Devon Wildlife Trust facts for kids
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| Predecessor | Devon Naturalists Trust |
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Region
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Devon |
The Devon Wildlife Trust is a special group that works to protect nature in the county of Devon, England. It's part of a bigger team called The Wildlife Trusts partnership. This charity started in 1962. Its main goal is to keep the wild plants and animals of Devon safe, whether they live in cities, the countryside, or the sea.
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What the Devon Wildlife Trust Does
Devon is a beautiful place with lots of wild spaces. About 20% of the county is natural habitat. It has two national parks: Dartmoor and Exmoor. It also has a special UNESCO biosphere reserve called the North Devon Biosphere Reserve.
There are five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in Devon. These are places with amazing landscapes that are protected. They include the Blackdown Hills, East Devon, North Devon Coast, South Devon, and the Tamar Valley. Part of the famous Jurassic Coast, which is a World Heritage Site, is also in Devon.
The Devon Wildlife Trust works hard to protect these areas. They speak up about wildlife issues across Devon and the country. They also look after about 58 nature reserves. Some of these are very important places called Sites of Special Scientific Interest, like Bystock, Dawlish Warren, and Chudleigh Knighton Heath.
Who Helps the Trust?
The Trust has about 37,000 members. These members help fund the important work the Trust does. Around 300 volunteers also give their time. They help with local groups and manage the habitats on the nature reserves. Plus, there are about 100 full-time staff members who work for the Trust.
Where to Find the Trust
The main office and a visitor center are at the old Cricklepit Mill in Exeter. This building has a working flour mill from the 1800s. It shows information about the Trust's reserves and activities. Outside, there's a peaceful wildlife garden right in the middle of the city.
Another visitor center is the Wembury Marine Centre. It's located on the coast in Wembury. The Trust also manages Woodah Farm near Doddiscombsleigh. This farm is in a wildlife reserve and offers research facilities for groups.
Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves
The Devon Wildlife Trust takes care of many different nature reserves. These are special places where wildlife can thrive. Here is a list of some of the reserves they manage:
- Andrew's Wood
- Ash Moor
- Ashculm Turbary
- Barley Valley Park
- Bellever Moor and Meadows
- Blackadon
- Bovey Heathfield
- Bystock Pools
- Chudleigh Knighton Heath
- Clayhidon Turbary
- Dart Valley
- Dawlish Inner Warren
- Dunsdon
- Dunsford
- Duryard and Belvidere Valley Park
- Emsworthy Mire
- Exe Reed Beds
- Exeter Valley Parks
- Halsdon
- Halwill Junction
- Hawkwood
- Higher Kiln Quarry
- Horsey Island
- Ideford Common
- Lady's Wood
- Lickham Common
- Little Bradley Ponds
- Lower East Lounston
- Ludwell Valley Park
- Mambury Moor
- Marsland
- Meeth Quarry
- Meresfelle
- Meshaw Moor
- Mill Bottom
- Mincinglake Valley Park
- New England Wood
- Old Sludge Beds, Exe Estuary
- Rackenford and Knowstone Moors
- Riverside Valley Park
- Ruggadon Middlepark
- Scanniclift Copse
- Sourton Quarry
- South Efford Marsh
- Stapleton Mire
- Stowford Moor
- Swanpool Marsh
- Teigngrace Meadow
- The Rough
- Uppacott Wood
- Vealand Farm
- Veilstone Moore
- Venn Ottery
- Volehouse Moor
- Warleigh Point
- Whitycombe Valley Park
- Wolborough Fen
- Woodah Farm Rural Skills Centre
Campaigns for Wildlife
The Devon Wildlife Trust runs many campaigns to help nature. Devon is special because it's the only English county with two coastlines. Because of this, the Trust works with other wildlife groups to protect marine life in the oceans around Devon.
Protecting Beavers in Devon
The Trust is also in charge of watching over the only wild beaver population in the UK. These beavers have been living in the River Otter since at least 2008. In 2014, baby beavers (called kits) were found. Later, it was believed that eight beaver families were living along the river. The Trust helps make sure these amazing animals stay safe and healthy.
