We celebrate the unique natural environment of the South Hams, and it’s important to protect, enhance and restore it now and for future generations. Despite the negative messages of nature in trouble, we find the good news and stories from individuals, groups and companies who all have nature at the heart of their work. We are here to share that, and to inspire and help you to start your own project or group.

Learn more

To see some real changes we need to find a tipping point of just 1 in 4 people*, where nature becomes a part of everyone’s everyday lives. Much of this can happen from within our own communities, so it’s important we keep the subject of nature high on our agendas.

There are already some energetic groups out there in the South Hams, with inspirational projects taking place all year round. We’ve listed just a few of them. We know there are plenty more and if you’d like to add yours then fill in the form – it doesn’t take long!

Our field trips, news and blogs are there to inspire you, to take back to your groups and communities, to spread the word and start the cascading effect. 

It may be that you or your group has a particular interest – say in holding a bat event. You can find out how to do that on our resources page, with plenty of other links to websites and documents if you wish to drill down into a particular subject.

We are trying to add information and inspiration as we go along and keep it relevant and up to date, and we need you to help us do that so please share your experiences, your knowledge or your project with us by contacting info@sussh.org. Or if you have a specific question you would like help with, contact our nature mentor Ruth Saunders ruth@sussh.org

There are a number of larger charities who offer support and help to communities and individuals who would like to get nature back on track, either through practical help, forums or excellent websites. Some are already listed with us, but if you’ve found a particular charity helpful to you then please share it with us.

* The Devon Wildlife Trust believe that the tipping point is reached if as few as 1 in 4 people in Devon are actively engaged with nature.

News

Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy

Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy

Ahead of our Taking Action Together Education Assembly, we caught up with Clifford Harris to find out more about the government's Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy.

April 15, 2024
Nurturing Wellbeing In An Age of Eco-anxiety

Nurturing Wellbeing In An Age of Eco-anxiety

In recent years, a growing body of research has shed light on a concerning trend: eco-anxiety. This term describes the psychological distress and anxiety individuals experience in response to environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.

April 15, 2024
Taking Action Together Assembly

Taking Action Together Assembly

We are excited to be launching our next Assembly! Taking Action Together is all about connecting, supporting and inspiring community groups and education services to collaborate for climate, nature and adaptation.

March 29, 2024

Groups

Bioregional Learning Centre

Bioregional Learning Centre

Some of our work includes the UK's First River Charter for the Dart at Dartington and devondoughnut.org (based on the priciples of Doughnut Economics)

Less than 5
Volunteers
CIC
Project Cost
Moor Trees

Moor Trees

Moor Trees grows native broadleaved trees in two South Hams nurseries from seed collected locally by its volunteers for planting in South Devon especially Dartmoor National Park. We campaign for a more nature-rich Dartmoor with temperate rainforest filling its valleys and help organisations elsewhere to copy our model.

20-100
Volunteers
Charity
Project Cost
South Devon River Champions

South Devon River Champions

SDRC is providing links between community groups in catchments throughout South Devon and promoting the expert services of relevant professional organisations. By profiling all the existing catchment groups under one network, the individual groups have a greater opportunity to apply for funding of a scale that makes catchment wide projects feasible.

20-100
Volunteers
Other
Project Cost

Projects

Engage your Community with a Nature & Climate Fair

Engage your Community with a Nature & Climate Fair

Village summer Fair for South Brent with a focus on sustainability

20+
Volunteers
£5k - £50k
Project Cost
Support a thriving population of a re-introduced species

Support a thriving population of a re-introduced species

The Gara Water Vole Reintroduction Project is an exciting reintroduction project

5-20
Volunteers
£5k - £50k
Project Cost
Connect Communities to Take Practical Carbon Saving Action

Connect Communities to Take Practical Carbon Saving Action

Transition Streets is an award-winning project that brings neighbours together

Volunteers
Project Cost