Friends hard at work on Pebblebed Heaths

The East Devon Pebblebed Heaths are amongst the most highly regarded conservation sites in Europe.

Known to some as Woodbury Common, this wildlife haven also encompasses common land associated with other historical parishes including Dalditch, Withycombe, Lympstone, Bicton, East Budleigh, Colaton Raleigh, Hawkerland, Aylesbeare and Harpford.

The East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust was established by Clinton Devon Estates in 2006 in response to increasing national and international recognition that lowland heaths are a habitat rich in wildlife and need professional management.

Although the heaths may appear rough and wild, it takes the hard work of a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to protect the delicate home of a host of wildlife, much of which is very rare.

The UK supports 58,000 hectares of lowland heath, around a quarter of which is in the South West.

The Pebblebed Heaths cover 1,400 hectares of the 4,000 hectares in Devon, making it the single biggest expanse of lowland heath in the county. Supported by Clinton Devon Estates, who own the heathland, you will regularly find groups of volunteers and workers up on the commons ensuring that they are maintained. This is not only to protect the diverse wildlife, but also to maximise public enjoyment and appreciation of this valuable landscape.

Countryside Learning Officer, Kate Ponting, along with members of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust and Clinton Devon Estates teams, organise a Friends of the Commons programme, keeping local people notified about conservation work and inviting them to volunteer up on the heaths. By joining the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust team, volunteers can help to protect, maintain and support the lands they love so much.

Kate said: “Thousands of people visit the heath on a daily and weekly basis, so the public really are the eyes and ears of the Trust. They help us respond to any issues that might occur and are an invaluable resource in making sure our heathlands are kept as perfect as they can be.

“Our volunteers meet for half a day twice a month and are welcome to contribute as much time as they can offer. Most of the work that we do involves habitat management and ensuring pathways are accessible, but there can be a number of other projects that need help. No experience is needed, all we ask is that people bring their enthusiasm and a willingness to help out.

“The aim of the Conservation Trust is to work with the local community to broaden the understanding of how and why the countryside is managed. We are so grateful to our Friends of the Commons volunteers as they assist us greatly, as well as being hugely passionate advocates of the site – but we’re always looking to welcome more willing volunteers to our team. It’s great to see everyone get behind and help to manage the beautiful countryside that we have here in East Devon.”

The Pebblebed Heaths are home to a wealth of wildlife, including many rare or threatened species. Over 3,000 species have been recorded from the site, many of which are rare and of significant conservation importance and protected under national and European legislation.

It is because of this diverse wildlife that that protection of the heathland is vital. Friend of the Commons volunteer John Berry said: “I love the heathland and was intrigued to know what really goes on up here. Volunteering has helped me to learn a lot more about it all and I enjoy keeping in touch with nature, particularly the butterflies, insects and birds.

“When people come here, they don’t often think about how the land is maintained and what goes on to do so. This is a great opportunity to help keep the heathland as the heathland that we love.”

With such a wide variety of flora and fauna, the Pebblebed Heaths rely on a team of full-time wardens alongside the support of volunteers to protect the threatened eco-system and ensure all wildlife flourishes. This work will also ensure that the heathland is managed not just for nature, but also for local people to visit and enjoy.

To become a Friend of the Commons or to find out more about the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths visit www.pebblebedheaths.co.uk or call 01395 44881.