Support the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust
Protecting Landscapes, Thriving Communities
We envision places where rare environments and wildlife can adapt in the face of a changing climate and where society’s ever-changing needs for health and learning can be fulfilled. Your support helps us steward these special places for generations to come.
Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust welcomes over one million visitors each year to share in the 1,400 hectares of spectacular lowland heaths and the Otter Estuary.
Today, the Pebblebed Heaths are amongst the most important conservation sites in Europe due to the rarity of the habitats and species that are found here. The site has received numerous accolades, including National Nature Reserve status and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) distinction.
Our mission is to conserve, protect, and improve the natural environment of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths and the Otter Estuary for the benefit of the public. We care deeply about sharing these special places our wider communities and do this by providing walking trails, car parks, and events. We maximise the wildlife value of these unique environments with careful land and species management and research.
We have not achieved this alone and we have aspirations to work with our friends and partners to do even more to protect these spaces and to share them, now and into the future.
WAYs you can help
Make a donation
Support the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust. All donations go towards protecting the unique ecosystems of the Pebblebed Heaths and the Otter Estuary and enabling visitors to access and understand these exceptional reserves.
Your gift will enhance and protect this special place and the wildlife and people that rely on it now and into the future.
If you would like to give in another way, please contact Claire Jones, Fundraising Manager at 01395 443 881 or [email protected]
Leave a gift in your will
Remembering the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust in your will is a powerful way to make a lasting difference to this wild landscape.
Your gift will help the reserve to thrive, protect the rare species who make it their home and create a space that provides for both people and wildlife into the future. If you decide to leave a gift to Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust in your will, we would love to hear from you so we may thank you and keep you updated on our activities, if you wish.
Please note that we cannot offer legal or financial advice – we strongly recommend you obtain your own independent professional advice when creating your will. If you would like to change your will and add our charity as one of your beneficiaries, ask a solicitor to help you complete a codicil and then keep it safe, along with your will.
Our formal name is: East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, Rolle Estate Office, Bicton Arena, East Budleigh, Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX9 7BL. Registered charity number: 1109514.
Donate in memory of a loved one
Local families spend countless hours every year exploring the Pebblebed Heaths and enjoying the Otter Estuary.
We are often asked about donations in memory of beloved family members for whom spending time on the reserves was an important part of their lives
Please speak to us if you would like to make a gift in memory of a loved one or donate a funeral collection towards our work. You can reach Claire Jones, our Fundraising Manager, at [email protected] or 01395 443 881.
Fundraise
Whether you’re running a marathon, taking part in a non-uniform day at school, running a pub quiz, walking the Southwest Coast Path, or some other creative activity, there are many ways you can fundraise for the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust!
Set up your personal fundraising page using JustGiving or call us and we can help. Call Claire Jones at 01395 443881 or email [email protected].
If you would like to run an activity on the Heaths and fundraise or partner with us, we run a licence scheme to help ensure events don’t damage vulnerable areas or, for example, disturb birds during nesting season.
You can find out more and apply for a licence here: https://www.pebblebedheaths.org.uk/your-visit/
We have a policy for all organised events that 10% of net income is donated to the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust to support conservation and access work. This ensures that the heaths are available for all to enjoy.
Major Gifts, Trusts and Foundations
We rely on the generosity of our donors to deliver our ambitious programme of work, enabling us to respond to the increasing national and European recognition that lowland heathlands are a habitat rich in wildlife, are highly threatened, and require professional management to maximise their wildlife value, whilst carefully promoting these spaces for the benefit of the public.
Today, the Pebblebed Heaths have gained National Nature Reserve status and are amongst the most important conservation sites in Europe due to the rarity of the habitats and species that are found here. The Otter Estuary is designated a site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of the fine saltmarsh habitat it supports and the adjacent Triassic sandstone rocks of considerable paleontological interest.
The estuary supports high numbers of breeding and overwintering bird species. Over 120 species of bird have been recorded on the site, including a number of particular conservation interest, such as whimbrel and black-tailed godwit. The Pebblebed Heaths offer a haven for wildlife, supporting over 3,000 species, including many which are rare or threatened such as the nightjar, Dartford Warbler and Southern Damselfly.
Alongside our work to protect the landscape we care deeply about sharing it with others. We engage communities with conservation events and training opportunities and enable over a million visitors each year to access and enjoy the site and the nature it supports.
It is only with generous support from our donors that we can continue our work and achieve our ambitions for the future. Major gifts and partnerships with like-minded donors and funders are critical to achieve our ambitions for the future. We appreciate your interest in our work. Please contact us to discuss your philanthropic priorities: Claire Jones, Fundraising Manager, [email protected], 01395 443 881.
Corporate partnerships
The Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve attracts over one million visitors every year, contributing to Devon’s tourism income and to the local economy. We face significant challenges with the increased usage of our sites and manage the fine balance between protecting the reserve for nature and enabling access for people. Climate change, coastal erosion and significant changes to landscape funding since leaving the EU further contribute to the challenges we face.
Support from our business community is critical. For businesses who value the reserve or whose customers, clients or staff visit for recreation purposes, the condition of the Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve and its accessibility is critical. Local hotels, B&Bs, shops, restaurants, pubs, activity providers and tourist attractions can support the reserve and help us to look after this iconic part of East Devon.
Partnerships with like-minded businesses, donors and funders are critical to achieve our ambitions for the future. We deeply appreciate your interest in our work.
Please contact Claire Jones to discuss ways you can support your local reserve: [email protected] of 01395 443 881.
Photo credits: Bob Tapp / Brian Westaway / Ed Dolphin / Kate Tobin