A unique agreement to raise awareness and help protect the special nature of the beach and marine wildlife habitats at three of the West Country’s top beaches has been announced today at Bigbury On Sea by Devon Wildlife Trust and The Venus Company, the UK’s award winning and environmentally friendly beach café and shop operator.

The agreement heralds plans over the next five years for raising awareness of the flora and fauna that inhabit the ocean, shoreline and beach at Blackpool Sands, Bigbury On Sea and East Portlemouth in South Devon. Special events, family competitions, marine posters, snorkelling and beachcomber guides and explorer trails are some of the initial ideas that will support practical conservation work. Funded through the Venus Beach Wildlife Fund, the proposals for the three beaches will be developed, administered and implemented by the Devon Wildlife Trust.

“Our customers can support the Venus ethos of Loving the Beach for everyone’s enjoyment now and in the future” explained Michael Smith, Venus Managing Director. “We will donate 5p on their behalf for each cup of tea and every chocolate flake bought. We aim to raise over £20,000 in the next five years towards care and education of the beach wildlife habitats, home to many hundreds of different marine flora and fauna species. We are delighted to be working hand in hand with Devon Wildlife Trust to do so.”

Paul Gompertz, Devon Wildlife Trust Director said, “This is a wonderful example of a business taking direct corporate responsibility for the natural assets which are part of its ‘product’ and putting something back. It’s a model for the future; if all the businesses in Devon which are dependent on its natural beauty for their livelihoods were to do the same, the County’s wildlife and landscape would be in much better shape than they are.”