A WILDLIFE Warden Scheme, training and supporting local wildlife champions, launched its roll out across Mid Devon at the Crediton Green Fair on Saturday, September 24.

Co-ordinator for the scheme Jess Carter said: “We’re excited to be offering this scheme to every Parish in Mid Devon to help communities learn about and protect the wildlife living alongside them.”

Supported by the National Lottery and steered by New Prosperity Devon, this Wildlife Warden Scheme will train volunteer Wildlife Wardens and connect parishes and support nature projects across the Mid Devon district.

“Already we’ve been inspired by the voluntary work that people across Mid Devon are doing to look after the natural world around them.” Jess said. “We’ll be encouraging parishioners to join the scheme and attend our training programme, as well as exploring ways to share ideas and be part of the movement in Mid Devon to care for nature. This is such a beautiful area, connecting Dartmoor and Exmoor in the very heart of the county.”

Volunteers from Newton St Cyres, Hittisleigh and Uffculme have already taken part in a pilot project over the summer, funded by Devon Community Foundation.

Each parish group is working on different projects, the Hittisleigh group on soil health, Uffculme on a variety of green projects and Newton St Cyres on biodiversity habitats.

Wildlife Wardens will support community groups to work on projects of their choice, which might include improving habitats, making ponds, hedge-laying, insect homes, hedgehog pathways, surveying species or helping gardeners make their gardens more friendly to pollinators and other wildlife. 

A junior Wildlife Warden Scheme has been run over the summer by teacher Laura Grant, where children between five and 14 have signed up to do seasonal tasks and activities in the Bampton area.  Laura supplies them with a regular newsletter and encourages families to take part.

You can email Jess Carter at: [email protected] or telephone 07722 301375.

More information can be found on: www.middevonwildlifewardenscheme.co.uk .