The South Hams Society Is a registered charity (No. 263985) . Our objectives are to stimulate interest and care for the beauty, history and character of the South Hams. We work to secure the protection and improvement of the landscape, features of historic interest and public amenity and to promote the conservation of the South Hams as a living and working environment. We encourage high standards of planning and architecture that respect the character of the area. We take the protection of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) very seriously and work hard to increase people’s knowledge and appreciation of our precious environment. We support the right development – in the right places – and strenuously oppose inappropriate development. The Society supports the seven ‘Nolan Principles in Public Life’ and expects everyone involved with planning, from applicants to decision takers, to undertake their work in accordance with them. The Society and its members aim to meet the same standards.
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.
Latest Articles …
Press Release on Gerston Point – 12th April 2020
The Blanksmill Creek Proposed Development – Update March 2020
SHDC announcement – COVID-19
Perceptions of landscape value.. Have your say!
INSPIRATIONAL FARMING AT CHALLONS COMBE
Protecting and Promoting Devon’s World Class Hedges
Devon’s hedges are world class! They are of great historical importance, define the county’s beautiful farmed...
Defra confirms reductions in support for farmers
NEW PLANS FOR 62 HOMES ABOVE CHILLINGTON
VIEWING Of NEW PLANS FOR 62 HOMES ABOVE CHILLINGTON A new application has been made by Acorn and the paper plans...
SEYMOUR DRIVE – A NATIONAL SCANDAL – SHDC CALL FOR EVIDENCE
South Hams Society – 59th AGM
Due to social distancing rules, this year’s AGM will be held online via Zoom.
Thursday 30th July 2020 at 5pm.
The virtual meeting room will open at 4.45pm to help deal with any technical issues.
All members will receive the AGM papers either by e-mail or post by the end of June.
All are encouraged to take part. We hope to see you there!
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.
The ‘Jewel in the Crown of Devon”
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty are Britain’s best landscapes. There are 46 of them, all designated by government and protected by law. Each one has its own special character. The South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty was designated by government in 1960. It covers 60 glorious miles of coastline, estuaries and countryside between Plymouth and Torbay.
The AONB is one of a family of protected landscapes in the UK. With the guidance of a Partnership Committee, the AONB Team work to enhance South Devon’s outstanding beauty, for which the designation was applied. The special features of South Devon AONB include its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, secretive estuaries, patchwork countryside and historic villages – to name but a few!
Protecting Trees & Woods – The South Hams Guide
Trees, hedges and woodland are an integral part of Devon’s countryside and towns, and they provide multiple benefits to society, including filtering air pollution, reducing surface water runoff /contributing to sustainable drainage, providing wildlife habitats, 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.