Clinton Devon Estates is leading the Heaths to Sea Landscape Recovery project in collaboration with farmers, Devon Wildlife Trust, Bicton College, and RSPB.

The project aims to transform 15 square miles (3,945 hectares) of the lower Otter Valley catchment in East Devon into a more connected, resilient, and ecologically healthy landscape for nature, while continuing to support food and timber production, net zero ambitions, and public access.

Landscape Recovery Projects were introduced by Defra to support landowners and land managers in taking an ambitious, large-scale approach to nature restoration, while also addressing broader priorities such as sustainable food production.

Project Overview

The project overview summarises Heaths to Sea’s proposed plans, which we hope to deliver over the next 20+ years. The plans were submitted to Defra in March 2026 for consideration of long-term funding. We expect the rigorous assessment process to take approximately six to nine months.

Our 20-year landscape recovery proposals encompass land management, stakeholder engagement, access improvements, monitoring and evaluation, financial planning, and governance strategy. They are the result of two years of dedicated work during the project development phase.

What is laid out in our submission to Defra is our ‘go-large’, ambitious plan for nature recovery and sustainable land use. It is important to note that not all proposals submitted at this stage may be enacted. To reach a funding agreement with Defra, some of these proposals may be altered or removed from the final plan, and following confirmation of funding, many require additional permits, permissions, and/or consents.

Project Map

This map shows all land parcels submitted in the Heaths to Sea Landscape Recovery project and their proposed areas of habitat creation or management.

Please note that areas of land management or land use change may be altered during discussions with Defra, and many are dependent on approval through permitting or licensing processes.