Sharpham - leading the way in nature connection & conservation

20th March, 2025
by Lisa Carnell | 3 Min Read
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Brick Lane on The Sharpham Estate
Lisa Carnell

This morning, as I walked beneath the low rays of the March sun, I felt the warmth of the light reach me, and a spontaneous smile spread across my face. In that moment, the resonant, melodious song of a song thrush filled the air - its sound as uplifting as the promise of Spring just around the corner.

At Sharpham, we understand the profound impact nature has on the human spirit. The connection to the natural world is more than just a pleasant experience - it’s life-affirming, grounding and transformative. The rhythm of nature, from the arrival of Spring to the steady flow of the River Dart, serves as a powerful reminder of life’s resilience and renewal. It’s these connections that we aim to foster at Sharpham, and we are proud to offer a range of events that invite individuals to experience this first hand.

Love nature - heart-shaped celandine leaf at Sharpham

As one of the leading authorities on nature connection and conservation, Sharpham is dedicated to creating opportunities for people of all ages to immerse themselves in the natural world. As always, this year we’re offering a rich array of wildlife and nature events, many of which are supported by our Wild About Trees Project. These events provide hands-on opportunities to witness nature in action—whether that’s observing the glossy golden petals of a lesser celandine, hearing the call of a stonechat perched on a tree guard, or simply experiencing the timeless flow of the River Dart. Our events offer more than observation; they allow participants to engage with the land, to feel a personal connection, and to understand the dynamic ecosystem that sustains us all.

At the heart of our work, the Wild About Trees Project, funded by the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, is an ambitious initiative which aims to plant nearly 6,000 trees across the 550-acre Sharpham Estate. With the support of our partners at Ambios and our much-valued volunteers, we work alongside local schoolchildren, youth groups, and retreat participants, empowering them to take part in rewilding efforts and instilling a sense of ownership and stewardship over the land.

Grove School children plant trees at The Sharpham Estate

Our vision is simple: by involving people in hands-on conservation work, we ignite or strengthen an emotional connection with nature. This connection is crucial in inspiring individuals to take further personal actions in support of the environment—whether through planting trees, supporting wildlife conservation, or simply cultivating a deeper appreciation for the natural world around them.

The Sharpham Trust has long been a leader in providing opportunities for nature connection, and this year we are proud to continue building on that legacy. By offering transformative experiences, we aim to inspire positive, lasting change—both within individuals and in the broader movement toward sustainability and conservation. If you feel inspired to explore the wide range of events available at Sharpham, why not visit our events page, sign up for our mailing list to stay updated, and join us throughout the year as we continue to share these invaluable experiences. We welcome both new faces and returning visitors to our events, all of which are designed to deepen the connection between people and the environment.