Education and engagement are vital in tackling climate change. By providing knowledge and awareness about the environment, we empower individuals to make informed decisions and take meaningful action. Engaging people in the climate challenge fosters a sense of responsibility and collective effort, driving positive change for a sustainable future.
Arts and crafts have long been a tool for education and engagement, with groups and campaigns using craftivism to get their message across. The Endangered Species exhibition from South Devon Stitchers illustrates how a group can use their creative skills to focus interest on the natural world around us.
Sustainable South Hams are excited to be collaborating with South Hams District Council to assist in delivering their ambitious climate and biodiversity plans. With climate change and biodiversity issues high on the agenda for the new District Council administration, core funding has been pledged to assist Sustainable South Hams in our work inspiring, connecting and supporting local nature and climate action.
On June 20th, several group leaders from rivers projects on the Erme, Avon and Dart met three leading members of Yealm Estuary to Moor to learn and gain inspiration. Find out more in our blog post from Rachael Tily.
Wilder Communities advice; Wilder Communities Award (coming soon); Wildlife Gardening Award
We began a perennial wildflower meadow project in our local park in 2018 and have since begun managing several road verges and an area of the churchyard for wildlife and wildflowers, working with SHDC. Our other activities include planting fruit and pollinator-friendly trees around the local area, running gardening schemes, holding summer competitions, planting spring bulbs and working with local community groups to host events and guided walks.
Ugborough's citizen science project uses the iNaturalist app to record wildlife
Hope Cove and Soar Mill beach cleans and beach surveys with SMASH
Devon Living Churchyards Project encourages churches to support wildlife