Every year, over 900,000 visits are made to the Pebblebed Heaths. While it’s wonderful to see so many people enjoying the landscape, this increasing use brings growing pressure – on wildlife, paths, parking infrastructure, and our ability to maintain the reserve to a high standard.
Looking after the heaths comes at a cost: government funding for vital habitat management activities is declining, but demand and visitor pressure is ever increasing. Yet our ambitions for nature remain high. We’re committed to enhancing biodiversity, improving access, and deepening public engagement. That’s why now is the right time to introduce this scheme and help secure the future of this special place.
The new voluntary car park contribution scheme offers everyone a simple way to give back, if they wish to, by making a contribution via RingGo at participating car parks. All revenue from this scheme will be reinvested in the heaths, funding conservation work, trail maintenance, education and more – keeping the site in great condition for everyone to enjoy now and for future generations to come.
Access to the heaths remains completely free
The Pebblebed Heaths are open access land. Everyone has the right to explore on foot, with this access extended to include cyclists, and horse riders, free of charge, and that right is not changing. Parking a vehicle is not a right on open access land, but we provide car parks to support people to enjoy the reserve. Parking contributions are optional and there’s no penalty for choosing not to donate.
What will donations support?
Contributions will help us:
Didn’t you already get funding for car parks?
Between 2020-2024 East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust received capital funding to refurbish key existing car parks. This funding does not cover future maintenance or conservation work. That’s why we’re asking for support now to help us to protect the heaths and visitor infrastructure for the long term.
Want your support to go even further?
The most effective way to support the Pebblebed Heaths is to donate via our website. You can choose any amount, set up a monthly or annual gift, and know that your regular contribution helps us plan conservation work with confidence. It’s also the best-value option for us and for you, as it avoids platform fees and lets you boost your gift at no extra cost through Gift Aid.
And as a small thank-you, if you set up a regular gift of £5/month or £50/year, we’ll send you a windshield sticker so you can proudly show your support for this special place.
Donating via RingGo is still a brilliant choice for many people, especially those who visit only occasionally or may not see our other communications, as it’s quick and easy to do whilst parking. But if you’d like to make the biggest impact, our website is the place to start for recurring donations: Donate to the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust
Want to know more?
Read our full FAQs here: Voluntary Car Park Contributions FAQs