About Us

Founded as a charity in 1972, the Forum aims to promote the wise sustainable use and enjoyment of Devon's resources.

As an action group the Forum monitors environmental issues affecting Devon, bringing together under one umbrella all who manage our natural and built landscape.

The Forum is consulted on a wide range of local and national government documents and those of other statutory authorities.  In our responses, we are able to offer expert local practical advice and guidance, drawing on the rich resources of our membership.

What can the Forum do for you?

Newsletter - Our Newsletter FOCUS contains information on environmental issues relating to Devon.  Members are encouraged to contribute their views.

Discussion - The Forum provides a discussion chamber whose membership and contacts can influence the quality and implementation of environmental policy.

Seminars - We promote and organise public seminars on topics of environmental interest, with invited speakers chosen for their special knowledge of the topic.

Our Origins

In April 1970 - European Conservation Year - Devon County Council held a 2-day conference entitled 'Man and the Devon Environment'.  It was attended by all the major interests concerned with the environment of Devon.  The object of the conference was to seek agreement among all these bodies on the main demands upon the land and resources of the county; on the challenge to conservation presented by these demands; and on the action needed to meet that challenge.

The conference approved, as the goal to which all its representative bodies should strive, the following statement of aims;

'to leave to our successors a Devon which provides a fit setting for man's livelihood and for his physical, social and spiritual needs; which is clean in earth, air and water; and which is finer in landscape and richer in wildlife than when we inherited it.'

In order to pursue these goals 'The Conference approved the establishment of a Devon Conservation Forum, to be a standing liaison committee for the major bodies concerned with the county's environment, and to have responsibility for the pursuit of important issues of conservation in the geographical county, with formation of study groups and working parties where necessary'.

The County Council and the Community Council of Devon agreed that the latter body should sponsor and set up the Devon Conservation Forum, but not as part of its own structure; it was decided it should have its own identity, although affiliated to the Community Council, and would cover both urban and rural interests.

Immediately after the Conference, Colonel J E Palmer TD, DL, then Chairman of Devon County Council, spoke to Peter Sutcliffe, then Chairman of the Community Council of Devon, and to Dr A Robinson Thomas, his Vice-Chairman.  They agreed to take on the task of establishing a Devon Conservation Forum.

Two appointments were initially created, the County Conservation Officer and the Secretary to the Forum.  In addition it was agreed that a full-time officer was needed.  This person needed a general understanding of 'conservation'; to be able to command respect at the many levels at which he/she would be working; and to have ability to work well with others.

John Mejor DFC was selected and appointed on 1st June 1971.  Much credit is due to John Mejor for designing, in close collaboration with Dr Robinson Thomas, a structure which has worked for thirty-five years.

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