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

Taking Action Together Assembly

Taking Action Together Assembly

We are excited to be launching our next Assembly! Taking Action Together is all about connecting, supporting and inspiring community groups and education services to collaborate for climate, nature and adaptation.

March 29, 2024
Sustainable South Hams in 2023

Sustainable South Hams in 2023

Our recent Christmas Celebration gave us the chance to hear about some of your proudest achievements from 2023, and was also a reminder of how much has happened for Sustainable South Hams in the last year! Read on for a round up of where we’re at now, what we’re looking forward to, and the wide range of things we’ve been up to.

December 22, 2023
Change Makers: District Council Corporate Strategy for Climate & Nature

Change Makers: District Council Corporate Strategy for Climate & Nature

Our new Change Makers Gatherings got off to a strong start with an online session discussing South Hams District Council’s new draft Corporate Strategy for Climate & Nature.

October 30, 2023

Groups

Holbeton Parish Council Climate Change subcommittee

Holbeton Parish Council Climate Change subcommittee

5-20
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
Project Cost
Ermington Environmental Group

Ermington Environmental Group

Our aim is to focus on the needs of the residents of the village and the surrounding district in the areas of growing crops, recycling (composting, litter picking), wildlife surveys and sources of renewable energy.

5-20
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost
Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve (Field Studies Council)

Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve (Field Studies Council)

Cirl bunting habitat restoration, biodiversity surveys, management plan delivery, woodland management, hedgerow and tree planting and much much more!

20-100
Volunteers
Charity
Project Cost

Projects

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
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
Encourage Biodiversity Profitably

Encourage Biodiversity Profitably

How Tallet Meadow Farm turned pasture land into productive orchards.

5-20
Volunteers
£5k - £50k
Project Cost