The Devon LNP Conference took place at Sandy Park at the end of March. It brought together a wide range of experts, organisations, and associates to explore and discuss the draft Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) to date and celebrate Devon’s nature. We were pleased to welcome Marian Spain as a keynote speaker, and were grateful to all of our inspiring speakers who gave talks on the day. We were excited to celebrate the Wild About Devon award winners at the conference too, see below to learn more about the awards.

We hosted a range of breakout sessions covering LNRS themes such as community and nature, woody habitats, soils, and rivers - providing space for attendees to engage in focused discussions with some of the experts already involved in the strategy’s development. Attendees also explored the developing website, reviewed draft habitat and species lists, and interacted with the draft mapping tools - offering a first look at what’s to come for the LNRS.

It was a hugely productive and inspiring day, filled with meaningful discussion, thoughtful contributions, and new ideas. The conference marked an early opportunity for many to explore this very much draft version of the LNRS, and we are incredibly grateful for the constructive input shared on the day.

We were truly overwhelmed by the level of interest. While we had originally intended to extend invitations more broadly, given the complexity and evolving nature of the LNRS, we’ve had to involve a large number of specialists to shape its development so far and it was essential that those who have already contributed to the draft were able to attend and offer feedback at this crucial early stage. Accommodating their participation meant that fewer tickets were available for wider circulation than we had hoped, we apologise if you unable to join us on this occasion.

The Devon LNRS is still firmly in the draft stage and this will be the first of many public engagement events. Feedback and discussion is hugely important to the development of the LNRS and we are looking forward to seeing you all at another future event! Keep an eye on our socials to see when events will be coming up.

We would like to say a big thank you to our LNP Conference sponsors, University of Exeter’s Centre for Rural Policy Research, South West Water, NHBS and Lakeway Ecology.

Devon's Local Nature Recovery Strategy

The past year has been both busy and rewarding in shaping Devon’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS). Our dedicated team, comprising Devon County Council staff and consultants, has worked closely with individuals and partner organisations to identify key priorities and map the areas where nature recovery is most urgently needed.

We’re incredibly grateful for the wide range of input received so far - through emails, questionnaires, workshops, webinars, steering groups, and feedback from the LNRS conference. This collective insight is instrumental in creating a strategy that is practical, inclusive, and user-friendly.

Below is the latest indicative timeline for the Devon LNRS. While we’re exploring opportunities to bring this forward, the timeline outlines our current schedule and key milestones.

The third annual Wild About Devon awards

More than 70 nominations were received from all across the county, and judged by a panel of Wild About Devon Steering Group members alongside guest judge, naturalist and science communicator Kelvin Boot. The panel were blown away by the quality of nominations, and enjoyed learning about the many extraordinary people across Devon who dedicate their time and efforts to looking out for local wildlife.

The Awards were presented at the LNP Conference by Nora Corkery, Devon Communities Together Chief CEO and Wild About Devon steering group chair. All the winners received a voucher from NHBS, thanks to their generous sponsorship. You can read more about the WAD awards here: Wild About Devon Awards 2024/25 - Devon Local Nature Partnership

At the start of February, members of the Network of Environmental Educators in Devon (NEED) gathered at Stover Country Park for our Winter conference.

A packed day full of interesting speakers, which included:

• Claire Moodie (Plastic Free North Devon) on the Ocean Explorers Project, the North Devon Vision 2030 initiative, and research on secondary students’ sustainability views.
• Rebecca Skinner (Active Devon) on the role of physical activity in environmental education, youth engagement, and leadership.
• The Local Nature Partnership (LNP) on the latest developments in the Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).
• Nicki Schantz (Southwest Climate Ambassadors) on becoming a Climate Ambassador and assisting schools with developing their climate action.

We also enjoyed a special guided tour of Stover Country Park, showcasing the Restoring Stover Park project, community spaces and workshops, and volunteering opportunities.

It was a great day for catching up with old friends and colleagues from across Devon,and making some new connections with likeminded practitioners in outdoor, environmental, and sustainability education.

Thanks to everyone that attended and helped make a great day!

Invasive Species Week - 12th - 18th May

Get involved this #invasivespeciesweek! 

Invasive species are species that are able to colonise, and often dominate, an environment to the point of causing ecological harm and imbalance. 

Just some of ecological issues caused by non-native invasive species are listed in the infographic below. But it’s not just wildlife that is impacted- it is estimated that invasive non-native species cost the UK economy £4 billion annually (CABI, 2023)!

From 12^th-18^th May it is national invasive species week, where we aim to raise awareness of non-native invasive species and the damage they cause to wildlife.  There are a number of events, including: 

• Mon 12 May 13:00-14:00 Horizon scanning for invasive non-native species: future threats and why prevention is key - UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, and Defra. 

• Tues 13 May 13:00-14:00 Invasive non-native species: why they are a problem and how to help protect your sport and the environment - Angling Trust, British Rowing, Paddle UK and the Royal Yachting Association. 

• Weds 14 May 13:00-14:00 When species do establish – managing aquatic plant invasions - Environment Agency.  

• 17-25 May Big Rockpool Challenge- Rock Pool Project and Marine Biological Association. 

For details on the key invasives found in Devon see the Devon Invasive Species Initiative webpage.  Visit Invasive Species Week » NNSS to find out more and see guides and resources. 

Voices of the Exe Trail

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.

"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

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!