We are excited to announce the Devon Local Nature Partnership Spring Conference!
Date: 25th March 2025
Location: Sandy Park, Exeter
This year's theme is Nature Recovery in Devon, with a focus on the draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Devon and the upcoming consultation period. The conference will include inspiring showcases of nature recovery projects from across the county, engaging interactive workshops, and ample opportunities to connect and collaborate with others who are passionate about our natural environment. Highlights of the event will feature a keynote speech from Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, and the presentation of the Wild About Devon Awards to celebrate this year’s winners!
Stay tuned – we’ll share updates as soon as tickets become available. Mark your calendars, and we look forward to seeing you there!
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Devon's Local Nature Recovery Strategy
The past year has been a busy and rewarding one for the development of Devon’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). Our dedicated team of Devon County Council staff and consultants worked closely with individuals and partner organisations to set key priorities and map areas where action is most needed for nature recovery. One of the highlights was discovering the resurgence of water voles in Devon - a promising sign for biodiversity!
We’re incredibly grateful for the input received so far through emails, questionnaires, workshops, webinars, and steering groups. This feedback is invaluable in shaping a user-friendly strategy, which will include a new website and interactive map.
Looking ahead, the next few months will focus on gathering further feedback through our networks and Supporting Authorities. This includes:
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Sharing draft sections of the LNRS for input.
- One-on-one meetings with Supporting Authorities and partners to ensure alignment with local plans and district-level work.
- Ramping up our engagement and workshops to ensure that all aspects of Devon's habitats, species, common themes and wider benefits are fully considered in the LNRS.
By spring, the LNRS will be nearing completion, in draft form, with an initial preview at the Devon Local Nature Partnership Conference on 25th March. This will be followed by a formal consultation with Supporting Authorities, after which a public consultation will take place. The final version will then be approved by Supporting Authorities and submitted to the Secretary of State.
Stay tuned for updates, including future consultation dates, on the Devon’s Local Nature Partnership website, Facebook and Instagram pages.
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Wild About Devon (WAD)
Wild About Devon Awards: Nominations are now open!
Do you know of a group or individual who deserve recognition for their community action for nature? With three award categories (Wildlife Community Group of the Year, Wildlife Parish & Town Council of the Year, Outstanding Individual Award), it’s time to submit your nominations for the Wild About Devon Awards. You are able to submit for each category and can nominate yourself (your group) or someone else (another group).
Find out more and fill in a quick nomination form here. Closing date for nominations is Friday 28th February 2025. Lets recognise those driving community action for nature in Devon!
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Wild About Devon Forum
The Wild About Devon forum in November 2024 was an incredible day, connecting passionate individuals and groups working to bring communities closer to nature. With inspiring talks from across the county and informative displays, the event provided a space to share ideas and connect the dots.
Thank you to everyone who took part and especially the presenters: Devon Communities Together, Devon Wildlife Trust, CAG Devon, Bat Conservation Trust, North Devon Coast National Landscape, North Devon Unesco Biosphere, South Devon Stitchers, Stoke Gabriel Horticultural Society and Wild About The Erme River (WATER).
To hear about future forums and get involved in this network, complete this form, join the Facebook group and highlight your work by adding your group to the Community Action Map.
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Wild About Devon Grants 2024
£10,000 was awarded to community groups across the county through a small grants scheme, made possible with support from Devon Environment Foundation, Devon Communities Together, and Devon County Council.
Thirty three groups benefitted from a share of the fund to enable them to take action for wildlife in their local community. Projects ranged from nature improvement activities, wildflower seed sowing, hedgerow planting, making wildlife homes and habitat improvements. Well done to all the successful applicants – keep up the good work!
Naturally Healthy Forum - 12th Feb!
The next Naturally Healthy Forum is an in-person event focusing on isolation. On Wednesday morning, 12th February, at the Pavilion in the Park, Okehampton there will be insightful talks from speakers sharing their experiences of working with men and older people. The session will also include breakout discussions, opportunities to share your own updates, and plenty of time to network over a cuppa and a well-being walk after.
This event is open to anyone working in this field across Devon - you don’t need to be a forum member to attend. Book your free ticket here, and for any queries, please contact Kate Hind.
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Spring into Action with Naturally Healthy Devon
As winter waves goodbye and spring says hello, the days are getting longer, giving us more time to bask in the great outdoors. Devon is a treasure trove of walking and cycling paths, just waiting for you to explore. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual stroller, there's something for everyone.
