Programmes
Programmes that guide change
Our four programmes set the direction for our projects. Rooted in the needs of South Devon and shaped by global challenges, they test the principles of bioregioning in real-world contexts. The collaborative projects we are developing under each programme demonstrate the practices of action learning and creative communication—and tie back to our strategic pillars.
Inspiration: Reality Mosaic, Olafur Eliasson
Our four programmes
Crafting strategies for South Devon
We often speak about climate change as if it is the end of the story. In fact, adapting to it opens us up to a future that we have the ability to plan for today. By understanding the likely impacts and risks, we can take the strongest actions now. Major infrastructure upgrades will be needed, from roads and transport to energy and water. There is a vital role for citizens—how we can work more closely with policymakers to prepare for the Long Emergency. BLC is committed to the development of a joined up adaptation plan for South Devon. We are working with South Hams District Council to hold this role while a new unitary council is formed combining the South Hams, Teignbridge and West Devon areas with Torbay.
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> The practice of convening
Demonstation project
> Local climate adaptation
• discussion paper
• film
“Climate change adaptation means altering our behaviour, systems, and—in some cases—ways of life to protect our families, our economies, and the environment in which we live from the impacts of climate change. (WWF)
Growing a global learning network
Without regeneration—the capacity of natural and human systems to thrive and evolve—life starts to falter. It is natural that at this time of global upheaval when systems of all kinds appear to be faltering many people are looking to regeneration. But how do we ‘do’ regeneration at the scale of landscapes and across multiple systems—in ecology, finance, farming, architecture, social change and beyond? Over several years, BLC has built relationships of trust with bioregional practitioners all over the world to explore this question and develop the practice of bioregioning. These conversations have evolved into the Bioregional Learning Alliance, with ten bioregions represented.
Action
Join us for the Bioregioning in Practice webinar series beginning in April 2025 (link to Gaia Education site) and add your name to the waitlist for the in-person Bioregioning in Practice Course here in South Devon in July 2025.
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> The practice of bioregioning
Demonstation project
> Bioregional Conversations
• recordings
Restoring ecosystems
We partner with well-respected environmental organisations to deliver large-scale ecosystems restoration efforts, where the shared aim is to help habitats maintain their own natural processes and ecological function. Made up of countless interactions, habitats can help us learn about flow, adaptation and information exchange. In our role as a creative partner, BLC emphasizes the importance of exchange between ecologists, scientists, artists, designers, dog walkers, birdwatchers, land managers, boat owners, visitors and swimmers alike, where expert knowledge and know-how are both valued.
Action
Join us for the saltmarsh events…
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> What is a bioregion?
Demonstation project
> Saltmarsh Project
• films, milestones, link to ARCgis story, interpretation panel
Measuring bioregional health
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Our programmes emerge from the unique needs of our bioregion while addressing global challenges like climate change and biodiversity loss. Using action learning as our foundation, we collaborate with communities, experts and policymakers to co-create solutions that are adaptable and impactful. Each programme is designed as a living system – evolving through experimentation, reflection and shared knowledge.
25+
partnerships
We’ve collaborated with over 25 organisations, including NGOs, local councils, and academic institutions, to drive systemic change in South Devon and beyond.
10+
countries
Our work has inspired and connected bioregions in more than 10 countries, fostering global knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
10,000+
hours
Over 10,000 volunteer hours have been contributed to BLC initiatives since 2017, demonstrating the power of community-led action.
