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 In the last year, we’ve seen communities across the county taking action for nature. Wild About Devon wants to celebrate those communities that are giving Devon’s wildlife a helping hand.
If you know of a group or individual who deserve recognition for their community action for nature, nominate them here by completing the simple nomination form. You are able to submit for each category, and can nominate yourself (your group) or someone else (another group).
We are looking for projects, schemes or initiatives that, in the last year, have…
- Taken steps to improve the wildlife value of an area, and;
- Engaged their community
The 2024 awards will fall into three categories;
- Wildlife Community Group of the Year (e.g. a local volunteer group, school, charity, Scout or Guide group, church group, or other similar organisation)
- Wildlife Parish & Town Council of the Year
- Outstanding Individual Award
Closing date for nominations is Friday 28th February 2025.
Empower Your Food SME with Carbon Literacy Training
Are you a food SME looking to take climate action but facing funding barriers? The Carbon Literacy Project, with support from The Compass Group Foundation, offers free Carbon Literacy training for food SMEs with an annual turnover of less than £5 million.
Why Carbon Literacy?
- Equip your team with skills to build a low-carbon culture.
- Meet sustainability goals and enhance your environmental reputation.
- Understand climate impacts and develop actionable strategies.
To apply read the application guidance, complete the form, and apply soon as spots are limited.
The deadline to apply is 10th March 2025.
Free Energy Efficiency Advice for Homeowners
Energy Saving Devon offers free, impartial advice to help homeowners improve energy efficiency. Services include personalised consultations, home visits from local energy advisors, and advice on grants and solutions for issues like damp and underheating.
For more information or to book a free home visit, contact Energy Saving Devon at 0800 999 1439 or email energysavingdevon@devon.gov.uk.
Beware of rogue traders; Energy Saving Devon will never ask for upfront payments.
Futureproof at Paignton Library
📅 Saturday 8th February, 10am - 2pm
📍 Paignton Library
Enjoy a day of eco-friendly fun with activities for all ages. The Cove Discovery Project will offer microscope exploration, allowing you to examine samples from local beaches. Cricketfield Community Garden will host nature crafting activities, perfect for those who love to create with natural materials. Taleblazers will bring hand-made games for everyone to enjoy, adding a playful touch to the event. Play Torbay and The Orchard Forest School will provide a range of creative activities, including making squishy animals, molding salt dough, and building dens.
In addition to these free activities, they have two special workshops available for a small fee. Chris Johnson will lead an Animal Encounters workshop, where you can meet and learn about various creepy crawlies, reptiles, and other fascinating animals. Lou Chapman will host a Dystopian vs Utopian Art workshop, encouraging participants to draw inspiration from books or media to create their vision of a positive future.
Entry to the event is free, and donations to Libraries Unlimited, the charity providing local library services, are welcome. For more information or to book a workshop, please call 01803 714460 or email paignton.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk.
Practical Work at Halsdon Nature Reserve
📅 Saturday 8th February, 10am - 2pm
📍 Halsdon DWT nature reserve, EX19 8ND
Get involved in some rewarding practical work at Halsdon Nature Reserve. Join Volunteer Warden Kevin New and the lively team to help maintain the reserve. Wear gardening clothes, bring gloves, and a packed lunch. Tools will be provided. This free event requires no booking—just turn up 5-10 minutes before 10am.
Call for Volunteers at Brook Wood
📅 Monday 10th February, 10am - 3pm
📍 Brook Wood Sampford Courtenay, EX20 2TH
Devon County Council, supported by the Woodland Trust, is developing a new woodland site to promote carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Volunteers are needed for a tree planting event involving tasks like digging, planting, and pegging down mulch mats. Bring your own gloves, waterproofs, sturdy footwear, and packed lunch. Limited parking is available, so car sharing or traveling by foot/bike is encouraged.
Sustainable South Hams Field Trip to Loop Frome
📅 Monday 10th February, 10am - 3pm
📍 85 Nunney Road Frome, BA11 4LF
Join Sustainable South Hams for a field trip to Loop Frome to learn about community composting and composting micro-enterprises. The event includes visits to various composting sites, discussions with coordinators, and practical composting insights. Participants should bring a packed lunch, appropriate clothing, and are encouraged to car share.
Discover Nature Recovery on West Exmoor
📅 Friday 14th February, 7:30pm - 9:30pm
📍 Fremington Parish Hall, EX31 3BG
Join Devon Wildlife Trust for an insightful evening with Murray Sharpe from the National Trust. Learn about the West Exmoor Project and its efforts in nature conservation, as featured on BBC Countryfile. The event includes a Q&A session and refreshments. A suggested donation of £3 per person is appreciated. No need to book in advance.
Free Hedgerows Online Connect Café
📅 Wednesday 19th February, 7:30pm - 9pm
📍 Online, Zoom
Join the Bat Conservation Trust online for the Connect Café event featuring Megan Gimber from People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). Learn about the heritage and management of hedgerows, their role as wildlife habitats, and how to maintain them for future generations. The event includes talks, quizzes, and opportunities to connect with others interested in Devon's wildlife and habitats.
Key topics covered:
- Heritage of hedgerows and countryside skills
- Current management practices for hedgerows
- Importance of hedgerows as wildlife habitats and corridors
- Practical tips for maintaining healthy hedgerows
Learn About Orchards and Regenerative Agriculture
📅 Sunday 23rd February, 10am - 2pm
📍 Ramsland Farm, Holbeton, PL8 2ES
Join the Bat Conservation Trust for a family-oriented day at the orchard. Help plant and mulch 30 new apple trees while learning about regenerative agriculture from experienced farmers. Enjoy a hearty winter stew and refreshments (vegetarian options available). Suitable for ages 7+ (younger siblings welcome).
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In the last year, we’ve seen communities across the county taking action for nature. Wild About Devon wants to celebrate those communities that are giving Devon’s wildlife a helping hand.
