North Devon UNESCO Biosphere

Imagine a place where rolling hills meet crashing waves, where rare creatures roam, and where people and nature work together to create something amazing. That’s the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere - a special area that’s been recognised by the United Nations since 1976 for its incredible landscapes, wildlife, and way of life. It was actually the first of its kind in the UK!

At the heart of the Biosphere is Braunton Burrows, a massive dune system (think giant sand hills!) filled with secret paths, rare plants, and even hidden World War II history. But the Biosphere doesn’t stop there – it stretches across Exmoor’s wild moorlands, ancient woodlands, winding rivers, and deep into the Atlantic Ocean.
But what makes this Biosphere truly special? It’s all about living in harmony with nature. The people here work on exciting projects to protect the environment while making sure local communities thrive. That includes eco-friendly farming, ocean conservation, and even high-tech ideas to fight climate change. Plus, there are loads of ways to explore – surf epic waves, kayak down rivers, hike breathtaking trails, or spot rare wildlife.

So, whether you’re into nature, history, science, or just adventure, the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere is a place where the wild meets the wonderful – and you can be a part of it!

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Rare and Globally Important Species

North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere isn’t just a beautiful place - it’s part of a worldwide effort to protect biodiversity and fight climate change. Many species here are threatened globally, and North Devon plays a key role in their survival. Conservation projects, marine protection, and sustainable land management help ensure these creatures have a future. North Devon is a small but mighty part of the planet’s effort to protect nature!

Land & Freshwater Wildlife

• Marsh Fritillary Butterfly – One of Europe’s most endangered butterflies, found in North Devon’s damp grasslands. Conservation efforts here help
  protect its habitat.
• Otters – The rivers Taw and Torridge are a stronghold for otters, which are making a comeback after years of decline due to pollution.
• Ancient Woodland Species – North Devon’s old forests, like those in Exmoor, are home to rare lichens, fungi, and mosses, some of which are found
  ​nowhere else in the world!
• Curlew & Other Wading Birds – These birds migrate to North Devon’s estuaries from as far as the Arctic, making the area a key stopover site for
  global bird populations.

Marine Life (Ocean & Coastline)

• Basking Sharks – These gentle giants, the world’s second-largest shark species, feed on plankton off North Devon’s coast.
• Harbour Porpoises & Dolphins – The biosphere’s waters are full of marine mammals, including common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins,
  and even occasional whales.
• Lundy Island’s Marine Life – Lundy was home to the UK’s first Marine Conservation Zone and has a thriving population of rare corals,
  spiny lobsters, and grey seals.
• Seagrass Meadows & Kelp Forests – These underwater habitats are vital for fighting climate change, as they absorb carbon faster than rainforests!
  They also provide homes for seahorses and fish.

Benefits for North Devon

The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere isn’t just great for nature – it also brings huge benefits to local people and communities. From boosting the economy to protecting the environment and creating new opportunities, here’s why having a Biosphere is a big deal for North Devon.

Boosting the Local Economy

• Eco-Tourism & Green Business – The Biosphere attracts visitors who love nature, adventure, and sustainable travel, supporting local businesses, hotels, cafes, and outdoor activity providers.
• Sustainable Farming & Fishing – Farmers and fishers benefit from biosphere-led projects that promote eco-friendly practices and ensure resources like soil, water, and fish stocks are protected for the future.
• Funding & Investment – Being part of a UNESCO Biosphere makes North Devon eligible for grants and funding to support conservation, community projects, and local businesses.

Protecting Nature & Fighting Climate Change

• Better Flood Protection – The Biosphere works on projects like river restoration and wetland conservation, which help prevent flooding and protect homes and farms.
• Healthier Soils & Cleaner Water – Sustainable land management helps keep rivers, farmland, and drinking water clean, benefiting wildlife and local communities.
• Climate Resilience – Protecting seagrass meadows, woodlands, and peatlands helps absorb carbon, making North Devon more resilient to climate change.

Opportunities for Education & Innovation

• Schools & Youth Programs – The biosphere helps young people learn about nature, science, and sustainability through school projects, outdoor learning, and community activities.
• Local Innovation – Scientists and businesses work on cutting-edge environmental research, testing new ways to live sustainably while protecting nature.
• Training & Green Jobs – More opportunities are available in conservation, eco-tourism, and renewable energy, helping young people find careers in North Devon.

Opportunities for Education & Innovation

• Health & Wellbeing – Easy access to beautiful landscapes, walking trails, and clean beaches helps improve mental and physical health.
• Community Pride & Identity – Being part of a world-recognized Biosphere makes North Devon a special place to live, work, and visit.
• Stronger Communities – The Biosphere brings together farmers, businesses, conservationists, and local residents to shape the future of the region together.

North Devon: A Model for the World

• The Biosphere proves that people and nature can thrive together. By protecting the environment and supporting local communities, North Devon is setting an example for the rest of the world on how to build a sustainable future!

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Values

We Champion Life

 We create the conditions for people and nature to ​thrive together.
We believe that people’s wellbeing and the health and diversity of nature are inextricably linked. People are a part of their environments which have in turn been shaped by local cultures. So we find ways to celebrate and advance culture, nature and economy together

We Empower People

We are a movement of people building a future that
​we can trust.
We know that people are most powerful when they are informed, inspired, and have the tools to make change happen. The only way to build a future that is self-sufficient, secure and happy is to help people believe it is possible, and help them to make it happen.

We Model Solutions

We explore new ways of living everyday that solve
​global challenges.
Our solutions are built on a strong scientific foundation and understanding of local cultures, traditions and ecology, which we translate it into actions everyday. This allows us to make the most of local expertise, and live in a way that tackles global challenges. By doing this, we model the future we want to see. 

We Belong together

Our success depends on the strength of the relationships we create.
It’s these powerful connections that mean we can achieve outcomes together that we could not achieve alone and be part of something bigger. Connecting people across disciplines, cultures and borders. Reconnecting people to each other, and to nature. Connecting the values and heritage from our past with hopes we have for our future. 

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