This year, our Naturally Healthy initiative is all about boosting wellbeing walks in the county with more supported walks and collaborating with our amazing volunteers. Get ready for our annual Naturally Healthy May campaign! We’d love for you to join us. Whether you want to share some content through your newsletters and socials or have us highlight your activities in May, we’re all ears, please contact Kate Hind.
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Winter Networking event - 7th Feb!
Soon members of NEED (Network of Environmental Educators in Devon) will be gathering at Stover Country Park for the winter membership event. Invited guest speakers from Plastic Free North Devon, Active Devon, and Climate Ambassadors are set to share updates, along with plenty of news items from likeminded NEED members.
Seasonal NEED events are always a highlight in the calendar for many, an excellent opportunity to network and it will be great to explore Stover Country Park. It is not too late to confirm your attendance for Friday 7th February, with full joining instructions here.
If you are new to discovering NEED, or a returning friend or colleague, consider completing our NEED Forum Membership Form to confirm your details with us so that we can stay in touch and let you know about membership events or other opportunities. Equally, if you have something that you would like to share or offer NEED please get in touch – all offers for guest speakers, workshops and webinar leaders, and event hosts across Devon are welcome!
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Invasive species and the Local Nature Recovery Strategy
The Devon Invasive Species Initiative (DISI) group met this January to explore ways to incorporate invasive species management into Devon’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). Discussions about the growing ecological and economic threats posed by invasive species, referencing a 2023 study led by CABI, revealed these species cost the UK economy an estimated £4bn annually. Costs to the forestry sector alone have increased eightfold since 2010, highlighting the urgent need for effective control measures to protect both biodiversity and the economy.
By integrating invasive species management into the LNRS, Devon can better coordinate efforts to safeguard its landscapes. To learn more about the study, visit CABI’s website. For practical advice on identifying and managing invasive species, visit the Non-Native Species Secretariat. If you’d like to learn more about DISI or join the Steering Group, please contact Kate Hills (Chair).
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Call for volunteers at Brook Wood!
Devon County Council, with support from the Woodland Trust, are developing an exciting, new, innovative woodland site intending to promote carbon sequestration and increase biodiversity. This project will assist nature recovery, flood risk management and help improve access to nature, especially as the woodland develops and matures.
Your help is needed, please join the planting team and make a difference!
📆 Monday 10th February
⏰ 10am - 3pm
📍 Brook Wood Sampford Courtenay EX20 2TH
Find all the information and book your free place on the Eventbrite page.
The tree planting event will be practical, expect to get your hands dirty! Some of the tasks include digging, planting and pegging down mulch mats. It is advised that you bring your own gloves, waterproofs, sturdy footwear and packed lunch. This will be a lovely, active day for all!
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Reviving Heddon Valley’s Fritillaries
Butterfly Conservation and The National Trust have been working together with great success over the past year on their Exmoor project Reviving Heddon Valley’s Fritillaries. Staff are creating bigger, better and more connected habitats across the Heddon Valley which will lead to a more robust population of the threatened High Brown Fritillary.
The project’s combination of appropriate grazing, scrub clearance and woodland work has resulted in an additional 67 hectares of habitat now being actively managed for this beautiful butterfly. The project has also collected seed, germinated and planted out over 500 young violets (the caterpillar foodplant), and collected many more hundreds of seed pods so that more violets can be planted in the future. Read more about this story: Hungry, hairy Hungarian hogs help save UK's most endangered butterfly | Butterfly Conservation
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Six Months of Progress: Biosphere Communities Project
The Biosphere Communities project has reached its 6-month milestone, with Community Animators actively engaging with young people and local groups in Appledore, Ashreigney and Chulmleigh, Bideford, and South Molton.
By connecting communities with local landowners, the project has already supported nature recovery initiatives such as tree planting in Parkham and a planned snowdrop planting at Arlington Court (National Trust).
Over the coming months, they'll continue co-designing activities and look forward to delivering exciting events and initiatives this spring to deepen connections with nature and boost its recovery.
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Wilder Communities Team can help
The Wilder Communities Team at Devon Wildlife Trust are here to support communities who are taking action for nature. There are various services on offer for communities including: Collaboration café sessions to bring you and others together to discuss your local area, wildlife survey equipment loan scheme, wildlife gardening resources for your community, simple gardening tools loan scheme, site visits and advice, pop up sessions, attendance at your event and more.
Please do visit their webpages for more info or email wildercommunities@devonwildlifetrust.org if you feel they can help you.
