About us
Mission & Vision
At the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, everything we do is guided by a simple but powerful aim: to care for the Pebblebed Heaths and the Otter Estuary so that wildlife can thrive, and people can enjoy and understand these remarkable landscapes for generations to come.
These are two of the most special natural places in Devon – rich in history, alive with rare species, and deeply loved by the communities who live around them. Our role is to protect, restore, and celebrate these landscapes so they remain vibrant, resilient, and accessible long into the future.
We envision landscapes:
- whose special qualities and rich history are understood by all
- where ecosystems are resilient, and wildlife can adapt and flourish in a changing climate
- that support people’s health, recreation, and lifelong learning
- where stewardship is trustworthy, forwardlooking, and rooted in community
- that inspire confidence for future generations
These are places where people and nature thrive together — and where our responsibility is clear: to protect today, so tomorrow can flourish.
Our team
Dr. Sam Bridgewater
Environment Strategy & Evidence
Sam Bridgewater joined Clinton Devon Estates in November 2012. His role is to ensure that the support of wildlife and ecosystem services is embedded within the decision making of the Estate.
“I am delighted to be part of Clinton Devon Estates and to help lead the Conservation Trust. The Pebblebed Heaths represent the largest expanse of lowland heathland in Devon and sit at the top of the hierarchy of European conservation sites. The challenge we have is how to reconcile the needs of wildlife with public recreation and access and how to fund these activities in the long-term. What excites me about the work is securing a sustainable model of conservation management, one that is based on sound science and which enjoys full public support.”
Kim Strawbridge
Reserves Manager
Kim joined the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust in 2017 from a senior role with the Eastern Moors Partnership, a collaboration between the RSPB and the National Trust within the Peak District National Park. Kim leads the reserve team on the Pebblebed Heaths and the Otter Estuary nature reserve.
“I’m originally from this part of the world so I’m very pleased to be returning to my roots to work with a highly professional team to manage this extraordinarily beautiful and ecologically important site that is so loved and enjoyed by a wide range of people.”
Paul Swain
Operations Manager
Paul comes from a farming background and has been working with the Trust to conserve the Pebblebed Heaths since 2000, putting his longstanding machinery and animal husbandry skills to good use. Paul leads the practical day-to-day management of the heaths.
“What interests me most about the job is trying to recreate the management practices of the Commoners of the past using modern techniques. Keeping the heaths in good health is a challenge, but it is worthwhile when you see the results. An important part of the work is communicating what we do to the general public, and ensuring that we balance the needs of wildlife with those of society.”
Ed Lagdon
Ranger
Ed studied Countryside Management at Aberystwyth University and has specialised in heathland management since 2004. After a period as a contractor he joined the Trust’s team full time in 2011.
In addition to undertaking practical management and education work he specialises in wildlife surveys, including nightjars and Dartford warblers.
“I have always had a keen interest in wildlife and love working outside. Working on the heaths within the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is hugely rewarding because you can see the positive impact our small team has on the environment.”
Kate Ponting
Community Engagement and Countryside Learning
Kate joined Clinton Devon Estates in 2014 after 14 years as a teacher. Her role is to broaden understanding of how and why the countryside is managed and to ensure that the views of local communities are reflected in the Estate’s strategy and approach to business.
For the Conservation Trust Kate leads on events, volunteering and education, linking with local communities, schools, colleges and universities and promoting lifelong learning.
“I love talking to people of all ages about how the countryside works, in providing food, homes, energy and employment as well as space for nature and recreation.”
Rick Lockwood
Community Engagement and Countryside Learning
Having previously worked in several nature conservation roles, Rick joined the Forestry and Reserves team in 2023.
In his role as Otter Ranger, he is responsible for the practical day-to-day management of the nature reserve, supporting the community engagement, education and more generally, helping people appreciate the wildlife of this special place.
In his spare time, Rick enjoys running, cycling and watching birds.
Savannah Brownlow
Community Engagement Ranger
Savannah joined the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust team in April 2024 as a Community Engagement Ranger, bringing a wealth of experience to her position. Previously, she served as a Community Engagement Ranger at Dartmoor National Park Authority, actively engaging urban communities surrounding the moors with the National Park.
Savannah holds a BSc (Hons) in Ecology and Wildlife Conservation from Bournemouth University, graduating in 2021. Her passion for the natural world extends beyond her professional life; in her spare time, she enjoys travelling, snorkelling, roller skating, and reading.
Born and raised on her family farm in Lincolnshire, Savannah’s love for the outdoors led her to volunteer with various conservation organisations across the UK and Europe.
Savannah plays a key role in the delivery of the ‘Pebblebeds for All’ project and is part funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Claire Jones
Fundraising Manager
Claire Jones joined the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust in May 2024 as East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust Fundraising Manager. Claire brings a wealth of experience, having worked in fundraising for charities in East Devon, London, and New York City, including the NSPCC and the Natural Resources Defense Council. Although she is new to the area, Claire is passionate about the local landscape and environment, making her a perfect fit for the team at Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust.
In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the heaths and nature further afield with her family and dog. Claire’s personal interests include reading, CrossFit, and cooking.
Ned Mills
Ranger Apprentice
Ned joined the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust as Ranger Apprentice in September 2024. He works across the reserves with the ranger team supporting conservation and engagement work. Alongside learning on the job, he is working towards a level 4 Countryside Ranger Apprenticeship at Bridgewater College.
This role has been made possible thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund through the ‘Pebblebeds for All’ project.
In his spare time, Ned enjoys playing rugby and cricket.
Governance
The Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust is an environmental charity, first established by Clinton Devon Estates in 2006 to protect the heath’s unique ecosystem. It forms part of a conservation group, which includes a Land Management Company.
Governance of the Conservation Trust is overseen by a Board of Trustees, comprising of Lord Clinton, John Varley, Charlotte Walliker, Sir James Bevan, Peter Nixon, Noel Manns, Ian Monks, David Robinson, Michael William and Michael Williams.
The Directors of the associated Land Management Company are Lord Clinton, John Varley, David Cobb and Noel Manns, and the Honourable Edward Fane Trefusis.
The charity registration number is 1109514 and the company registration number is 5413877.
Aims of the Trust
Our primary aim is to steward the Pebblebed Heaths for the benefit of its wildlife and to promote public enjoyment, appreciation and understanding of this unique habitat.
1.
Management of the heath is based on recognised best practice and sound scientific knowledge
2.
Our staff are trained to the highest level and are respected as leaders in conservation
3.
All habitats and species under the care of the Trust are in a favourable conservation status, with a strong biological monitoring programme to support decision making
4.
A strong sense of environmental stewardship exists within our local communities, who fully support and are engaged with the activities of the Trust
5.
Sufficient financial resilience and fundraising capability exists within the Trust to ensure the sustainability of management
Partners
The Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust is an independent charity funded by voluntary donations and environmental stewardship grants. Thank you to all those who kindly support the care of the Pebblebed Heaths and the Otter Estuary and our education and outreach work by giving their time or financial contributions. These donations are vital for allowing us to continue this work.
The Conservation Trust works closely with a broad variety of conservation partners to help achieve its aims. These include Natural England, the Environment Agency, the Royal Marines, the East Devon National Landscape, Devon and Somerset Fire Service, the RSPB, and the Devon Wildlife Trust.
Teignbridge, East Devon District and Exeter City Councils have established the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Partnership (SEDHRP), to help protect internationally important conservation sites, including the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths.
The SEDHRP offsets the effects of new development and population growth on these conservation sites, this is guided by the South-east Devon European Site Mitigation Strategy, which can be found here.