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

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
Introducing WATER: Wild About The Erme River

Introducing WATER: Wild About The Erme River

Wild About The Erme River (WATER) is a new organisation working to protect and restore the River Erme and its tributaries. One of two new catchment action groups, set up following Sustainable South Ham’s River Assembly earlier this year, WATER is focused on reducing pollution and increasing biodiversity within the River Erme and surrounding landscape. Read on to find out more about their current work and how you can get involved.

September 26, 2023
Kickstarting an Ecosystem with Water Voles

Kickstarting an Ecosystem with Water Voles

There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the unassuming water vole, a chestnut-brown, semi-aquatic creature that might invoke a pang of nostalgia for those raised on Winds in the Willow stories.

September 19, 2023

Groups

Rattery Environment Group

Rattery Environment Group

The Rattery Environment Group (REG) is a registered charity which promotes the betterment of the local environment and leisure time facilities. It enables new projects by researching possible new developments, putting together project proposals, negotiating with interested parties and applying for grants, as necessary.

Less than 5
Volunteers
Charity
Project Cost
Sustainable Thurlestone Buckland Bantham (STBB)

Sustainable Thurlestone Buckland Bantham (STBB)

Less than 5
Volunteers
Project Cost
Yealm Alliance

Yealm Alliance

Community Renewable Energy, Public engagement, cooperation between parishes, nature conservation and biodiversity enhancement projects.

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