Penny Dixie
Community Events
Get involved and join a local community event near you...
Coastwise Programme of events and talks (March-June 2025)
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.
Community events at Bowden Pillars, near Totnes
Bowden Pillars Future is a regenerative project being created on 123 acres just outside Totnes, Devon, UK. Working with nature, they will create a new community woodland, a regenerative farm, sequestering carbon and rebuilding natural systems, and a regenerative village that supports true low carbon lives. Bowden Pillars Future runs a range of community events throughout the year.
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.
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.
Dawn Chorus at Shillingford Wood, Sunday 4th May, 4.30am (yes, AM)
Come along and listen to the world of birds waking up as the sun rises. David Price, an expert on bird calls, will explain their meaning and give some hints on how to identify them. If you are a wildlife fan this is an experience not to be missed – even if it is in the middle of the night!
Meet at Shillingford St George Parish Church Car Park (Thanks to the PCC for use of the church car park). The event to be followed by coffee and a bacon sandwich and a chat about what we have seen and heard. Booking Essential - Tickets are £3 each to cover expenses. Booking and further information from Ian on 01392 833183 or ian.merrett@btinternet.com
Avon Valley Drop-ins, 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!
Strengthening Global Democracy through Local Assemblies, Tuesday 20 May, Online
This interactive webinar will explore how community assemblies can strengthen local democracy and amplify voices across the UK and beyond.
Meadows Day, 26 May, Fursdon
Join Meadows Day on Bank Holiday Monday - with an invitation to stroll through the Meadow Garden on an extended walk through the old hay meadows. These are actively managed (with advice from Devon Wildlife Trust) to promote their conservation and are included in areas on the estate that have received County Wildlife Designation.
Networking Walk & Picnic for Community-Led Nature Projects, Wednesday 28 May, East Prawle
Join Sustainable South Hams for a wonderful networking walk and picnic with Rob Skinner from the South Devon National Landscapes Life on the Edge Project. Rob will start the session talking about the Life on the Edge project, how community groups can connect with the project, particularly the grant scheme, and how work happening in communities connects to the wider landscape.
"A Pesticide-Free Devon" Conference and Gathering, Saturday 7 June, Newton Abbot
An inspiring day of learning, sharing, organising and celebrating the achievements that communities have already made on their 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.
Moth and muffin mornings, various dates, Seaton Wetlands
Join us and our moth experts from Axe Vale and District Conservation Society down at Seaton Wetlands for a morning of moth ID and breakfast muffins.
The Meadow-Makers’ Conference 2025, Saturday 12 July, Chagford
The Meadow Makers’ Conference is a celebration of 10 years of Moor Meadows and brings together landowners, farmers and gardeners for a day of expert talks, inspiring ideas, and practical advice - all within the wider context of nature recovery.
Whether you're already managing a meadow or are looking to turn a field into species-rich grassland, or want to make your garden more wildlife friendly, this event is for you. The day explores how to increase biodiversity in meadows and also how to introduce other important habitats - such as wood pasture, ponds and scrub - as part of a wider approach to land restoration.
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.
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
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.
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.