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

Making every penny count for the future at Planet Local

Making every penny count for the future at Planet Local

The first ever Planet Local festival will ask consumers in the South Hams to pause before they buy this Christmas to consider the impact of their purchases on nature and our climate.

November 25, 2022
Event: Hedges, Trees & Ponds: Creating Wildlife Corridors

Event: Hedges, Trees & Ponds: Creating Wildlife Corridors

We had another great turnout for our field trip to Hillside near Tuckenhay to look at the creation of wildlife corridors on a 22-acre site.

November 10, 2022
Event: Living Churchyards of the South Hams

Event: Living Churchyards of the South Hams

A well attended field trip saw attendees learning about the Living Churchyards Scheme and several projects from Greener East Allington.

October 22, 2022

Groups

Bidwell Brook Partnership

Bidwell Brook Partnership

Bidwell Brook is an important wildlife corridor that flows into the River Dart. The aims of the partnership, made up of Rattery & Dartington Parish Councils and local individuals and organisations, are to improve water quality, conserve and increase biodiversity, reduce flood risk and increase public engagement. Initial activities include citizen science to monitor water quality, engaging with key organisations, and seeking funding for ecological assessment and advice to landowners.

5-20
Volunteers
Other
Project Cost
Yealm Estuary to Moor Steering Group

Yealm Estuary to Moor Steering Group

Our goal is to create and restore habitats within the Yealm Catchment, working with professional partners such as Westcountry Rivers Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, Woodland Trust, AONB, Dartmoor Parks Authority, National Trust.

20-100
Volunteers
Other
Project Cost
Malborough Living Churchyard Group

Malborough Living Churchyard Group

We are just getting off the ground, and will be meeting with Devon Living Churchyards to develop our plans.

5-20
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost

Projects

Use Citizen Science to Record Wildlife

Use Citizen Science to Record Wildlife

Ugborough's citizen science project uses the iNaturalist app to record wildlife

20+
Volunteers
Free
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
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