AN ANNUAL report has shown that the North Devon Biosphere project is making a difference to the lives of people living in West and North Devon.

In 2014-15 UNESCO Biosphere projects brought an area of grassland and woodland equivalent to 2760 Wembley football pitches into positive, wildlife friendly management and helped farmers secure over £3.5million in CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) funding.

This is just one of the achievements set out in the Biosphere’s Annual report published last week.

Professor Michael Winter, chair of the Biosphere Partnership, said: ‘Whether it is landscape–scale wildlife conservation projects with farmers, sustainable energy, cultural heritage or sustainable marine management; the biosphere is about inspiring a positive future for northern Devon by finding creative ways for people and nature to thrive together.

‘Local partners are involved in all that we do and our annual report summarises some of the stories about how they, supported by the biosphere, are making a difference.’

Biosphere Reserves are places with world-class environments designated by the United Nations to promote and demonstrate a balanced relationship between people and nature.

The reserve promotes both conservation and sustainable development.

The North Devon Biosphere catchment area follows the water from the source of the Taw and Torridge rivers, and smaller rivers running into the sea along the coast from Lynton to Hartland, down through the villages and towns of north Devon out to sea, to Lundy and beyond.

Winkleigh and Hatherleigh are among the communities that fall within the biosphere.