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

Collaboration at the Climate and Nature Symposium

Collaboration at the Climate and Nature Symposium

The Climate and Nature Symposium for South Hams Councillors held in Totnes on 16th October, saw group leaders and councillors gather to find ways to collaborate for climate and nature.

October 23, 2024
Councillors Provide Feedback to Inform Symposium and Support Pack

Councillors Provide Feedback to Inform Symposium and Support Pack

Sustainable South Hams has had conversations with more than 30 town and parish councillors to help design an upcoming Climate and Nature Symposium for local representatives. 

September 26, 2024
Communicating Climate and Nature through Community Events

Communicating Climate and Nature through Community Events

Our last Changemakers meeting focused on how we communicate climate and nature change through community events.

September 26, 2024

Groups

Sustainable South Brent

Sustainable South Brent

We now have a number of well-established projects, including the Marsh Composting Centre, a school garden, a hedges and woodland group and the 4B's. We have more than 200 members. SSB works closely with South Brent Parish Council who declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019. The Trustee group is presently reviewing strategic priorities and is currently focussing new effort around transport and energy projects.

100+
Volunteers
Charity
Project Cost
Sustainable Malborough and South Huish (SMASH)

Sustainable Malborough and South Huish (SMASH)

Renewable energy and energy conservation, public event organisation, community activities on biodiversity and nature conservation.

20-100
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
Project Cost
Sustainable Staverton

Sustainable Staverton

We are a community group set up by the parish council following Staverton Parish Council’s declaration of a climate emergency in 2019. We aim to share knowledge and ideas to help protect and restore biodiversity, and to work towards eliminating our carbon emissions. Our projects are focused around Biodiversity, Home Energy, Travel, and Food & Farming.

5-20
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
Project Cost

Projects

Promote Earth Friendly Values Around Our Food

Promote Earth Friendly Values Around Our Food

Workshops promoting Earth Friendly values around food from the Deer Wood Trust

5-20
Volunteers
£5k - £50k
Project Cost
Encourage Wellbeing Through Engagement with Nature

Encourage Wellbeing Through Engagement with Nature

Sturtlebury Woods and Ponds have been developed to bring people closer to nature

5-20
Volunteers
£5k - £50k
Project Cost
Clean and Survey Your Local Beach

Clean and Survey Your Local Beach

Hope Cove and Soar Mill beach cleans and beach surveys with SMASH

Volunteers
Project Cost