A nature recovery plan should set out a medium-term plan for the creation of more nature rich habitats in our towns, villages, cities and the surrounding countryside. We suggest that each plan covers an initial five or ten-year period, although many of the projects that communities will want to start, such as planting oak trees for example, will take much longer to come to maturity.

Nestboxes are best put up during the autumn. Many birds will enter nestboxes during the autumn and winter, looking for a suitable place to roost or perhaps to feed. They often use the same boxes for nesting the following spring. Putting up a bird box on your house or in your garden or on your farm can help many bird species due to lack of natural nesting sites. Special designs will help birds like swifts which have undergone huge declines in the last 20 years. Causes of decline include lack of insect food and nest site loss.

Butterfly Conservation need our help recording butterflies in gardens, farms and communities across the UK. Create a pledge to let us know that you have downloaded the app and are getting involved! The Big Butterfly Count 2022 will run from Friday 15th July to Sunday 7th August. Photo credit: Rob Wolton, brown hairstreak butterfly

Use the advice to create a wildflower patch (a seed tray on your window, a patch on your lawn or a meadow on your lane verge or farm). Cover photo credit: Gaia Trust.

Big or small; creating a pond in your garden or farm is a great way of inviting wildlife including amphibians, birds and insects to your patch! Photo credit: Nick Withers

In Summer 2021, the Biosphere launched an ambitious new Nature Recovery Plan as part of our contribution to tackling the ecological emergency here in northern Devon, aligning with the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and the Prime Minister’s pledge for 30% of the UK land to be protected by 2030. The plan include five action plans which details the priorities for the key land types in the Biosphere. Please sign the Nature Recovery Declaration by completing the form below to pledge your support for nature’s recovery in northern Devon. Cover Image: David Chamberlain

Take part in research and recording of wildlife and habitats to help to increase our scientific knowledge. You can usually record sightings on an organisation's website or increasingly through specialised apps for your phone.

Soil is a combination of minerals, organic, matter, air, water and living organisms (Soil Association). However, our soils are degrading at an alarming rate and we need to preserve it to sustain life. As the wet winter weather comes in it's good to consider that well drained and well structured soils allow water to enter more quickly and therefore reduce the risk of run-off and erosion. Image: Soils leaving the UK Satellite Image

As well as events run by Pledge for Nature, we also encourage you to create your pledge today detailing the local volunteering event you have joined (or possibly created).