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

South Devon National Landscape elects Partnership Community Representatives

South Devon National Landscape elects Partnership Community Representatives

South Devon National Landscape recently held elections for Community Representatives to join their Partnership. 

November 26, 2024
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

Groups

Sustainable South Brent

Sustainable South Brent

We now have a number of well-established projects, including the Marsh Composting Centre, a school garden, a hedges and woodland group and the 4B's. We have more than 200 members. SSB works closely with South Brent Parish Council who declared a Climate and Ecological Emergency in 2019. The Trustee group is presently reviewing strategic priorities and is currently focussing new effort around transport and energy projects.

100+
Volunteers
Charity
Project Cost
Sustainable Malborough and South Huish (SMASH)

Sustainable Malborough and South Huish (SMASH)

Renewable energy and energy conservation, public event organisation, community activities on biodiversity and nature conservation.

20-100
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
Project Cost
Sustainable Staverton

Sustainable Staverton

We are a community group set up by the parish council following Staverton Parish Council’s declaration of a climate emergency in 2019. We aim to share knowledge and ideas to help protect and restore biodiversity, and to work towards eliminating our carbon emissions. Our projects are focused around Biodiversity, Home Energy, Travel, and Food & Farming.

5-20
Volunteers
Parish Council working group
Project Cost

Projects

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
See the Possibilities of Long-Term Rewilding

See the Possibilities of Long-Term Rewilding

Dittiscombe Rewilding offers a great example of how land can be transformed

5-20
Volunteers
£5k - £50k
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