About us

The challenge – Devon’s ecological emergency

Devon supports an amazing diversity of landscapes and wildlife habitats, ranging from upland peat bogs, to ancient oak woodlands, rivers, ancient hedges and species rich grasslands.   We are a national stronghold for otters, dormice, greater horseshoe bats and support globally threatened species such as the marsh fritillary butterfly and European eel.  We have deep rich and fertile soils and an abundant water supply.

This environment is our greatest asset.  It provides us with food, fuel, carbon sequestration, pollination, flood control, great recreational and business opportunities and a natural health service.  It is one of the main reasons that people and businesses want to live in Devon.  It underpins our lives.

Over the last fifty years the loss and decline of Devon’s habitats and species has accelerated rapidly.  Our wildlife is threatened from a range of complex impacts including habitat loss, pesticides, disease, invasive species, inappropriate management, pollution and climate change.

We are part of a global Climate and Ecological Emergency and need to take urgent action to restore the natural systems on which we depend. 


Devon Local Nature Partnership (LNP)

Devon LNP was established in 2012.  It is a voluntary strategic collaboration of a huge range of organisations, groups and individuals committed to working together to restore Devon’s natural environment for people, wildlife and business.

Priorities:

Our three goals are:

  1. Deliver a Nature Recovery Network –  Protect and restore a network of wildlife rich habitats and natural systems across the county in towns, villages, rural areas and at sea
  2. Respond to the Climate Emergency Use natural solutions to capture carbon and increase our resilience to climate change and flooding.
  3. Connect people and nature – Support communities and businesses to value, enhance and connect with the natural environment which underpins our health, wellbeing and economy.

Our priority themes are:

  1. Farming with nature
  2. Building with nature
  3. Trees for Devon
  4. Rivers and coast
  5. Sustainable seas
  6. Naturally Healthy
  7. Outdoor learning
  8. Communities and culture

Governance

Devon LNP forumAll organisations, businesses, groups, partnerships, communities and individuals who are signed up to taking action to achieve the LNP’s goals and share experience, best practice and ideas.  To join the Forum please go to our Contacts page.

BoardBoard members provide leadership for the LNP identifying priorities and helping us to make connections, secure funding and influence national and local policy.   Board members commit to championing the natural environment and LNP vision within their sector.

Ambassadors (in progress) – Will be leaders, influencers and experts who are helping to promote and achieve the LNP’s vision.

Working groupBrings together the leads for joint LNP initiatives, relevant Devon groups and representatives from key organisations to deliver our goals and discuss cross cutting issues.

Coordination – Overall coordination of the LNP is provided by Devon County Council’s Environment Team.

Funders

Thank you to the following partners for providing funding and significant in-kind support for the LNP:  Devon County Council, The Woodland Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, East Devon District Council, South Hams District Council, Teignbridge District Council, North Devon District Council, Exeter City Council, West Devon Borough Council, all Devon AONBs, South West Water, Active Devon and Dartmoor National Park Authority.


Key documents and evidence

Please click here to see important documents.

Devon LNP Map

As a celebration of our county’s unique wildlife, landscapes and special habitats, Devon LNP commissioned local artist Sara Nunan to create this beautiful watercolour map of Devon. See how Devon’s rivers and hedges snake through the landscape, connecting the high moors to the towns and coastlines below. This visionary map articulates a more connected landscape, helping to visualise what we have but also how our nature can and should be more connected through a thriving Nature Recovery Network.

Click on the map to open it up to full size and explore the intricate detail hidden within! Can you spot the Dartmoor ponies, the distant hill walkers and tiny pipistrelle bats hunting along the famous Devon hedges?

Use the key to the right of the map to identify the special habitats found in Devon. The ancient woodlands are easy to spot but can you find Devon’s internationally important sea grass beds?