08 Oct 2026
Rare Brown Hairstreak found at Seaton Wetlands

East Devon District Council has adopted a new Local Nature Recovery Plan, providing a clear framework to guide nature restoration, target investment and deliver biodiversity improvements across the district.

The plan translates the wider priorities of the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy into practical, place-based action for East Devon, helping ensure that local projects, land management decisions and Biodiversity Net Gain delivery contribute directly to county-wide nature recovery goals prioritised by habitats of importance to East Devon.

Developed by East Devon District Council as a Supporting Authority to the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy process, the plan identifies priority habitats, nature recovery networks and evidence-based opportunity areas where action can deliver the greatest benefits for wildlife, climate resilience and local communities.

The framework focuses on protecting, restoring and better connecting key habitats including lowland heathland, wetlands, species-rich grasslands, woodlands, hedgerows and the urban setting, while supporting species recovery and improving access to nature.

Importantly, the plan provides a delivery focus for local schemes by combining county-wide strategic priorities with detailed local ecological data and mapping. This enables projects to be directed towards the areas where nature recovery will be most effective and where habitat creation, restoration and enhancement can provide the greatest impact for wildlife and people.

Initiatives such as the Wild About Seaton Masterplan demonstrate how this approach can be put into practice. By identifying priority habitats, improving ecological connectivity and focusing action where it can achieve the greatest gains, the plan provides a framework for delivering long-term environmental benefits across East Devon and unlock external funding.

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Portfolio Holder for Environment – Nature & Climate, said: "Nature recovery is one of the most important challenges and opportunities facing East Devon. This Local Nature Recovery Plan gives us a clear and practical framework for directing investment, supporting partnerships and ensuring that our actions deliver the greatest possible benefits for wildlife, local communities and climate resilience. By aligning local projects with county-wide priorities, we can help create a stronger, more connected network of habitats across the district for future generations."

Countryside Manager James Chubb added: "The Local Nature Recovery Plan provides a valuable roadmap for turning strategic ambitions into practical action on the ground. At Seaton Wetlands, we can already see the benefits of improving habitat connectivity, restoring priority habitats and creating more space for wildlife to thrive. The plan will help guide future projects and investment, ensuring that efforts are focused where they can make the biggest difference for both nature and people."

The Local Nature Recovery Plan helps the council meet its responsibilities under the Environment Act 2021 while ensuring that nature recovery is embedded across services, partnerships and future decision-making.

Read the full East Devon Local Nature Recovery Plan.