Devon Wildlife Trust - Working Wetlands

The lungs of the countryside

Devon Wildlife Trust was established as a charity in 1962 and is part of the national network that cares for over 2,000 nature reserves.  The Devon Wildlife Trust looks after 40 nature reserves, 27 of which are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest because of their high nature conservation value.  It also manages a range of projects, working with landowners to secure a sustainable future for threatened habitats.

The Culm grasslands are a unique habitat found only in Northern Devon and Northeast Cornwall.  The area’s high annual rainfall, mild climate and poorly-draining acidic soils have combined with the underlying geology and traditional farming systems to create a habitat that is now under threat.  The Trust is now aiming to restore, recreate and reconnect large areas of this rare habitat. 92% has been lost since the beginning of the 20th Century, mainly through agricultural improvement.

Culm is a local name, given to rocks that lie beneath the soil in a very large part of Devon. From the River Exe valley, the Culm Measures extend westward, between the massive, hard granite outcrop of Dartmoor and the softer red sandstone of Exmoor, right through to the Atlantic coast.
There is a wealth of plants and invertebrates that have adapted to living in these conditions.  These plants and animals together attract yet other animals as well a wide variety of birdlife to the grasslands.

Devon’s beautiful coast, countryside and diverse wildlife face many challenges in the 21st Century.  Tourism is a doubled edged sword in this respect as the millions of visitors that come to enjoy the county’s natural beauty can also be one of its greatest threats. By working together and supporting careful management, tourism businesses can take steps to ensuring that their contribution is a positive one.

Give your customers the opportunity to support the Devon Wildlife Trust’s work in the Culm grasslands and you will be engaging them in the protection of a threatened habitat and a sustainable way of life for one of the county’s traditional landscapes.

Visitors may also welcome the opportunity to join as members of the Devon Wildlife Trust – maintaining that special bond throughout the years to come.

www.devonwildlifetrust.org
01392 279244