Field visit to Braunton Burrows
As part of the programme, the group visited Braunton Burrows, an impressive sand dune system rich in natural heritage and wildlife. Recognised not only as a core part of the Biosphere, the Burrows are also designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and sit at the heart of the North Devon Coast National Landscape.
To help understand and appreciate the complex biodiversity of the site and the range of partners, designations, and initiatives involved in its management, the group was joined by Joe Newberry of the North Devon Coast National Landscape team, and by Mary Breeds and Rupert Hawley, who led an expert walk-and-talk across the dunes. The tour not only demonstrated the on-going efforts to monitor and adapt to the effects of climate change across the site, but also highlighted the value of the cross-cutting partnership approach adopted by the organisations, communities, and projects involved in its care.
Capturing lessons learned and planning for project completion
Back in Barnstaple, the group gathered to share highlights from across the three CCUH pilot site projects, with huge progress made towards the design of data tools, methodologies for joint-working, and innovative approaches to stakeholder engagement. The session concluded with the group mapping out successes, challenges, and lessons-learned from across the breadth of the project community, providing valuable insights for the overall project evaluation, and for informing future project designs.
With the delivery phase of Climate Change & UNESCO Heritage pilot now coming to a close, the tools, approaches and materials developed in collaboration with our participating pilot sites are now being finalised for initial circulation amongst local partners. Wider publication and release of these resources is expected later in 2025.
With thanks...
The UKNC CCUH Project Team would like to thank Andy Bell, Heather Harris, Tom Humphreys, Hannah Nash, Will Frost and the wider team at North Devon Biosphere Foundation for hosting this exceptional cross-project visit, and for sharing insights about their wider work. We’d also like to express our gratitude to Mary Breeds and Rupert Hawley for lending their time and expertise, and to Barnstaple Library and St Anne’s Arts and Community Centre for providing welcoming venue spaces for the event.
