The Torridge district is reknowned for its rich and varied countryside. It is situated within the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere reserve, which is recognised internationally as an important environment for wildlife and people. Many coastal areas are part of the North Devon Coast National Landscape designation, and there are also a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest, County Wildlife Sites and Marine Protection Zones. Despite the status of the local area, biodiversity is under threat in Torridge from the same pressures that have affected the environment across the United Kingdom. The 2023 State of Nature report described the UK as one of the most nature depleted countries in the world and urgent action is required to reverse the decline in biodiversity.

The Environment Act 2021 introduced a 'strengthened' biodiversity duty on local authorities, and Torridge District Council have also made a commitment to help deliver North Devon Biosphere's ambitious Nature Recovery Plan. This document outlines steps to protect and enhance biodiversity across the local area and the Council have adopted its aims and objectives as part of its own Nature Recovery policy. The North Devon Biosphere's Nature Recovery Plan is available here: https://www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk/nature-recovery-plan.html

To protect and enhance biodiversity across the district Torridge District Council aims to: 

1) Deliver nature recovery through the planning process, by ensuring mandatory requirements are met and developing policy that enhances local biodiversity.

2) Improve management of Council owned green space to benefit local wildlife.

3) Engage with the community to raise awareness of the environment, improve connection with nature and promote nature recovery activities in gardens and green space outside Council management.

If you are interested in getting involved in nature recovery projects or want to find out how you can make improvements for wildlife, why not check out the events available with Council's Ranger team? Information on upcoming events available here: Guided Walks & Events Autumn 2024

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