Why has South East Devon Wildlife been set up?
There is proof that a growing population would have an impact on protected wildlife on the three sites. This proof and the extensive research, which underpins our work, can be found in the South East Devon European Site Mitigation Strategy and the Pebblebed Heaths Visitor Management Plan.
Working with partners including Natural England, the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, RSPB, Devon Wildlife Trust and the Exe Estuary Management Partnership, Footprint Ecology and the three Councils established a plan to prevent these impacts. The South East Devon European Site Mitigation Strategy was completed in June 2014 and identified 60 different measures to run over a period of 80 years. The Pebblebed Heaths Visitor Management Plan was completed in 2017 and provides a range of additional measures.
Where does it work?
We work with our partners across internationally important wildlife sites in South East Devon : the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths (known locally as Woodbury Common), the Exe Estuary and Dawlish Warren.
What about the rest of Devon?
The South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee is a partnership of Exeter City, East Devon and Teignbridge District Councils. The Committee is legally required to make decisions and recommendations across the three authority areas to protect three internationally important conservation sites.
Comprehensive study and research has identified that, without mitigation, these sites might be affected as a result of a growing local population. This is because new residents are very likely to want to visit and make use of the protected sites for recreation in the same way that existing residents do.
Where other protected sites exist in Devon and are potentially affected in the same way, these are cared for by the appropriate Local Authority and their respective partners.
How is South East Devon Wildlife funded?
It is funded by developers under the Habitat's Regulations Legislation 2017. There are plans for 30,000 new homes by 2031 within 10km radius of our 3 key protected sites. For each new dwelling in this area, the developer must contribute towards mitigating against potential impact caused by the increasing population and recreational use of the sites.
How can I get involved?
We are always looking for volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please fill in our Volunteer Contact Form.
If you have any other questions about our work, or would like to simply get in touch Contact Us by email.
Are there any dog friendly locations?
Yes! Our aim is not to stop people visiting these special places with their canine companions but to help everyone to understand how to visit in a way which has least impact.
If you would like to visit our sites please make sure to take a look at these: Pebblebed Heaths Dog code, Exe Estuary Dog Walking Code, Dawlish Warren Code.
We are working on creating many new dog-friendly parks in the area - these can be found here on our website. Plus, if you are looking for walks with a wildlife interest too here is a list recommended by our team (accessibility for dog walkers is noted for each walk).
If you own a dog, please make sure to follow the Four Paws Code. We would highly recommend checking out Devon Loves Dogs, a free dog membership scheme, offering dog walks and guidance for dog owners on their website.
Who do I contact if I see disturbance?
In an emergency, e.g. if you see fire on a nature reserve or are witnessing wildlife crime, call 999. In non-emergency situations, call 101.
If you see wildlife disturbance around the Exe Estuary use this Disturbance Reporting Form.
If disturbance is seen on another of our sites, or in addition to the form above, contact us.
Many species are legally protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (as amended. If you suspect wildlife crime in Devon or Cornwall, contact [email protected], supplying photos/ videos if possible.
Do you run talks/ attend events?
Yes! Our team attend various events throughout the year, from festivals to school summer camps. If you would like us to attend your event or run a talk for your community group do get in touch.
Why is dog fouling a problem?
Clearing up after your dog helps to prevent the spread of diseases that can affect dogs, people and grazing animals. It also keeps the site clean for other visitors.
Dog poo left on habitats is like adding fertiliser to your garden, allowing more competitive plants to flourish and preventing essential rare plants from growing. If these rare plants disappear, the animals and birds that rely on them will disappear too. Poo from grazing animals doesn’t have the same effect, these animals are recycling existing nutrients, not bringing in new ones.
NEVER leave bagged poo to collect later, bags are harmful to other dogs, livestock and wildlife and gives dog owners a bad name. Remember any public litter bin can be used for bagged dog waste.
Can I view the notes from the Habitats Regulations Committee?
Yes, all South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee notes are open-source and can be found on the East Devon District Council's Website.