The Northern Devon Natural Solutions project by Devon Wildlife Trust is a comprehensive initiative aimed at addressing climate and ecological challenges through collaboration with farmers and landowners. The project focuses on several key areas to enhance the natural environment and support biodiversity.

One of the primary goals is to restore rivers to their natural state, which helps reduce flood risk and improve water quality. This is crucial for the recovery of fish populations, including salmon, trout, and eels, which have been impacted by pollution in rivers and streams. Additionally, the project aims to revive wildflower-rich grasslands, which are essential for supporting butterflies and other wildlife. These grasslands have seen significant declines due to pressures on farmland.

Creating new woodlands and encouraging natural processes, such as ‘wilding’ areas of land, are also important aspects of the initiative. These efforts help increase biodiversity, reduce flooding, and capture carbon, contributing to the fight against climate change. The project covers over 1,000 hectares across 360 landholdings in the Torridge and Taw catchments, providing tailored advice and support to landowners.

The project offers practical support for landowners, including environmentally sensitive land management advice, assistance with environmental schemes, and funding for interventions that benefit wildlife. Some of the specific interventions include species-rich grassland creation, pond and wildlife scrape creation, leaky dam installation, riverbank protection, and restoring river connectivity. These efforts aim to create, restore, and connect wild spaces for nature, ultimately benefiting both the environment and local communities.

For more information visit the Devon Wildlife Trust website.