The Event
On the 6th July 2019 we held our first Community Action for Wildlife conference facilitating others to help shape natures recovery across the county. This came about because 2019 was the UK’s Year of Green Action, intending to connect people with nature and get us all taking much needed positive action for our environment. To help inspire and enthuse action our conference in July 2019 focused on how community groups can help with nature’s recovery across Devon. The day included a mixture of talks, workshops/ discussion groups, site visits and id training based in and around the centre of beautiful Chagford.
We had 120 people in attendance with representatives from 31 parishes (including lots of Councillors) / community groups from across Devon – from Braunton to Kingswear to Axminster (and more on the reserve list), great speakers and workshop leads, delicious locally-sourced vegan lunch and glorious weather. 81% of the 63 who submitted feedback were ‘very satisfied’ with all aspects (experience, organisation, presentations, food, venue) and 90.5% were very satisfied with the organisation.
“I’m going home feeling really inspired, informed and impressed”
“Sparkling combination of topics, speakers, all joining up wonderfully”
“Good diversity in the talks, great location and access to outdoor learning”
“What a fabulous day, all aspects have been outstanding, particularly the organisation and food”
“I have found today very useful with lots of take away for my local parish”
Thanks to all those involved and to South West Water for sponsoring the event.
Watch back the Presentations:
What’s Special about Devon – Sarah Jennings
Bat Friendly Communities – Cath Valentine and Ruth Testa 
Living Churchyards – David Curry
The Beauty of Butterflies – Simon Phelps
Community Woodlands – Ross Kennerley and Nigel Mortimer
Saving our Seas – Tracey Hamston, Clare Rugg, Warwick Saunders and Georgie Bull
Presentations from Workshops:
Naturally Healthy – Kirstie Pritchard
Surveying Hedges – Megan Gimber