SSSI Awards

Clinton Devon Estates were presented with two prestigious environmental awards by English Nature in June 2002, in recognition of their outstanding management of the East Devon Commons, designated Sites Of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Sir Don Curry and Sir Martin Doughty (Chairman of English Nature) made the presentation during a special award ceremony at the Royal Show at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.  The Estates were nominated as a result of their ongoing and successful management of 2,800 acres of rare heathland habitat on the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths around Woodbury Common. This area represents 80% of the remaining heathland in East Devon, and is designated an SSSI for the rare species that can be found there. The management work on the site was described as "a beacon of excellence" by  English Nature, who said the Estate had made a significant contribution to The Biodiversity Action Plan in the area, resulting in many rare species such as the Silver-studded blue butterfly, the Nightjar and the Southern Damselfly now starting to flourish on the commons.

Team award

Senior Commons Warden Mike ‘Bungy'Williams, who manages the site throughout the year with the help of assistant Paul Swain, was on hand to pick up the award. "This is a team award and shows that a private estate can work closely and effectively with conservation organisations. I am indebted to the local RSPB Wardens for their support over the years, and for the funding we have received from DEFRA Countryside Stewardship and from the lottery on the Tomorrow Heathland Heritage Scheme," he said.

Estates Director John Varley, who also attended the ceremony, commented: "We are delighted that our proactive management of the site has been ecognised, especially as we try hard to ensure a sensible balance of agendas between nature conservation, allowing public access and Commando training. "It is pleasing to see that English Nature feel that we are getting it right," he said. "It is doubly satisfying that this award comes so soon after the East Devon coast has een designated a World Heritage Site, as the Pebblebeds are important examples of the geology of the Triassic period, together with the coastline that is physically linked to them. The Pebblebeds complement the World Heritage Coast and have an important role to play in the education of young and old in the geology and ecology of East Devon, in addition to being an important asset in terms of heritage, sustainable tourism and public amenity"

The team are now continuing work delivering the Estates' Heathland Management Plan, which includes both the maintenance and improvement of the current heaths, and the reclamation and restoration of new areas. During the summer months, they were occupied by cutting bracken, swailing, mowing firebreaks and overseeing selective grazing by Red Devon cattle.