WELCOME TO THE EAST DEVON AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY (AONB)

The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty landscape is characterised by intimate wooded combes, vast areas of heathland, river valleys and breathtaking cliffs or hilltops. It includes the East Devon section of the Jurassic Coast- England's first natural World Heritage Site.

The 49 Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty across the UK are part of the same family of protected landscapes that includes National Parks - 2009 represents the 60th anniversary of powers (1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act) used to protect Britain's finest countryside...or you could say our diamonds in the landscape!

 

This is a living, working landscape, shaped by many centuries of farming activity... ...help continue this tradition...visit one of our regular Farmers Markets throughout 2009 and buy local...go on 'eat the view'!

What's going on now....

TAKE A VIEW AWARDS: As part of the Diamonds in the Landscape celebrations, you have until 15 July to enter the ‘Take a view’ Awards by submitting your photographs of the British landscape. A competition to find the UKs Landscape Photographer of the Year 2009.

OUR SUMMER EVENTS ARE HOTTING UP: Check out the wide range of guided walks, talks and work parties on offer from our across our area. One not to be missed is the East Devon Heath Week Festival Day on Sunday 26 July 11am to 3:30pm, at Woodbury Castle, part of the Pebblebed Heaths.....and then find out more about our 240 million year old pebbles and the rest of with....

ROCK AROUND THE COAST : Take a walk through time with the Jurassic Coast Trust, every Saturday from 30 May (starting at Studland) through to 29 August (ending at Orcombe Point, Exmouth). Enjoy bite size chunks of our world class geological phenomenom- the Jurassic Coast - with local experts.

'MAKING IT LOCAL' WEBSITE: now has application details for the main funding programme. Book into our Annual Forum 2 July to find out more about this £2.4million programme and meet our new Project Development worker, Nicola Buckingham, covering the East Devon AONB area. Click here for background to this programme

HISTORIC MAPS ONLINE: Take your first clicks to becoming a landscape detective! Through Parishscapes we have now made all digitised parish tithe maps for the area available online.

 


 

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Ladram rocks walkers on hill © Ian Dagleish  
  

Check out our interactive maps for great OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES , enjoy our EVENTS or pick an ATTRACTION of your choice.

The FREE Sidmouth Hopper service has returned for summer- running from June to end Sept, connecting Sidmouth's fine esplande, shopping and heritage with the outstanding countryside at Peak Hill and Salcombe Hill- where you will also find the Norman Lockyer Observatory offering events for the International Year of Astronomy. Download the timetable with discount vouchers.

 

JUNE's WALK of the MONTH: Head for TRINITY HILL, near Axminster. Choice of either Trinity Hill Local Nature Reserve or level tracks around the Forestry Commission site. Wonderful nightjars may well be heard at dusk.

Nightjar picture credit- Andy Hay RSPBimages.com

Try out one of many local recreation groups in our recreation and walks section...many welcome new members and its a great way for visitors to discover our fabulous landscape with local experts.

 
Sidbury Village - © June Woodger  
  

The rural way of life and market towns of East Devon make this a vibrant community in which to live.

Make the most of your Village Hall facilities - visit Devon Village Halls

BRINGING THE PAST TO LIFE- PARISHSCAPES is our 3 year lottery-funded community project that can help you learn about our past and present landscape.

BE INSPIRED BY OUR LANDSCAPE AND COAST: Work with the World Heritage Site arts co-ordinator
Footpath post marker - © East Devon AONB Team  
  

Find out about our latest press releases, AONB projects, education and resources.

Our SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FUND is a small grant scheme available within the East Devon AONB. Apply now

WOODFUEL ADVICE: see the simple guide to woodfuel or see the short educational film 'Woodfuel - Energy that grows on trees'.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FUNDS: The District Council's Countryside Service is offering a new Natural Environment Awareness grant... aimed at schools and community groups.
Tractor with Plough - near Bonehayne - © Ian Dalgleish, Countryside Agency  
  

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER ASSESSMENT: Land management guidelines are now available for anyone involved in making decisions about the landscape- from planning to creating wildlife habitat.

LOOKING OUT FOR BATS is our 3 year landscape-scale bat conservation initiative.

EAST DEVON AONB ANNUAL FORUM: 2 July 7pm at Bicton College: If you are interested in finding out more about the work of the Partnership. Please complete this BOOKING FORM.

Got a small wood? Contact us if you are interested in joining other owners to explore opportunities to improve your woods- we are a self-help group looking to learn new skills, access grants and work closer with the Blackdown Hills Woodland Assoc.

Many individuals and organisations work to conserve and enhance this finest landscape through the East Devon AONB Partnership.
East Devon Publications
  

A range of publications are available from this site.

Revised and recently adopted EAST DEVON AONB MANAGEMENT STRATEGY (2009-2014) 'Making the landscape work' is now available. For the full document and supporting information follow this link to our relevant webpages.

Our ANNUAL REVIEW for 2007/08 showcases our work across our protected landscape.

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER documents now online- see District Council webpages.

LOOK AFTER YOUR LAND WITH ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP- new guide to the benefits and how to apply for this scheme, which rewards you for conserving and enhancing this special landscape. (PDF download 1.3mb)