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

Nurturing Wellbeing In An Age of Eco-anxiety

Nurturing Wellbeing In An Age of Eco-anxiety

In recent years, a growing body of research has shed light on a concerning trend: eco-anxiety. This term describes the psychological distress and anxiety individuals experience in response to environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.

April 15, 2024
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

Groups

Greener Ugborough Parish (G-UP)

Greener Ugborough Parish (G-UP)

The Wildlife and Biodiversity working group focuses on the native wildlife of the Parish, through both habitat management and biodiversity monitoring. The Transport & Mobility working group supports the reduction of local reliance on cars and encourages Active Travel. The Waste Reduction and Recycling group has produced recycling guidelines for the Parish.

5-20
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost
Sustainable Dittisham (SusDit)

Sustainable Dittisham (SusDit)

Habitat Review in progress, which has mapped the land owned or managed by the Parish Council, made suggestions for changes to the maintenance schedule and made suggestions for habitat enhancements. This will not only enhance the biodiversity of the area, but should also represent a year-on-year saving to maintenance costs. SusDit are members of DCEN - Devon Community Energy Network

20-100
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
Project Cost
Kingsbridge Climate Action

Kingsbridge Climate Action

EV charging points, roof top solar, carbon off setting, community art, tree planting, promoting green businesses.

20-100
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
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
Create a Wildlife Corridor Along a River

Create a Wildlife Corridor Along a River

Yealm Estuary Moor aims to improve the health & biodiversity of the River Yealm

Volunteers
Project Cost
Host Climate and Nature Event with Local Sustainability Groups

Host Climate and Nature Event with Local Sustainability Groups

A joint project led by SMASH with speakers, stalls and networking opportunities

5-20
Volunteers
<£5k
Project Cost