Support Us: Give Back to Nature in 2023

We often forget that we rely on nature for everything we need to be healthy, happy humans. Our food, water, air, and shelter all require thriving natural ecosystems.

Meanwhile, spending time in nature enhances our physical health and mental wellbeing; and makes us kinder to other people and more considerate of the needs of other species.

So, one of the best new year’s resolutions is to spend more time in nature.

Here in Devon, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to activities we can enjoy outside in nature. Even in winter, if we dress for the weather there are copious nature connection opportunities on our doorstep…

Spotting snowdrops on woodland strolls; hunting snow on moorland hikes; blowing away cobwebs on blustery coast walks; feeling truly cold on courageous sea dips!

If you appreciate Devon’s many natural wonders, you could consider another new year’s resolution – to help look after them for future generations to enjoy.

While Devon is an exceptionally picturesque part the world, there are many environmental challenges here too.

Local issues include: reduced wildlife habitat (leading to less abundant wildlife); depleted soil, water, and air quality; droughts, flooding, and runoff; sewage pollution, chemical pollution, plastic pollution; overfishing; and of course the many impacts of climate change.

The good news is there are lots of brilliant and passionate people working hard to create positive environmental change in our county, and with our support they can do even more incredible work.

The Devon Environment Foundation specialises in channelling funds from businesses and individuals that care about nature to the most innovative and impactful environmental grassroots projects in our county.

We benefit from the wisdom of our wonderful advisory board of leading nature experts that ensure we fund the projects with the biggest potential for positive impact for nature.

We strive to raise funds and get them quickly where they are needed most, helping to kick-start or scale-up projects that will make a tangible difference to nature right here in Devon.

Since our launch in summer 2020, DEF has supported 41 grassroots projects to address the climate and nature emergencies in Devon, awarding more than £565,000 of grants.

Some examples of projects we have funded include:

  • Mycelium and Biochar
  • Moss on the Moor
  • Regenerative Agriculture Training
  • Seaweed Farming
  • Pollinator Habitat
  • Plastic Clean Up
  • Beavers and Water Voles
  • Reptiles and Amphibians
  • Wildlife Wardens
  • Marine Life Rescue
  • Native Tree Nurseries
  • Pine Marten Feasibility Study
  • And many more!

 

If you’d like to join forces with us to help even more good things happen for nature here in Devon, please get in touch or make a donation here.

You can also support us via 1% for the Planet or JustGiving.

“Without DEF’s support, encouragement, guidance, and funding we would never have been able to dream big and develop a future beacon training centre. Their funding enabled us to help grow the future of regenerative farming, forestry and food production in Devon and beyond.”
– Rachel Phillips, The Apricot Centre’s Regenerative School

“DEF is our main funder and their flexibility and interest in what we are doing has been an enormous encouragement, enabling our volunteers to deliver some wonderful projects for wildlife in Teignbridge!”
– Audrey Compton, Action on Climate in Teignbridge’s Wildlife Wardens

Ready to give back to nature? You can make a donation here.

We are incredibly grateful for your contribution to help us support vital Nature-based Solutions in Devon.