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

Friends of Hope Cove

Friends of Hope Cove

Community talks, education and engagement with groups who can deliver tangible benefits. Trees are coming, rainwater butts are coming, a talk from the Seal project is happening soon and lots more in the pipeline.

Less than 5
Volunteers
Informal Network
Project Cost
Ambios

Ambios

Nature Recovery / Nature Conservation Training (young adults).

5-20
Volunteers
Charity
Project Cost
South Devon National Landscape

South Devon National Landscape

Engaging residents and visitors to conserve, enhance, and and value the South Devon National Landscape. Projects include Farming in Protected Landscapes, Access for All, biodiversity projects in the estuaries, coast, and landscape including Life on the Edge - restoring coastal species-rich grasslands for endangered invertebrates.

20-100
Volunteers
Other
Project Cost

Projects

Increase Biodiversity by Creating a Wildflower Meadow

Increase Biodiversity by Creating a Wildflower Meadow

The Marsh Meadow project will convert rough grassland into a wildflower meadow

5-20
Volunteers
<£5k
Project Cost
Create Community Orchards and Plant Landmark Trees

Create Community Orchards and Plant Landmark Trees

DWT's Saving Devon's Treescapes offers a full free support package

Volunteers
Project Cost
Support a thriving population of a re-introduced species

Support a thriving population of a re-introduced species

The Gara Water Vole Reintroduction Project is an exciting reintroduction project

5-20
Volunteers
£5k - £50k
Project Cost