Objective: To support more people to learn about, understand and take action to conserve the AONB

The resident community of North Devon and Torridge is very diverse ranging from very affluent areas to some of the most deprived rural communities in Devon. This diversity is also visible in the visitor population reflecting historical tourism flows, a wide range of visitor accommodation types and changing activity trends among visitors and service providers. North Devon’s coast provides both high end and budget opportunities for those wishing to enjoy the AONB. This presents a challenge to the AONB Partnership to provide appropriate messages and use a range of communication methods to reach as wide an audience as possible.

Community action in support of the AONB is directly demonstrated in the ten ‘community representative’ places on the AONB Partnership, the public survey and consultation activities held by members and the opportunities presented by the Sustainable Development Fund small grants. Action, enjoyment and understanding of the AONB encompasses every element of its natural beauty as well as the opportunities linked to sport, recreation, learning, volunteering and employment.

Policies

• Raise awareness and understanding of the AONB, its special qualities, natural and cultural heritage
• Develop opportunities for people to volunteer and gain appropriate skills and knowledge to deliver AONB policies
• Support the provision of community facilities and services to improve the quality of life and sustainability of rural and coastal communities
• Support communities and businesses to reduce carbon emissions from the designated AONB so long as they are complementary to the special qualities of the AONB

The Devon Local Nature Partnership has set up a community group, Wild About Devon, to help guide and inspire community action for wildlife and address the climate and ecological emergencies! If you are part of a community group you can add yourselves to their community action map and ask to join the Wild About Devon Facebook group set up as a discussion forum for community groups taking real action for wildlife