Vision 2030
In 2030, Totnes and District is now home to a rich and diverse mosaic of habitats, from productive woodlands, agro-forestry systems, field-scale herb production, more lakes and ponds. The villages and towns are now as diverse and buzzing with flora and fauna as the countryside, if not more so. Over the 20 years since 2009, the landscapes in urban areas have changed markedly. There are now far fewer large expanses of impermeable car parks or hard standing, more than half of it, due to the sharp decline in car use, has been converted to food production, those gardens buzz with bees and butterflies. The concrete jungle has been overrun by nature reclaiming softened edges and gentle curves to buildings and roads. Woodlands managed for coppice timber offer highly diverse habitats; from open, wild flower-rich open habitats, to dense woodland. Hedgerows full of birds and butterflies and wildflowers have been replanted with enthusiasm to protect fields and soil and provide fuel and foraging. Recently planted native tree stands have become a significant feature of the landscape, their beautiful understory host to primroses and bluebells in spring.
People value and enjoy the nature around them. Families take nature walks on weekends. Schools prioritise nature and outdoor studies for all ages. Gardens are less manicured, and are now burgeoning with vegetables, fruits, vines and trees. Bird tables, bee hives and bat boxes are tucked away in many places, all very busy. Many bird species have returned to farmland, fish to rivers and people to nature. The dawn chorus can be very noisy.
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