South Devon project gets £2m grant to protect rare insects

A project to restore populations of rare insects on the South Devon coast has been granted £2.2m.

South Devon National Landscape will use the National Lottery Heritage Fund cash to work with partners including Buglife and the National Trust.

Activities will include a range of volunteering, citizen science opportunities and training placements.

Project bosses said the coast between Berry Head and Wembury was home to some of the UK's rarest insects.

They said the coast was home to one of the most diverse range of plant and invertebrate species in the UK, thanks to its warm climate, unique geology and long history of low-intensity farming.

They added: "But many of these species are now in serious trouble, with some facing extinction.

"These vulnerable and special species are holding on along a thin strip of coast, squeezed by the sea on one side and often intensive agriculture on the other."

South Devon National Landscape was formerly known as the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The project Life on the Edge will include walks and workshops and will support landowners to implement sustainable management practices.

South Devon National Landscape manager Roger English said the team was "looking forward to working with our partners and the local community to make a real difference for these threatened species along the coast of the South Devon National Landscape and beyond".

Follow BBC Devon on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].