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

South Devon National Landscapes Takes Nominations for Community Representatives

South Devon National Landscapes Takes Nominations for Community Representatives

South Devon National Landscapes is taking nominations for Community Representatives to serve on the South Devon National Landscape (SDNL) Partnership.

October 25, 2024
Saltmarsh Restoration in Progress

Saltmarsh Restoration in Progress

Throughout March 2025 the Saltmarsh Project team will be trialling a range of restoration approaches at the upper fringe of the Dart Estuary shores, around Totnes and Stoke Gabriel.

October 24, 2024
Upcoming Slapton Ley Research Seminar

Upcoming Slapton Ley Research Seminar

Slapton Ley Field Studies Council and National Nature Reserve are holding their annual Research Seminar on Saturday 9th November 2024.

October 24, 2024

Groups

Friends of Hope Cove

Friends of Hope Cove

Community talks, education and engagement with groups who can deliver tangible benefits. Trees are coming, rainwater butts are coming, a talk from the Seal project is happening soon and lots more in the pipeline.

Less than 5
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost
Ambios

Ambios

Nature Recovery / Nature Conservation Training (young adults).

5-20
Volunteers
Charity
Project Cost
South Devon National Landscape

South Devon National Landscape

Engaging residents and visitors to conserve, enhance, and and value the South Devon National Landscape. Projects include Farming in Protected Landscapes, Access for All, biodiversity projects in the estuaries, coast, and landscape including Life on the Edge - restoring coastal species-rich grasslands for endangered invertebrates.

20-100
Volunteers
Other
Project Cost

Projects

See the Possibilities of Long-Term Rewilding

See the Possibilities of Long-Term Rewilding

Dittiscombe Rewilding offers a great example of how land can be transformed

5-20
Volunteers
£5k - £50k
Project Cost
Create Community Orchards and Plant Landmark Trees

Create Community Orchards and Plant Landmark Trees

DWT's Saving Devon's Treescapes offers a full free support package

Volunteers
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