20 May 2026
General Manager's from Haven Holiday Park, Cllr Richard Jefferies and Rangers from EDDC's Countryside Team

Countryside Rangers from East Devon District Council teamed up with employees from Haven Holiday Parks for a dedicated day of conservation work at Clyst Meadows – a new public, green space being set up to help protect key conservation sites at East Devon’s Pebblebed Heaths and the Exe Estuary.

General Managers from across Haven’s 39 holiday parks rolled up their sleeves to maintain hedgerows across one of the Countryside Team’s newest green spaces - an important site within the Clyst Valley Regional Park which is not yet open to the public and is set to welcome visitors later this year. Their efforts contributed to ongoing habitat management that supports local wildlife and enhances the biodiversity of the area.

Haven's General Managers hard at work

In addition to their hands‑on volunteering, Haven Holiday Parks generously donated a ‘Community Hedgerow Toolbox’ to the reserve. This new resource will be available for local groups to borrow, enabling community members to take part in practical conservation activities across East Devon with guidance from the East Devon Countryside Team.

Young participants in the Exeter Chiefs Engage Provision

The Team also welcomed enthusiastic support from young participants in the Exeter Chiefs Engage Provision - a programme designed to use the core values of rugby to inspire, educate, and empower young people aged 11–16 who are disengaged from mainstream education. Their contribution added an extra boost to the day’s conservation efforts.

Councillor Richard Jefferies, Portfolio Holder for Environment – Nature & Climate, said: “Partnerships like this demonstrate the real power of collaboration between local authorities, community groups and major employers. When large organisations choose to invest their time and resources into local green spaces, the impact reaches far beyond a single day of volunteering.”

Nature Reserves Ranger, Ben Morgan-Brown reflected on the day: “We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the team at Haven and from the young people involved in the Exeter Chiefs Engagement programme. Their energy and willingness to get stuck in has made a real difference to the work we’re doing at Clyst Meadows. Initiatives like the Community Hedgerow Toolbox are a fantastic example of how we can open the door for more people to reconnect with nature and play an active role in protecting East Devon’s landscapes for future generations.”

Countryside Manager, James Chubb, added: “This green space is still in the early stages of development, and seeing so many people come together to help shape its future is genuinely inspiring. With continued community involvement, I’m excited to see how Clyst Meadows will flourish as a haven for wildlife, a place for people to connect with nature and to enjoy with their dogs.”

The new ‘Clyst Meadows’ will provide a dog-friendly and nature-rich space to give people a wider choice of places to visit in the area.

Clyst Meadows is owned by East Devon District Council and managed by the East Devon Countryside Team in partnership with Broadclyst Parish Council and the local community.

The park will also offer opportunities for volunteering and educational activities, email countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk if you would like to get involved.