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

Saving Earth Resources: May's Group Leaders' Gathering

Saving Earth Resources: May's Group Leaders' Gathering

May's SusSH Group Leaders' Gathering, hosted at Makers Mews in Ivybridge, centred on the theme of Saving Earth Resources, with updates on composting and sharing projects and thoughts about how to progress from here.

May 14, 2023
Partnerships, Projects and Possibilities at April's Group Leaders' Gathering

Partnerships, Projects and Possibilities at April's Group Leaders' Gathering

April’s Sustainable South Hams Group Leaders’ Gathering followed up the Rivers Assembly with updates from new partnerships and ongoing projects.

April 16, 2023
Changing the current on the future of our rivers at the SusSH Rivers Assembly

Changing the current on the future of our rivers at the SusSH Rivers Assembly

The Sustainable South Hams Rivers Assembly, the first of its kind in the UK, saw around 150 project, group and community leaders gather to share knowledge, discuss projects and develop new ideas.

March 21, 2023

Groups

Buckfastleigh Action for Nature Group

Buckfastleigh Action for Nature Group

• Roadside Verge project- restoration of sp-rich habitat on selected verges and council owned green space • Buckfastleigh Nature Network Project (Lottery funded) - creating a network of people and green spaces managed for nature with underpinning carbon messaging • Trinity Church - Haven for Wildlife (Primarily a Wild flower meadow and swift box project)

5-20
Volunteers
Other
Project Cost
The Habitat Group

The Habitat Group

Producing and distributing the Gardening for Wildlife booklet and enabling other groups to print and distribute it. Reintroducing Water Voles to the River Gara. Widespread planting of Nottingham Catchfly plants to save the White Spot moth from extinction. Mapping wildlife friendly gardens/fields etc to create the People's National Park. Find out more on the website and by joining the Habitat Whatsapp and email groups.

20-100
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost
Newton and Noss Parish Council Climate Change, Environmental and Biodiversity Committee

Newton and Noss Parish Council Climate Change, Environmental and Biodiversity Committee

Environmental enhancement to encourage/maintain biodiversity, tree planting, encouraging cycle use and carbon dioxide reduction. Find out more from the parish website.

5-20
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
Project Cost

Projects

Promote Your Wildlife-Friendly Spaces with Awards

Promote Your Wildlife-Friendly Spaces with Awards

Devon Wildlife Trust offers awards to gardens that support wildlife

Volunteers
Project Cost
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