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

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
Lots of New Growth for Local Tree Projects

Lots of New Growth for Local Tree Projects

Trees are a big topic when it comes to discussing biodiversity and climate efforts and the South Hams has a lot going on in that area. So we’re bringing you an article covering just a few of the exciting projects that you and your group might be interested in.

September 14, 2023
How to Help Your River: Bathing Water Status

How to Help Your River: Bathing Water Status

River water quality may have been the scandal of this year but it’s still shocking that out of 200,000km of English rivers, there are only a couple of hundred metres that are deemed officially safe to swim in. Journalist Jack Thompson explains more, and talks with grassroots community group Friends of the River Dart.

August 25, 2023

Groups

Sustainable Ashprington

Sustainable Ashprington

Community composting scheme; creating biodiverse village green space; tree planting and Ash dieback replacement; rewilding Churchyard; swift boxes; National Trust Woodland volunteers; new riverside woodland with public access; toad migration; litter picking. Our Parish also includes the nationally-known Sharpham Rewilding Project who are keen to support this group.

5-20
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost
Wild About Loddiswell

Wild About Loddiswell

Enhancing biodiversity of verges and green spaces, working alongside the Devon Wildlife Trust Avon Valley Project. Campaigning to preserve old school field as a place for wildlife and people; hoping to plant a community orchard and create a pond. Encouraging wildlife-friendly gardening and creation of hedgehog highways. Investigating possibility of community composting. Organising wildlife walks led by local experts.

5-20
Volunteers
Project Cost
South Milton Climate And Nature Action

South Milton Climate And Nature Action

Bat conservation, hedgehog conservation, engaging with local landowners, home energy saving, exploring renewable energy generation

20-100
Volunteers
Informal Network
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