The South Hams Society, an environmental and heritage charity, was founded in 1961 to protect the natural landscape and the built character of the South Hams, and particularly of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Society aims to encourage high standards of planning and architecture which respect the special character of the area and that fosters a healthy biodiversity. The Society is a supporter of the right development – in the right places – and actively opposes inappropriate and harmful development.
Latest News …
We are looking to recruit a new chairperson
Are you keen to help protect our area’s natural assets and see its biodiversity increased? Perhaps you feel exasperated by inappropriate development? We are looking for a...
The SHS “Planning for the Future” consultation response
Find below our response to the Planning for the Future Consultation; Click to see SHS response
20 People required to join SHDC Climate Change & Biodiversity Community Board
Twenty people required by Monday 26th October to join SHDC Climate Change and Biodiversity Community Board. Click here to find out more.
Launch of the Devon Environment Foundation
Devon’s first Environmental Foundation launches to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises by funding nature regeneration ... Click here to download the document (PDF).
SHS response to the White Paper on planning reform
SUBMISSION ON THE WHITE PAPER "CHANGES TO THE CURRENT PLANNING SYSTEM" Please find below, first, our general comments on the White Paper “Changes to the Current Planning System”,...
The SHS Objects to Chillington Development’s inadequate drainage plan
For nearly sixty years, the South Hams Society has been stimulating public interest and care for the beauty, history and character of the South Hams. We encourage high standards...
SHDC response to the Government’s planning reforms
South Hams DC / West Devon BC response to government consultation on Changes to the Current Planning System ... Click here to download (PDF).
Flood risk fears for Chillington – concerned resident, Alyson Cadd gives an update …
This is to make you aware that the current application for the building development in Chillington (ref 0265/20/ARM) is now set to be heard at a virtual meeting of the SHDC...
The Wrong Answers To The Wrong Questions
Countering the misconceptions driving the Government’s planning reform agenda. Click here to download the report (PDF).
Agenda – South Devon AONB Partnership Meeting
Upcoming agenda for the South Devon AONB Partnership Meeting on Friday 18th September. Click here to download (PDF).
Covid -19 – Safety and Social Distancing
Thank you for visiting the South Hams Society Web site. As part of our arrangements to comply with the Government’s instructions, we have postponed our Events programme until further notice. We will review the situation when the Covid-19 emergency measures are relaxed.
In the meantime, we will continue to post ‘Calls to action’ for urgent planning cases where we believe the proposed development would cause harm to the South Hams landscape and beauty. These calls will be for action which you can take safely online.
Meanwhile, if you are out exercising on any of our lovely beaches, do please take a bag for and collect what litter you can. Informal beach cleans can continue! Stay safe and healthy and let’s help others do that too.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – Why they matter
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) are Britain’s best landscapes, designated by government and protected by law. There are 46 such landscapes, each with its own special character. The South Devon AONB was designated in 1960. It covers 60 glorious miles of coastline, estuaries and countryside between Plymouth and Torbay, and south of Dartmoor National Park.
The special features of the South Devon AONB include its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, secretive estuaries, patchwork countryside, iconic hedgerows and historic villages – to name but a few!
Protecting Trees & Woods – The South Hams Guide
Trees, woodland and hedges are an integral part of Devon’s countryside and towns, and provide multiple benefits to society, including filtering air pollution, reducing surface water run-off and contributing to sustainable drainage, improving water quality and the stabilising of soils and slopes. Devon’s hedges are particularly special. They are of great historical importance, define the County’s beautiful farmed landscapes, and support an immense amount of wildlife.
Your Privacy Matters
Your Privacy and your support matters, so we’d like to use your details to keep in touch about things that may matter to you. If you choose to hear from us, we may send you information based on what is most relevant to you. This might be about volunteering with us, membership, events, conservation work, or fundraising.