THE Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area, which covers Okehampton, Winkleigh and Hatherleigh, is boosting the area's wildlife, communities and rural economy according to a report published recently.

A report by the department for environment, food and rural affairs (Defra) monitoring and evaluating Nature Improvement Areas (NIAs) says they have helped farmers to access EU grants, made valuable contributions towards university research and boosted the £210 billion rural economy.

They have also attracted outside investment — more than £730,000 from business partners and £7.8 million from NGOs and not-for-profit organisations.

The Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area (NIA) is the largest of England's 12 NIAs, covering a 72,000 hectare area of the county.

The project is leading by example exceeding many of its targets: since April 2012 it has worked with landowners and local people to restore more than 1,300 hectares of wildlife habitat, working with 51 parishes and 249 different landowners. So far the project has held 137 community events, taken 47 school groups out on site, and held 32 land management workshops.

Lisa Schneidau, Northern Devon NIA project manager, said: 'The NIA partnership in Devon is going from strength to strength. We aim to continue for many years yet in achieving our vision of a working landscape, rich in wildlife, valued by everyone.

'It's inspiring to be part of such a vibrant, positive network of projects which are showing how this vision can be achieved. As we work towards the end of this round of Government support for NIAs, we urge the environment secretary to build on the good work already achieved through NIAs, and provide leadership and support for existing and new NIA projects into the future.'

Environment secretary Elizabeth Truss said: 'A healthy environment and a healthy economy go hand in hand. These Nature Improvement Areas show how protecting our precious wildlife and outstanding landscapes can help grow our £30 billion rural tourism industry and create more jobs for hardworking people as part of our long term economic plan.'

The Northern Devon scheme was one of twelve NIAs chosen from 76 candidates to receive a portion of £7.5 million of funding in 2012. It was developed as a partnership project within the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.