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

Event: Brimridge - A Nature Reserve in the Making with Devon Wildlife Trust

Event: Brimridge - A Nature Reserve in the Making with Devon Wildlife Trust

Our field trip to visit Brimridge's fifty acres of grassland in the process of being rewilded offered some great insights into wildflower meadow creation, building biodiversity and conservation grazing.

September 30, 2022
Sustainable South Hams Assembly - Saturday 8th October 2022

Sustainable South Hams Assembly - Saturday 8th October 2022

Sustainable South Hams is calling Group Leaders in our communities, businesses, and parish councils to join us at the Sustainable South Hams Assembly at Kingsbridge Community College on Saturday 8th October 2022.

September 26, 2022
Talk Dirty To Me… at our Community Compost Gathering!

Talk Dirty To Me… at our Community Compost Gathering!

Mentor Eva Stephens introduces our upcoming Community Compost Gathering, her warm-up session at Sustainable South Hams Assembly and the composting support offered by South Hams District Council.

September 20, 2022

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

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
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
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