Directory of Nature Charities in Devon
Devon has one of England’s richest and most varied natural environments, stretching from the high moors and ancient woodlands of Dartmoor and Exmoor to river valleys, farmland, hedgerows, estuaries, heathlands and an extensive coastline. Its habitats support important populations of species including otters, dormice and greater horseshoe bats, while its rivers, wetlands and marine environments are central to the county’s nature-recovery efforts. Around 35% of Devon is covered by a landscape designation, including two National Parks and five National Landscapes.
This directory brings together Devon-based and Devon-focused charities, conservation organisations, environmental partnerships, wildlife societies and specialist groups working to protect and restore nature. The listings include major conservation organisations alongside recording bodies, river and landscape partnerships, specialist wildlife groups and organisations working with local communities. Together they provide a useful starting point for anyone looking to support conservation, volunteer or learn more about Devon’s natural environment.
Nature Charities in Devon
Including registered charities, CICs, coalitions, alliances, and related organisations.
Devon Wildlife Trust is the county’s principal independent nature conservation charity, working across Devon’s land and seas. It manages nature reserves, restores habitats, protects species, campaigns for nature recovery and provides volunteering, education and community opportunities.
Devon Local Nature Partnership is a strategic collaboration bringing together organisations, communities and individuals to restore and enhance Devon’s natural environment. Its work includes nature recovery, resilient rivers and coasts, sustainable farming, woodland, hedgerows and connecting people with nature.
Devon Biodiversity Records Centre is Devon’s Local Environmental Records Centre, maintaining an extensive database of wildlife and habitat information. Its more than 11 million records support conservation, research, planning and environmental decision-making and are continually expanded through recording groups and collaborative projects.
Devon Birds promotes the study and conservation of birds across the county. It supports wildlife recording, publishes an annual bird report, organises field activities and manages a network of reserves protecting birds and associated habitats.
Devon Bat Group promotes the conservation and study of bats throughout the county. Its activities include roost and hibernation checks, surveys, bat-box schemes, education, bat walks and assistance with injured bats.
Devon Hedge Group brings organisations and individuals together to protect and promote the county’s extensive traditional hedgerows. It provides advice and training on hedge management, restoration and wildlife-friendly practices while also influencing policy and funding.
Westcountry Rivers Trust works to restore and protect rivers, streams, wetlands and estuaries across the South West, including extensive work in Devon. Its projects improve freshwater habitats, water quality, biodiversity and the resilience of river catchments.
East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust manages the nationally important Pebblebed Heaths and Otter Estuary. Its conservation work protects rare heathland habitats and wildlife while supporting public access, education and community involvement.
Dartmoor National Park Authority has a statutory role in conserving and enhancing Dartmoor’s natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage. Its conservation work includes habitat management, nature recovery, peatland restoration and landscape-scale environmental projects.
Exmoor National Park Authority works to conserve and enhance Exmoor’s wildlife, landscapes and cultural heritage while helping people understand and enjoy the National Park. Its environmental work includes habitat conservation, nature recovery and sustainable land management.
North Devon Biosphere is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve bringing organisations, communities and businesses together around a shared vision for nature and sustainable development. Its landscape encompasses rivers, farmland, dunes, coast and sea, with current work focused on reconnecting people and nature and restoring ecological resilience.
South Devon National Landscape Partnership coordinates conservation and sustainable management across the protected landscape’s coastline, estuaries, farmland and wooded valleys. It works with communities, farmers and partner organisations on nature recovery, climate action and landscape conservation.
East Devon National Landscape works with landowners, communities and partners to conserve and enhance the area’s distinctive landscapes, habitats and wildlife. Its current management programme includes nature recovery, sustainable farming and projects improving access to and understanding of the protected landscape.
North Devon Coast National Landscape protects an exceptional coastal landscape of cliffs, dunes, estuaries, beaches and valleys. Its partnership supports wildlife and habitat conservation while promoting sustainable development and helping local communities care for the landscape.
Blackdown Hills National Landscape works across this distinctive Devon and Somerset landscape to protect its wildlife, geology, habitats and rural character. Its conservation work is combined with sustainable land management, community involvement and opportunities to experience the natural environment.
Tamar Valley National Landscape works across the Devon–Cornwall border to conserve the valley’s landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage. Its partnership supports nature recovery, sustainable land management, access and community projects within one of the South West’s most distinctive river landscapes.
Exe Estuary Management Partnership brings conservation organisations, authorities, communities and other interests together to support the long-term stewardship of the Exe Estuary. It promotes information sharing, coordinated management and a balance between wildlife conservation and sustainable use.
Dartmoor Futures is a charitable organisation represented within the Dartmoor National Park partnership network. It supports work aimed at improving the future resilience of Dartmoor, bringing charitable support and partnership working to projects benefiting the National Park’s landscapes and communities.
Devon Invasive Species Initiative coordinates local action on invasive non-native species. It promotes awareness, improves recording and mapping, shares management guidance and encourages stronger biosecurity to reduce the ecological impacts of invasive species across Devon.
Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum brings more than 40 organisations and individuals together to share knowledge and coordinate responses to ash dieback. Its work focuses on protecting Devon’s treescapes, managing affected trees and encouraging suitable replacement and landscape restoration.