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 …

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.

Membership
Join us now and help protect this beautiful part of England. Membership costs just £10 for one or £15 for the family a year.

Application Form

Estuary

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.

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