Devon Environment Foundation (DEF) is on a mission to accelerate nature restoration across Devon.
Devon’s beautiful natural landscapes are under growing pressure from farming, housing development, and sewage, plastic, and other pollution.
Grassroots nature restoration offers an inspiring, cost-effective response by: boosting biodiversity; building climate resilience (decreasing flood/drought risk); improving soil, air, and water quality; and enhancing human health and wellbeing.
We raise money from people and businesses who love Devon, directing it where it delivers the greatest benefit for local nature.
£2 m
Million awarded to nature
120
Projects supported
50
Local partners
Our mission is to support high-impact local initiatives dedicated to protecting and restoring nature in Devon.
From Devon’s moors to shores, Devon Environment Foundation enables, empowers, funds, connects, and mentors grassroots projects doing the most important work of our time.
At least 30% of Devon ‘for nature’ by 2030.
Given the scale of the climate and ecological emergency, our ambition is to expand and accelerate nature protection and restoration across Devon.
We are implementing our vision through supporting tangible grassroots projects that protect and restore nature on the ground, enabling them to scale and replicate for maximum impact.
With DEF’s support we have not only been able to significantly boost our production of Dartmoor provenance trees, almost doubling the number of trees we are growing at any one time over a little more than two years, we have also been able to be more confident about the commitments we make and the ambitions we have in terms of the speed of habitat restoration we want to drive.
DEF has been so supportive and encouraging. Always thinking of useful introductions and sharing ideas. It is a true partnership.
Helen Aldis
DEF grantee and Chief Executive Moor Trees Project
Nature restoration is the biggest source of hope in this era of climate and nature emergencies.
If we learn to share space better with nature and recognise its true value, we will be rewarded by seeing it recover and thrive.
Amanda Keetley
Executive Director of DEF
Flete Field Lab is developing novel approaches using fungi to remove pollution from water and biochar to remove carbon.
Our approach is groundbreaking, meaning we must rely on forward-thinking funders who recognise the potential of our work.
We have been fortunate to receive support from the visionary and bold Devon Environment Foundation, whose commitment to fostering innovative environmental projects has allowed us to continue our work.
Shelley castle
DEF grantee and Co Founder Flete Field Lab
I hold unwavering hope in my fellow humans that we can build a thriving and healthier planet – and I’m dedicated to that journey.
Earth Action North Devon are excited about the progress and opportunities that have been made possible by DEF’s funding.
Claire Moodie
DEF Grantee and CEO at Earth Action North Devon
Everywhere you look there are brilliant, passionate people, working to create positive environmental change. Relatively small amounts of funding, strategically directed, can supercharge this work.
Ben Goldsmith
Steering Committee member & Founder of Conservation Collective
Thank you to all our supporters, without whom our work would not be possible.
Do you want to support Devon Environment Foundation? Find out how you can support our mission to protect the wild places we know and love.
Devon Environment Foundation is a member of Conservation Collective, a global network of over 20 locally-focused environmental foundations funding effective grassroots initiatives that protect the environment, restore nature, and safeguard against climate change. The network connects members, unifying their voice, sharing knowledge, best practice and creating efficiencies. Conservation Collective’s central team unlocks capital, empowers local action, and drives measurable nature recovery.
Find out the latest news about our work and discover how local environmental action is helping to protect and restore Devon’s incredible ecosystems and biodiversity on land and at sea.
