These webpages are here to help you take action for wildlife and geology.  They provide the kind of basic information you need to get started on improving your local environment.  Whether you are an individual or a member of a community group, there is much that you can do to give the natural world a helping hand.

There is some practical advice on the opportunities for conserving and re-creating some of Devon’s key habitats and for helping a wide range of fascinating and wonderful animals.  There are also suggestions for community projects; some ideas on getting funding and pointers to further information.

A great deal of information can already be found on this subject.  We have not sought to replicate that detail here.  Rather, we have outlined the principles involved and the opportunities that may exist to get involved.  We have then provided links to a range of other web sites where more information can be found.

But why should you bother?  After all, we are fortunate in Devon – our County is unsurpassed for the beauty and quality of its landscape. The beaches, shores and estuaries, the traditional farmed landscape with its rolling fields, woods and hedgerows, the lowland heaths, the moors and uplands – all these make Devon one of the most stunning environments in Britain.

However, we should not be complacent.  Even in Devon, wildlife has suffered huge declines.  Whilst understandable within the context of the social and economic frameworks of the day, the widespread intensification of agriculture in the post-War years led to massive losses of flower-rich meadows and pastures, woods, marshes, heaths, hedges and many other habitats and the species which depend on them.  New houses and roads have also taken their toll.

The great news is that with a little effort we can all make a real difference.  From managing an existing feature to creating a small community woodland or wildlife pond, you may be surprised at how quickly wildlife can respond.    We know that a healthy and diverse environment is good for the soul and the action we take will benefit us as much as our wildlife.

So get ready to take action for your environment!

Please note:

These webpages provide you with some general advice on managing for wildlife.  It should not be viewed as taking precedence over any nature conservation advice you may already be receiving.  Such advice is likely to have been tailored to the precise requirements of your land.  In particular, it does not override any recommendations or restrictions that may have been applied to your land by organisations such as Natural England (in relation to Sites of Special Scientific Interest or agri-environment schemes, for example).