Future of East Devon nature reserve secured

Bystock Pools, one of Devon’s most loved wildlife sites, has been secured for the future by Devon Wildlife Trust.

The popular East Devon nature reserve has been saved thanks to a record-breaking fundraising appeal. Generous donations were received from local residents, Devon Wildlife Trust members, the nature reserve’s own team of DWT volunteers and people from far and wide who love Bystock Pools.

The well-visited wildlife haven and beauty spot, between Exmouth and East Budleigh, was put up for sale by the landowner in spring 2015, having been leased to Devon Wildlife Trust as a nature reserve since the 1970s.

When landowner South West Water decided to sell, a kind contribution from a local benefactor enabled DWT to pay a deposit on the land. The company then gave DWT 12 months to raise the funds required to buy the site. That gave DWT until March 2016 to prevent Bystock being sold on the open market, with the potential loss of public access and wildlife habitat.

The Exeter-based conservation charity launched an appeal in June 2015 which, thanks to the generosity of supporters, raised a fantastic £83,000, the most successful appeal in the charity’s history.

Further contributions were received from The Banister Charitable Trust, The Norman Family Charitable Trust and from Devon County Council’s Locality Budget Fund, thanks to the support of Councillor Eileen Wragg, along with further large gifts from local benefactors.

Together, this means that DWT now has all the funds needed to purchase the site.

Liz Hamling, a member of the Exmouth & Bystock DWT Local Group of volunteers who help look after the reserve, expressed the volunteer group’s delight. “We've done it!” she said. “Bystock nature reserve is safe in the hands of Devon Wildlife Trust - for everyone to enjoy.”

DWT Nature Reserves Officer Edric Hopkinson commented: “Had Bystock been sold on the open market, who knows what would have happened to the heathland, ponds and meadows? DWT is grateful to South West Water, for giving us a year to raise the full purchase costs. Securing the future of the site is great news for everyone who loves this place – but it’s even better news for the wild creatures that call Bystock home”.

Bystock has 67 acres of flower-filled meadows, mature woodland, colourful heathland and tranquil ponds. The nature reserve is home to a dazzling variety of butterflies including rare species such as silver-studded blue. Ponds provide a home for flourishing populations of dragonflies and damselflies. Bystock is a haven for bats, dormice and heathland birds such as nightjar. It’s also one of the best places in Devon to spot the magical illuminations of glow worms.

DWT Chief Executive Harry Barton said: “Bystock is one of the most beautiful places in Devon, and one of the richest havens for wildlife you could hope to see anywhere. I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who has contributed to this appeal and helped make the site safe. This is a great day for everyone who values our stunning natural environment.”

Devon County Councillor for Exmouth and Littleham, Eileen Wragg, who approved a £2000 grant towards the purchase from DCC’s Locality Budget Fund, said: “It has been recognised by Natural England that there is a lack of open space in and around Exmouth, so to have been able to acquire the Bystock Nature Reserve will be a gem in the crown for conservation for the town and its environs. Thanks must go to all those who have given so much work and commitment in securing this land for generations to enjoy in the years to come.”

As part of the annual East Devon Heath Week, every July hundreds of people attend a family-friendly Discovery Day event at Bystock. This year’s event, on Tues 26 July, promises to be an especially joyous celebration of the wildlife and peaceful beauty of a special corner of East Devon nature heaven.