'Heaths to sea' scheme gets funding boost

The project aims to improve the Lower Otter Valley area

A project to improve the east Devon environment has won £750,000 of government funding.

Clinton Devon Estates said the scheme - called Heaths to Sea: Landscape Recovery of the Lower Otter Valley - aimed to improve the area for people and wildlife.

The award will fund the two-year development phase of the project, which will be assessed by the government.

If approved, work will start on planting more woodland, expanding wetland areas and improving access to the countryside.

Kirstie Ellis is leading the project

Clinton Devon Estates said the aim was to bring environmental benefits in harmony with food production across a large area of east Devon.

Kirstie Ellis, leading the project, said: "Although this scheme has a focus on nature recovery, it is not about stopping food production.

"We believe that nature recovery and agriculture can and indeed must co-exist."

The Devon scheme is one of 34 projects across England to share £25m in the second phase of the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Landscape Recovery plan.