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Woodland Trust events coming up
Yonder Oak Tree Planting Event - 14th February
Do you want to do something meaningful this year that will have long term benefits on climate resilience, local environment and the biodiversity? Help the Woodland Trust by planting trees at Yonder Oak this year. Book your place here.
Rainforest Restoration for Landowners - 26th February
This training day is for landowners looking to manage and restore existing Temperate Rainforest on their land. You will get a practical experience of whole process of rainforest management from start to finish as you assess woodland before and after management work. Book your ticket here.
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Connecting with nature this winter
Winter’s shorter days and colder weather make it tempting to stay indoors, but getting outside can work wonders for your mood and wellbeing. A brisk 10-minute walk boosts your mood, reduces stress, and helps improve sleep, especially if done in the morning light.
Active Devon offers free adult cycle training to build confidence for winter cycling, along with tips to make it safe and enjoyable. You can also join free Wellbeing Walks across Devon to combine movement, nature, and social connection.
For more tips on winter activities, active and sustainable travel and connecting with nature, visit Active Devon’s website. Stay active this winter!
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Devon Birds Swift Project
Swifts were recently designated as a red-listed species by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) due to their 60% population decline over the past 20 years. This is, in part, due to the reduced availability of nesting habitat. The Devon Swifts Project, launched in 2022, aims to assist this iconic species by increasing the availability of nest spaces and installing colony nestboxes in churches.
The project had a very successful 2024 season, bringing the number of church installations in Devon to 34 (see map on their website for locations). A total of 1,204 nest chambers have now been installed, with each church tower receiving a ‘swift caller’ to play pre-recorded attractant calls. Work will continue throughout 2025 to provide additional nest sites and raise awareness of the urgent need to protect swifts, both locally and nationally.
A key initiative for 2025 is the ‘Swift Champion’ network. Each participating church has nominated a representative to monitor the nestboxes and engage with their community to raise awareness of swift conservation. The project team also invites anyone interested in supporting swift conservation to get involved. For more information or to join the initiative, please contact Jerry at info@devonswiftproject.co.uk. For updates on the project’s progress, visit their website.
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National Park Shares Draft Ambitions for Exmoor Partnership Plan
Exmoor National Park Authority has set out draft ambitions on how it intends to collaborate with partners, people and organisations to help secure a positive future for Exmoor.
Following an extensive survey of your views, evidence gathering on the state of Exmoor’s 'special qualities' and workshops with delivery partners, the draft Plan is now open for public consultation before it’s formally adopted by the National Park Authority in Summer 2025. Find out more at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/pp-consultation.
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Start the New Year with Free Weekly Walks in Tamar Valley
Discover peace, fresh air, and stunning views with free weekly walking groups in Tamar Valley National Landscape. Led by qualified guides every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday morning, these walks explore scenic woodlands, breath-taking river views, and the area's rich mining heritage.
Join Tamar Valley National Landscape and the groups; Saltash Walk & Talk, Tamar Valley Walk & Talk, and Tamar & Bere Wellbeing Walks for the health and social benefits of walking in nature.
Most walks last 2 hours, are 2-4½ miles, and include a coffee stop. Find the full programme here. No booking required - just turn up and enjoy!
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North Devon Coast National Landscape
The Finding Nature’s Footprints team have had a busy second year, working across the North Devon coast to upskill and encourage people to identify and record their local wildlife. Activities have included surveys, practical conservation, a BioBlitz, a Young Environment Group summer expedition and surveying of County Wildlife Sites.
Year 3 starts with the Team working with local communities to create nature recovery plans to improve habitats for wildlife in their villages, towns and green spaces. To put these plans into action the Team are gathering the community together to share ideas, skills, and support everyone to make a difference. See meeting details below. If you want to know more, email evie.giblett@devon.gov.uk.
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Combe Martin Community Centre - 5 February, 6-8.30pm
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Croyde Village Hall - 12 February, 6-8:30pm
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Hope Wood Unveiled in South Brent
South Brent celebrated the creation of a 65-acre community woodland, with volunteers planting the first 2,500 trees at the newly named Hope Wood. The project, part of South Hams District Council’s commitment to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, aims to plant one tree for every South Hams’ resident.
In collaboration with Sustainable South Brent, the Woodland Trust, and Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, the woodland will feature over 20,000 trees, grassland restoration, an orchard, an area for community food production and a tree nursery. Volunteers can join future planting efforts by contacting ParkLife SW at office@parklifesw.org.uk. Click here to read the press release.
