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Our purpose

Four-spotted chaser. Photo, Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

A county rich in wildlife

About 20% of the Devon's land is covered in high quality wildlife habitat

Highly distinctive 

It has two national parks, five Areas of Outstanding natural Beauty, one of only three UNESCO biosphere reserves centring on Braunton Burrows and a significant part of England’s only natural World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast.

It has two highly distinctive coastlines and boasts some of the most important marine wildlife in northwest Europe.

Bug hunting in Mincinglake Valley Park with Devon Wildlife Trust

Our history

Devon Wildlife Trust was established in 1962. This was in response to a national movement concerned with the ever growing threat to our native wildlife and the continual erosion of wildlife rich space in the wake of intensive agriculture, pollution and built development.

DWT is part of The Wildlife Trusts, a federation of 46 county and country-based charities, supported by the Royal Society for Wildlife Trusts.

Our purpose can be summarised by the four statements below

  • Create safe havens in which wildlife can thrive and from which it can spread
  • Stand up for wildlife under threat and bring back wildlife that's been lost
  • Inspire love and care for the natural environment, and enable more people to experience, enjoy and understand it
  • Enrich and enhance our knowledge of wildlife, natural systems and the fundamental benefits it brings to society

 

Help us fulfil our purpose