​A shared direction for the next 10 years

The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Strategy 2026–2036 is now fully agreed and ready.

This new 10‑year Strategy sets out how people, communities, organisations and businesses will work together to create a thriving future for nature and people across northern Devon.

It builds on over 20 years of partnership work, setting a clear direction for the decade ahead — grounded in place, shaped by local knowledge, and connected to a global network of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves.

👉 Download the Strategy here
👉 Listen to North Devon Biosphere Foundation CEO talk about the Strategy and the consultation here.

Scroll down to view the key targets of the Strategy and to read the full text.

Read our previous strategies here:

• 2014-2024
• 2008-2012
  

​Why a Biosphere Strategy matters

​Built together

The North Devon Biosphere is a place where:

• uplands, rivers, coast and sea are connected
• people live and work within the landscape
• nature and communities depend on each other

This Strategy brings those connections into focus. It is a shared direction for action, guiding how we:

• restore nature
• respond to climate change
• support communities and local economies
• deepen learning and understanding

This Strategy has been shaped by:

• local communities
• partner organisations
• businesses and land managers
• young people and community groups

It reflects a shared understanding that long‑term change happens through collaboration, trust and practical action in place.

What we are working towards

Helping our nature thrive

1. 50% of land managed in nature friendly way & 30% covered in healthy semi-natural habitats
2. 50% of river waterbodies at ‘good’ ecological status & none at ‘poor’
3. Woodland cover increased to 17%
4. 10,000 hectares of marine priority habitats in recovery
5. 10 previously threatened locally important species with sustainable populations

Unlocking the local value of our nature

10. £1 million per year in local revenue from nature positive activities driven by the Biosphere
11. 20% increase in time spent in nature by residents & track health impacts
12. More than 90% of visitors cite nature as key reason for visiting
13. Consumption of locally grown food increased by 20%
14. Awareness of the Biosphere & its mission increased to >80% in visitors & residents

Living in balance with our nature

6. Biosphere can account for & is reducing net carbon footprint to 40% of 2010 levels
7. Impact of extreme climate change events reduced by 10%
8. No. of cultural events (& participation) on nature increased by 50%
9. 10,000 people per year engaging in nature positive activities

Learning from nature

15. Biosphere Science Centre established & attracting > 50,000 visitors per year
16. Environmental intelligence system built & used by > 10,000 people
17. Systematic monitoring & reporting of 30 public chosen species
18. Biosphere established as living lab for nature; at least 20 projects of national significance
19. Working with > 50 education providers or community groups on nature or climate education

​What happens next

​Be part of it

With the Strategy now live, the focus shifts to delivery and participation.

Across the coming months and years:

• partners will continue to deliver against shared priorities
• new projects and opportunities will emerge
• more people will be invited to get involved

The future of the Biosphere depends on many small actions, connected together.

​Whether you are:

• a resident
• a land manager
• part of a community group
• a business or organisation

there are many ways to take part.
👉 Download the full Strategy
👉 Explore current projects and opportunities

 

Your browser does not support viewing this document. Click here to download the document.