Natural England and the University of Exeter have launched “Wild Westcountry Odyssey,” a film series highlighting conservation efforts in Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset.
Released weekly from June 16 to July 21, 2025, these films aim to inspire public engagement through poetry and showcase the beauty of protected landscapes.
Exploring the Wild Westcountry
The “Wild Westcountry Odyssey” film series is a collaborative effort between Natural England, the University of Exeter’s RENEW Biodiversity project, and other conservation bodies.
This initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and inspire public support for nature recovery. Each film focuses on a different Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset.
Creative Conservation Efforts
The films blend art and science by featuring two original poems by Professor John Wedgwood Clarke. This creative approach helps communicate the significance of biodiversity in an engaging manner.
The series highlights local conservation successes such as the return of the chough to the Lizard Peninsula and peat bog restoration at Westhay Moor.
Public Engagement Through Film
The initiative seeks to make environmental issues accessible and engaging for viewers. By showcasing local conservation efforts, it encourages people to support these initiatives practically.
The films offer a new way for families and outdoor enthusiasts to connect with nature while promoting eco-tourism benefits for local communities.
The Wild Westcountry Odyssey Series
| Film | Description |
|---|---|
| Film One: Kynance | Celebrates the landscape beauty and unique wildlife in Kynance, highlighting the return of the chough to the Lizard peninsula in Cornwall, thanks to a conservation project by Natural England, the National Trust, and local farmers. |
| Film Two: Goonhilly | Reveals the hidden richness of nature in a seemingly bleak heath and abandoned quarry, showcasing collaborative conservation efforts by Natural England and local farmers. |
| Film Three: Challacombe Farm | Features a local farmer on Dartmoor who has nurtured wildlife habitats across his farm, part of a future landscape recovery plan to improve conditions for nature and help farms prosper. |
| Film Four: Westhay Moor | Explores a large peat bog restoration project by Somerset Wildlife Trust, highlighting the importance of peat restoration in mitigating climate change impacts on nature and people. |
| Film Five: Exe Estuary | Showcases the Exe Estuary in Devon, a vital refuge for migratory birds threatened by intensive agriculture, development, and climate change. |
| Film Six: Otter Estuary | Presents the Lower Otter Restoration Project, featuring new wetlands created by a partnership to absorb climate change impacts and attract wildlife. |
Collaborative Success Stories
- Weekly releases from June 16 to July 21 spotlight unique protected sites.
- Partnerships include Natural England, University of Exeter, National Trust, RSPB, Wildlife Trusts.
- Films celebrate local successes like chough return and peat bog restoration.
- Aims to inspire sustainable lifestyle choices among viewers.
- Encourages visits to local protected sites for recreation and education.
A Model for Global Conservation
This UK initiative could serve as a model internationally by integrating art with science in conservation efforts.
The emphasis on landscape-scale collaboration may attract interest from global organizations seeking innovative ways to engage the public in environmental stewardship.
Such projects can strengthen international relationships around biodiversity recovery strategies.
Additional Reading
A Final Thought
The “Wild Westcountry Odyssey” exemplifies how creative storytelling can enhance public engagement with environmental issues.
By blending poetry with film, this project not only highlights conservation successes but also inspires individuals to take action towards preserving their natural surroundings for future generations.
More of Todays Top Breaking Government News Stories!
Sources: UK Government, Natural England and University of Exeter.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