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Help Create Bee Habitats at Wembury Point
Join the Life on the Edge team on Thursday, 8th February, for a hands-on day creating vital bee habitats at Wembury Point. The day entails a morning (10-12:30pm) and afternoon session (1-3:00pm). Led by experienced conservationists, all tools and guidance will be provided. Dress warmly, wear sturdy shoes, and come ready to dig in!
Bee banks are sheltered patches of bare ground where solitary mining bees can nest. They need to be south facing to receive sunlight and located near a source of nectar and pollen. On Wembury point, large areas of wildflowers already exist and conservation efforts taking place this winter will ensure even greater blooms this summer. The work of volunteers creates additional nesting habitat, to help three target species (the Black Mining Bee, the Orange Footed Furrow Bee, and the Hawksbeard Mining Bee) to capitalise on the wildflower bonanza!
To secure your FREE spot, or for any queries, email Lote@southdevon-nl.org.uk.
Image credit: Catherine Mitson.
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Unlocking opportunities for farm businesses - webinar series
From February to April, the Forestry Commission South West Area Team will be hosting a series of five webinars to highlight the specific opportunities that tree planting represents for farmers and landowners. Whether you are new to woodland creation, or have prior experience, these webinars are aimed at supporting farmers and landowners to make land use decisions. Please see below for more information on each of the webinars, and follow the links to book your place/s:
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DRIP - Devon Resilience Innovation Project
The Devon Resilience Innovation Project (DRIP) is working to improve resilience to flooding in 26 communities across Devon. They are excited to share that works have been completed at Tattiscombe (North Devon National Trust) for a stage-zero river restoration scheme. This project aims to encourage natural processes, enabling the river to re-establish its connection with the floodplain. By doing so, it increases the land’s capacity to store water, thereby enhancing flood resilience for the local area. This site is being monitored by their PhD students, who are eagerly watching to see how it changes over the coming months and years.
This project is joint funded by DRIP and the Government's Species Survival Fund. The fund was developed by Defra and its Arm's-Length Bodies. It is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
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Great British Spring Clean
The Great British Spring Clean is back! From March 21st to April 6th, 2025, join in to make a difference in our local environment. Be one of Devon’s #LitterHeroes to help clean up our beautiful county.
- Help improve our community and protect our natural habitats.
- Pick by yourself or join forces with neighbours, friends, and family to tackle litter together.
- Enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise while making a positive impact.
Find out how to get involved by visiting the Clean Devon website!
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Pesticide-Free Devon Conference
The "Pesticide-Free Devon" Conference and Gathering will take place on Saturday, 7th June at the Courtenay Centre in Newton Abbot.
The event will bring together individuals, groups, and organisations from across Devon who are actively working to promote a pesticide-free culture. It aims to provide opportunities to share good practice, connect with like-minded people, and officially launch the Pesticide-Free Devon Network.
The keynote speaker will be Guy Singh-Watson, founder of Riverford Organics, followed by a programme of workshops, networking sessions, and a locally sourced organic lunch.
Support and involvement from the community are welcomed to help make Devon a safer and more nature-friendly place for future generations. For more information or to book a place, please email info@greenfutures-newtonabbot.co.uk.
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South West Lakes Trust volunteering opportunities
Why not join South West Lakes Trust for some volunteering? It's a great way to get active outdoors and make some new friends. Opportunities coming up throughout February include helping to clear rhododendron and cotoneaster at Kennick, Trenchford and Tottiford Reservoirs, on the eastern fringe of Dartmoor National Park. These non-native species can become very invasive and lead to a significant loss in biodiversity and take over valuable habitats.
Help for as little or as long as you would like! Please visit www.swlakestrust.org.uk/whats-on or email ksarjeant@swlaketrust.org.uk for further details.
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"What you can spot in Devon" webinars on YouTube
Over the past few years, the LNP has hosted a series of engaging online webinars, bringing together guest speakers and experts to share insights on “What You Can Spot in Devon.” These educational sessions are perfect for seasoned nature enthusiasts and curious beginners alike, offering fun and easy-to-follow information about Devon’s incredible wildlife and natural wonders.
Now, all these webinars are conveniently available in one place! Check out our What You Can Spot in Devon YouTube playlist to learn about birds, trees, marine life, bats, wildflowers, and so much more. Including our latest webinar with guest speaker James Chubb from Wild East Devon who provided insights on Devon's autumnal wildlife and where you can see them.
Explore the playlist here: What you can spot in Devon - YouTube
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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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