Conservation Communities
Discovering what’s on the doorstep
The Conservation Communities project worked in 11 parishes between Great Torrington and Hatherleigh, from 2020 until the end of 2022, to record as much about the natural environment as possible. Plenty of exciting species were found in this area, and thanks to this project we know more about what and where they are, and how they’re doing. This project worked with communities to share skills and allowed people to gain confidence in identifying what is in their local area and how to protect it.
The 11 parishes covered by the project were: Great Torrington, Little Torrington, Merton, Huish, Meeth, St. Giles in the Wood, Beaford, Dolton, Dowland, Iddesleigh, Hatherleigh. As a result of the project, updated biodiversity audits have been produced for each of these parishes.
Discovering wildlife
The project delivered training opportunities and other events that allowed people to explore, record and help protect wildlife. Our team worked with schools to organise activities and field trips to engage a new generation of wildlife champions, and with volunteers to help improve nature areas to create a healthy network that included farms, gardens and public spaces, and the verges, hedgerows and watercourses that connect them.
If you were involved with Conservation Communities and would like some advice on how to keep working for wildlife within your communities, the Wilder Communities team are dedicated to offering advice and support for any community projects that benefit both people and wildlife. Get in touch with them by emailing wildercommunities@devonwildlifetrust.org!
Record your wildlife sightings
Although the project has ended, that doesn't mean you need to stop recording what you see in your area - the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (DBRC) are always happy to receive your wildlife sightings! Below you can find some helpful guides to help you spot seasonal wildlife near you.
Species of the Month
Wildlife Spotter Sheets
Training resources
Over the course of the project, numerous online talks and training sessions took place. You can find recordings of these on the Conservation Communities playlist on our YouTube channel.
Project area and partners
Conservation Communities was a National Lottery Heritage Funded project. As well as working with local communities, the project was developed with and supported by Clinton Devon Estates, Devon Moth Group, Farms for City Children, Great Torrington Commons Conservators, Hatherleigh Moor Management Committee, Hatherleigh Community Primary School, Merton and Huish Wildlife Group and RHS Garden Rosemoor.
