Heath Week celebrates our heathland heritage with a week of events reflecting the ecology, history and recreational importance of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths. This year Heath Week ran from Saturday 26th July to Friday 1st August and was supported by a number of organisations across the heaths and beyond, including:
Clinton Devon Estates | RSPB | Devon Wildlife Trust | South East Devon Wildlife | Devon Loves Dogs | Natural England | Barn Owl Trust | Otter Valley Association | Devon Military Fitness | Pawsitive Canine | Devon Orienteering Group | Devon Birds | Devon and Somerset Fire Service | Thelma Hulbert Gallery | Devon Bat Group | Otterton Mill | East Devon National Landscape | Devon County Council Historic Environment Team | East Devon Ramblers | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust | British Bryological Society | South Devon Stitchers | Jackie Curtis Art | Seachange | Wild East Devon
Throughout the week, attendees enjoyed walks, talks and activities for all ages and interests including ranger walks, orienteering, waggy walks, pond dipping, botany walks, wild crafts, bat walks, self-guided trails, archaeology walks, and much more!
Heath Week kicked off with the return of the much-loved Festival Day, with a fresh new format and location, providing an action-packed day of engaging activities showcasing what makes the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve such a special place for wildlife and for people. Attendees were able to meet the teams who look after the East Devon heaths and learn about the habitats and species that live locally, explore the heaths rich cultural history and how they can get active in nature and play their part in taking care of countryside spaces.
Many of the activities during Heath Week have been made possible using money raised by National Lottery players. The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. The Pebblebeds For All Project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to:
- Host the return of Festival Day and new facilities, such as the marquee.
- Host and promote all Heath Week activities with the support of our Community Engagement Ranger.
- Create our new ‘Crafternoon’ event.
- Launch our new Pebblebed Youth Ranger programme.
Thanks to National Lottery Players, over 800 people visited the heaths during Heath Week 2025 and enjoyed the wide range of activities on offer. Below some attendees shared their feedback with us:
“The ink drawing and wildlife embroidery sessions were brilliant! So mindful and inspiring. Thank you to all those involved in running such fantastic sessions.”
“We enjoyed the fact that they were led by hugely knowledgeable and enthusiastic experts which was inspiring making it very enjoyable. They also welcomed any questions and never made you feel stupid for asking.”
“Thank you to all this involved in organising. We are very grateful for events like these as a family with young children.”
“I want to thank everyone involved. So much planning, organising and being on site during events, you are all very much appreciated for all you do to promote our landscape and protect nature.”
Thank you to everyone who attended Heath Week 2025, and we look forward to seeing you again in 2026!
Thanks to National Lottery Players
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