Protecting and restoring the natural environment requires more than ambition. It requires investment, collaboration and a commitment to supporting projects that can create meaningful change.
That is the mission of the Devon Environment Foundation (DEF), an environmental charity focused on protecting and restoring nature across Devon through targeted support for grassroots projects and innovative nature-based solutions.
As a branch of the Conservation Collective, DEF combines local knowledge with global expertise, helping direct funding to projects that deliver measurable environmental impact while creating opportunities for long-term regeneration.
A Vision for Devon
DEF’s vision is ambitious yet simple: to see at least 30% of Devon’s land and water managed for nature by 2030.
To achieve this, the organisation supports projects that restore habitats, improve biodiversity, strengthen ecosystems and develop practical solutions to some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing communities today.
By backing projects that can be replicated and scaled, DEF aims to maximise the impact of every pound invested and create lasting benefits for both people and nature.
Supporting Grassroots Environmental Innovation
One of the key strengths of DEF is its ability to identify promising early-stage projects and provide the funding and support needed to help them grow.
The foundation works with environmental organisations, landowners, researchers and community groups across Devon, helping turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions.
Its approach focuses on:
- Nature restoration
- Biodiversity recovery
- Climate resilience
- Water quality improvement
- Community-led environmental projects
- Scalable nature-based solutions
By remaining agile and locally focused, DEF can often support projects that may struggle to access funding through more traditional channels.
Simon Nicholls’ Involvement
Olympus Power CEO Simon Nicholls has been actively involved with the Devon Environment Foundation since its inception and continues to support its mission through his role on the steering committee.
Alongside other environmental advocates, business leaders and conservation experts, Simon helps guide the foundation’s strategic direction while supporting initiatives that deliver tangible environmental outcomes across Devon.
This involvement reflects a wider commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility that extends beyond renewable energy generation and into wider ecosystem restoration and regeneration.
Recent Success: Flete Field Lab Secures £1.5 Million Innovation Funding
A recent example of DEF’s impact can be seen through the success of Flete Field Lab, a Devon-based environmental research project focused on innovative nature-based solutions to river pollution.
Having received early-stage support from DEF, Flete Field Lab has now become part of a nationally recognised partnership awarded £1.5 million through Ofwat’s Water Innovation Fund.
The project is pioneering research into mycofiltration, using native fungi to naturally filter pollutants from waterways, alongside biochar technologies that improve soil health, reduce agricultural runoff and support carbon sequestration.
The success highlights the value of supporting ambitious environmental projects at an early stage and demonstrates how local innovation can develop into nationally recognised solutions.
Read more about the announcement here:
https://devonenvironment.org/def-grantee-flete-field-lab-secures-1-5million-ofwat-innovation-funding/
Looking Ahead
As Devon works towards a more sustainable future, organisations such as the Devon Environment Foundation play a vital role in connecting funding, expertise and innovation.
By supporting practical projects that protect and restore nature, DEF continues to demonstrate how local action can create lasting environmental impact while providing a blueprint for wider adoption across the UK.
To learn more about the Devon Environment Foundation and its work, visit: