Heath Week celebrates our heathland heritage with a week of events reflecting the ecology, history and recreational importance of the Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve (NNR). This year Heath Week ran from Saturday 25th to Friday 31st July 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 | Barn Owl Trust | Otter Valley Association | Pawsitive Canine | Thelma Hulbert Gallery | Devon Bat Group | Otterton Mill | Devon County Council Historic Environment Team | East Devon Ramblers | Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust | British Bryological Society | Seachange | Sid Valley Biodiversity Group | Exmouth Running Club | Creative Journeys in Nature | Flying With Strings
Throughout the week, attendees enjoyed walks, talks and activities for all ages and interests including ranger walks, waggy walks, pond dipping, botany walks, wild crafts, bat walks, Tramper hire, archaeology walks, and much more!
Heath Week kicked off with a brand new event, ‘A Dog’s Day on the Heaths’ – a fun event celebrating dogs, the outdoors, and responsible dog walking.
Visitors dropped in throughout the day to enjoy stalls, games, workshops, and talks, all designed with dogs’ enjoyment and wellbeing in mind. Short guided walks with rangers also gave people the chance to explore the heaths, learn more about the area’s wildlife and history, and pick up tips on how to enjoy great walks while helping to care for this special landscape. Alongside the fun activities, the event highlighted simple ways dog walkers can help care for the Pebblebed Heaths, from keeping dogs close by when needed to following local guidance that supports birds, livestock and other wildlife.
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 ‘A Dogs Day on the Heaths‘ and Crafternoon and fund facilities, such as the marquee.
- Host and promote all Heath Week activities with the support of our Community Engagement Ranger.
- Host and launch Tramper hire on the Heaths.
Thanks to National Lottery Players, over 800 people visited the heaths during Heath Week 2026 and enjoyed the wide range of activities on offer. Below some attendees shared their feedback with us:
“I absolutely LOVED the whole evening. It was a delight enhanced by beautiful fine weather and a full moon rising over Sidmouth. Information about the environmental importance of preserving the heathland along with expert guidance and information about the nightjars. So good I wished I’d booked some of the other week ‘s events too. Thank you.”
“I loved being out on the heaths and learning about such a beautiful and important habitat. We got to see some beautiful butterflies, dragonflies and birds. Claire and Maria (our Wardens) were so amazing and informative and I learned so much from them!”
“Grandchildren really enjoyed the craft- well organised and well thought out so it could be done at different abilities, my 5 & 8 year olds were so pleased with their creations. Personally I love walking on the heaths and as I’m usually on my own these led walks where I can chat and listen to interesting comments makes the walk even more enjoyable.”
“Thank you for all that you and the other charities do to preserve the commons. Thank you to all for the care and appreciation of this beautiful lung of East Devon.”
Thank you to everyone who attended Heath Week 2026, and we look forward to seeing you again in 2027!
Thanks to National Lottery Players
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