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

Sensing, Learning, Changing: Climate Adaptation in the South Hams

Sensing, Learning, Changing: Climate Adaptation in the South Hams

The Bioregional Learning Centre has created a short film to enable communities to find their pathways to action for adapting to climate change here in the South Hams.

October 25, 2024
How can Councillors in South Hams Help Climate and Nature?

How can Councillors in South Hams Help Climate and Nature?

Sune Nightingale, Chair for Dittisham Parish Council and Energy Mentor for Sustainable South Hams gave a keynote presentation at the Symposium on practical ways that councillors can assist their local community groups and provide support for projects taking action for climate and nature.

October 25, 2024
Pigs Help Conservation Efforts at Dittiscombe Estate

Pigs Help Conservation Efforts at Dittiscombe Estate

Dittiscombe Estate has recently taken on two pigs to help their conservation efforts.

October 25, 2024

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

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
Encourage Biodiversity Profitably

Encourage Biodiversity Profitably

How Tallet Meadow Farm turned pasture land into productive orchards.

5-20
Volunteers
£5k - £50k
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