Penny Dixie
Community Events
Get involved and join a local community event near you...
Wild About Devon Awards
Do you know a group or individual in Devon who has made a significant impact on local nature and wildlife? The Wild About Devon Awards, organised by the Devon Local Nature Partnership, are now open for nominations!
They are seeking projects, schemes, or initiatives from 2024 that have:
- Enhanced the wildlife value of an area, and
- Actively engaged their community.
Award Categories:
- Wildlife Community Group of the Year
- Wildlife Parish & Town Council of the Year
- Outstanding Individual Award
Nomination Deadline: Friday, 28th February 2025
Coastwise Spring Programme of events and talks
Coastwise is an organisation that offers a variety of educational and recreational activities, focusing on coastal and marine environments. Explore a diverse array of topics and engaging visits designed to cater to all levels of knowledge and energy.
Calling lovers of wildlife and nature!
Join Common Flora for monthly sessions to look at and learn about nature in fields with beautiful views in south Devon.
Looking and listening, gently walking, sitting or lying near the field edges we soak up the atmosphere and breathe the fresh air while we learn about nature and how to care for it. No regular commitment required, sessions happen about once per month. Each site has toilet facilities. Spare outdoor clothes. Delicious food and lots of laughs for free!
Travel and care expenses paid if you are on a low income or vulnerable in some way. Please contact Jane on mail@commonflora.co.uk or call 07716588749
Shores of South Devon - Shoresearch Programme 2025
Come and see how many different species we can collectively find and record. Photographic records eventually end up in the National Biodiversity Database. Shoresearch walkover surveys are citizen science projects conducted in collaboration with Devon Wildlife Trust and open to all. Bring a camera or smartphone if you have one, and wear wellies and appropriate clothing. Find out about upcoming Shoresearch events on the Facebook page and get in touch via info@shoresofsouthdevon.org.uk if you have questions.
Events and workshops at The Italian Garden
Various dates. Great Ambrook Avenue, Ipplepen, TQ12 5UL
Guided tours, drawing workshops and more at The Italian Garden.
Devon's Wonderful Hedges - an illustrated talk by Dr Robert Wolton
Part of the celebrations of the 20th anniversary of the planting of Quarry Wood, on Friday 4th April this talk will explore the history, wildlife and management of Devon’s hedges and small woodlands.
CAG East Devon Skillshare, Saturday 26 April, Honiton
Are you passionate about reuse, repair, waste reduction, surplus food, growing food, biodiversity and nature recovery, composting, climate action or sustainable behaviours? This event is free and open to community groups, local volunteers and members of public.
Managing water for nature and people - Connecting the Culm forum, Thursday 3 April, Cullompton
From a changing climate to growing communities, the future presents us with many challenges. We'll explore what this means for the River Culm with a range of speakers. Followed by open forum: speaker Q&A, discussion, and networking.
Diversifying your farm: community visits and growing connections, Tuesday 22 April, Rewe (near Killerton)
This event aims to bring farmers and landowners together with organisations to explore the benefits of on-farm visits for diversification. We’ll be looking beyond open farm events and school visits to explore how you can host visits that boost peoples’ wellbeing and help you build connections with your community and consumers.
Growing with Nature Networking event, Thursday 10 April, Ernesettle (Plymouth)
Join us for a fun and informative networking event, with the Friends of Ernesettle and Budshead Woods, where you can connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for nature. Learn from experts in the field and discover new ways to incorporate nature into your daily life.
Avon Valley Drop-ins, Thursday 10 April and Thursday 8 May, Loddiswell
Are you wondering what to do with your land? Thinking about enhancing your land for wildlife and making space for nature? Come and talk to Lynne Kenderdine, Land Management Advisory Officer for the Avon Valley Project!
Saving Biodiversity: The Essential Role of County Wildlife Sites, Thursday 1 May, Online
In this talk, ecologist Jack Rivers from Devon’s Biodiversity Records Centre will delve into the topic of County Wildlife Sites (CWS). He will explain what CWS are, how they are identified, and the voluntary nature of their designation. Jack will clarify the benefits of CWS designation, address common misconceptions, and highlight what CWS designation does - and doesn’t - entail.
This talk is perfect for anyone who owns or cares for a meadow, as well as those simply interested in learning more about the subject of biodiversity and wildlife conservation.
Community plant and seed swap, Sunday 27 April (11am-12pm), Helen Rowett Memorial Garden in Dousland.
Organised by the Friends of the Helen Rowett Memorial Garden in Dousland (near Yelverton), swapping all kinds of plants and seeds, from houseplants to vegetable seedlings. All free, although donations to support the work to create a wildlife and native plant area in the garden are most welcome!
Conservation volunteering days at Hembury Hillfort
Devon Wildlife Trust has been working with the Devon Archaeological Society (DAS) to advise them how best to manage Hembury Hillfort with conservation in mind, and they need volunteers! DAS are keen to keep Hembury in good condition to protect the archaeology and make it easy for visitors to understand. Some of the work is being done by contractors, but the growth of scrub on the ramparts is better controlled by hand. After an enjoyable and successful event last year, they will be holding more days of clearance, socialising and tours of the hillfort in the coming year. If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact Hembury@devonarchaeologicalsociety.org.uk
Talk about swifts and local projects to support these precious birds
By Chris Stanton from Sustainable Chulmleigh, at 7pm on Friday 11 April, at The Methodist Church Hall, North Street, South Molton. £5 tickets to cover costs and refreshments.
"A Pesticide-Free Devon" Conference and Gathering, Saturday 7 June, Newton Abbot
An inspiring day of learning, sharing, organising and celebrating the achievements that we have already made on this journey to a pesticide–free Devon and a healthier world, with inspiring Key Speakers and the Workshops that will be available in both the morning and the afternoon.
Totnes Climate Hub Events
Various dates. The Mansion, 36 Fore Street, Totnes, TQ9 5RP
The Totnes Climate Hub has been created to inspire, educate and enable our community to respond to our local and planetary challenges more effectively and together. Various events are hosting each month including climate cafes, energy advice sessions, walks, talks, and more.
What's on at Rosemoor.
Various dates. RHS Garden Rosemoor, Torrington EX38 8PH
Nestled in a Devon valley, RHS Garden Rosemoor blends formal and informal plantings to magical effect. Find your next event, course or workshop there.
Skills Bootcamp in Regenerative Land-based Systems
Free for participants, made possible by Devon County Council, Skills Bootcamps and Train 4 Tomorrow, and certified by Crossfields Institute, the Apricot Centre @Huxhams Cross Farm and Landworkers Alliance present the Level 2 Skills Bootcamp in Regenerative Land-Based Systems to introduce people to the world of regenerative farming and help them gain skills for furthering their work and becoming part of the future of farming. Skills Bootcamps are part of the Government’s Lifetime Skills Guarantee.
12 sessions will take place on Wednesdays, 9am- 4pm. Dates are specified for each cohort upon application and confirmed once you are accepted on a course. You must attend 80% of the course to complete.
Applications are continuously open for 2024 cohorts.
Community orchard webinar recording
Saving Devon’s Treescapes recently teamed up with Adam’s Apples Fruit Tree Nursery based near Honiton to deliver a webinar aimed at anyone interested in creating a community orchard – if you missed it, catch up on our YouTube channel.