Our vision for Devon

Pine marten on tree stump

Mark Hamblin/2020VISION

Our vision

A world where nature and people thrive together

Over the next ten years, Devon Wildlife Trust wants to double the area of land and sea that is rich in nature. We want all Devon’s soils, rivers, farmland and urban areas to be managed sustainably, so the air we breathe, the water we drink and the fields and streets we walk through make us healthier and happier. We want to bring back wildlife that has been lost and that can help us create a rich natural environment that is helping our fight against climate change. We want at least a quarter of the population to be making nature, and action for nature, part of their daily lives.

Orange-tip Butterfly

©Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

Wildlife is in recovery on at least a third of Devon's landscape

We want more, bigger, better protected and better connected nature rich areas where natural processes thrive on a grand scale, insects are in abundance and formerly native species flourish once again.

To restore wildlife on a grand scale, we need to re-naturalise large areas, creating landscapes where natural processes can operate with minimal human intervention. A rewilded zone of 10,000ha is just one of our ambitions.

Dolphin leaping

Photo: Duncan Jones

Marine wildlife is in recovery in at least a third of Devon's seas

We want to create a marine network of pollution-free, protected areas where dolphins and whales move freely. We want a coastline that is more resilient to climate change impacts.

One of our priority actions is to establish 10% of our seas as protected areas for wildlife.

Otter on riverbank

 ‘Nature Based Solutions’ are enhancing the role nature can play in the fight against climate

We want our soils to be healthy, our rivers to be clean and our air free of toxic chemicals. Every hectare of Devon’s landscape should be playing its part in storing carbon.

Working with farmers, partners, businesses and communities, we will deliver a range of initiatives to restore Devon’s rivers. Bringing back beavers is just one way that we are transforming Devon’s wetlands.

give a dam banner

Climate march Nottingham - Leanne Manchester

One quarter of Devon’s population is actively engaged in wildlife

We believe that nature is for everyone and that everyone has a role to play in its recovery. We want to enable individuals and communities of all backgrounds and abilities to connect with nature, and to take action for wildlife where they live, learn and work.

One priority action is to establish a network of wildlife champions across Devon, because we cannot do it alone.

Be part of our vision for a wilder Devon

Our vision for a wilder Devon is ambitious and we cannot achieve it alone. We need the help of our members, volunteers, partners, funders…our community of supporters and everyone who cares about wildlife.

Take a look at our 10 year plan

Become a member and support our work

The vital work we do for nature depends on the support of people who care about the future of Devon’s wildlife and wild places.

Become a member