, easy-to-follow insights into Devon’s autumnal wonders, followed by a Q&A session.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to deepen your connection with nature! Register here: https://bit.ly/46Mt7Og
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Change of Chair
A message from the new Chair of NEED, Tom Humphreys:
After two great years, Jess Carter is stepping down as Chair of NEED. Jess has been a wonderful Chair for us as a membership network, bringing us together with her warm enthusiasm and regular member events, skillshare webinars, and advocating for environmental education across Devon. I am sure that I am joined by a chorus of fellow members thanking Jess for her time and expertise, and wishing her well in new endeavours.
I am delighted to have received the nomination of new Chair of NEED, and by way of introduction I am Tom Humphreys of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere. My career is defined by bringing learners outdoors, working in a variety of outdoor education centres and as former Chair of the Field Studies Professional Practice Group with the Institute for Outdoor Learning (IOL). I now lead on the Biosphere Communities project which empowers local community groups to become champions for positive climate action in their area. Get in touch, and I look forward to catching up with you all properly soon
- Tom Humphreys
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Summer NEED event
Members of NEED gathered at National Trust’s Killerton House on the 27th June as part of the 2024 summer event, hearing updates from William Ewens from Let's Go Zero, Rhona Phelps on the introduction of Climate Ambassadors, and Charlotte Eddisford from Resource Futures who reported on barriers to climate education.
As always a favourite part of any NEED event was spending quality time with fellow network members over a pot of tea, followed by a stroll in the woods and catching up on individual stories of success. Thanks go to the National Trust team at Killerton, along with NEED champions Lucy Mottram, Jess Carter, and Beth Bird for organising a fantastic day.
Keep an eye out on the Facebook group and LNP events webpage for the next members event later this year!
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Wild About Devon (WAD)
Community Action Network
Wild About Devon (WAD) brings together those working to connect communities with nature. Devon is home to many dedicated individuals and groups working hard to improve the environment, and this network offers a platform to showcase those efforts and connect with others.
Join the Wild About Devon Facebook group to engage in discussions, share your projects, or simply see what others are doing across the county.
Have you added your group to the Community Action Map yet?
The map highlights local groups working to protect wildlife in their areas. If your group isn’t on it yet, it’s easy to join—simply visit the Wild About Devon webpage to add your group. The more groups, the stronger our network!
Keep an eye out for the next Wild About Devon Practitioners forum, happening later this year. It will be a great opportunity for those supporting community action for nature to network in person. Details will be shared soon. To stay informed, be sure to join the WAD mailing list or contact bridie.devonnature@gmail.com to hear more.
Wild About Devon grants are closed
The Wild About Devon 2024 grant scheme funded by Devon Environment Foundation, Devon Communities Together, and Devon County Council, ran very successfully, with groups across Devon receiving funding for their local community wildlife projects. Details about this funding will be shared soon. A big thanks goes to everyone who applied and shared their projects. Applications for this year are now closed, but there are hopes to run the grant scheme again next year!
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Invasive Species Alert: Asian Hornets
Asian hornets are highly effective predators of insects, including honey bees and other beneficial species. Their presence can cause significant losses to bee colonies and harm native species.
While they haven't been spotted in Devon this year, we must remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately. To report a sighting, use the Asian Hornet Watch app or fill out this form: https://risc.brc.ac.uk/alert.php?species=asian_hornet
Stay alert and help protect our local ecosystems! To learn more about how to ID an Asian Hornet, head to the Non Native Species webpage.
If you would like to find out more DISI or join the Steering Group please contact Kate Hills (Chair) or Ali Slade (Sec).
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Trees for Devon
Would you like a free tree pack?
Devon County Council, with funding from the Woodland Trust, are offering free trees to landowners across Devon to help combat climate change, mitigate ash dieback, and support our declining wildlife.
Each tree pack includes 45 native broadleaf trees, comprising of three species commonly found in Devon, such as oak, birch, and rowan.
Anyone can apply! If you have space for a small copse, linear woodland, or to extend existing woodlands, simply fill out this form by October 8th: https://forms.office.com/e/VPgjsRPBTH.
Contact Elliott Saloman-Carter for more information.
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DRIP - Devon Resilience Innovation Project
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A successful June Bioblitz in North Devon!
A surprising number of wildlife species were recorded during the Ilfracombe BioBlitz in June. The North Devon Coast National Landscape’s Finding Nature’s Footprints team ran a weekend long BioBlitz and Festival of Nature across the town. The event saw 280 members of the public find and record over 300 different species.
There were a whole host of public events including rock pooling, minibeast hunting, freshwater invertebrate sampling, moth trapping and bat detecting. Learn more about the event on their website.
The Project is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. See what Autumn events are coming up on their website or at @northdevoncoastnl.
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SALMON RUN - 29 SEPTEMBER 2024
The Salmon Run highlights the challenges our river systems face through the story of one of their most extraordinary and iconic keystone species, the Atlantic Salmon. Celebrate the return of the salmon with a unique event for all fitness levels:
- 50-mile Ultra Run - From Exmouth to Tarr Steps, tracing the salmon's journey from sea to moor.
- Team Relay - Form a team and tackle 4 to 10-mile sections, passing the salmon baton, "Samantha."
- 5k Fun Run - A donation-based run through Exeter, open to all, from Salmon Pool to Exwick.
This fun event is hosted by Wildrunning and Tidelines, with support from Westcountry Rivers Trust. Register at Tidelines.uk or contact info@tidelines.uk.
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The Bat Conservation Trust have created a free, friendly online space for you to grow your knowledge of Devon’s wildlife and habitats, and connect with people, communities & organisations caring for local landscapes.
Upcoming September events include:
Weds 18th September 7.30 to 9.00pm - Dormice
Learn more about these small nocturnal mammals - their diet and habitat, how to look for signs of dormice and what you can do to help the species survive and thrive.
Sat 22nd September, 1.00 to 3.30pm - Tree seeds and nut search
Springwater Farm (EX5 4ER) - location of the photo above (credit: Bat Conservation Trust)
You'll be testing your tree ID skills, collecting seeds and nuts, and searching for signs of dormice.
For details and joining information contact: hworthington@bats.org.uk Tel. 07565147459.
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Forestry Commission - Grants update
The Forestry Commission's flagship grant, the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO), supports farmers and landowners in creating new woodlands. It covers both the capital costs of establishing woodlands and ongoing maintenance, with additional payments if the woodland delivers wider benefits like improved water quality, biodiversity, and recreation.
As of 18 March 2024, new and increased EWCO payments include:
• £1,100/ha for woodland creation on low-sensitivity land.
• £3,300/ha Nature Recovery premium for biodiverse woodlands near ancient woodlands.
• Increased rates for most Additional Contributions (ACs).
• Maintenance payments raised to £400/ha per year.
If you'd like to learn more about how this could benefit your land or woodland creation plans, and receive some advice, please contact: SWwoodlandcreation@forestrycommission.gov.uk.
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The Devon LNP is on Instagram!
Follow us at @DevonLNP_ for the latest updates, events, and initiatives across Devon. Whether you're passionate about wildlife, part of a community group, eager to learn about nature recovery, or just love stunning landscapes, our Instagram will keep you inspired and informed.
Join our community, share your nature experiences, and help us celebrate Devon's incredible natural heritage!
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