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

Dittiscombe Estate achieves carbon net zero status

Dittiscombe Estate achieves carbon net zero status

In November 2024 Dittiscombe Estate & Cottages completed a decarbonisation programme, offered by South Hams District Council.

January 27, 2025
Newton and Noss Mayo install house martin, tawny owl, and kestrel boxes

Newton and Noss Mayo install house martin, tawny owl, and kestrel boxes

Newton and Noss Mayo Parish Council has funded the installation of owl and kestrel boxes in Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo.

January 23, 2025
Force4Nature project organises team of 97 volunteers

Force4Nature project organises team of 97 volunteers

The Force4Nature project connects local volunteer teams with exciting nature regeneration initiatives happening in their local community.

January 14, 2025

Groups

Modbury Community Orchard

Modbury Community Orchard

Community orchard harvest and Apple Day, including apple pressing. We also hold a Wassail in January and story telling in spring.

5-20
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost
Modbury Wildlife Action Group (ModWAG)

Modbury Wildlife Action Group (ModWAG)

We are a group of interested people in Modbury, now affiliated to the Parish Council. Our focus is currently on small scale biodiversity improvement projects, such as the Churchyard and verges.

5-20
Volunteers
Other
Project Cost
Sustainable Marldon

Sustainable Marldon

Less than 5
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost

Projects

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
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
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