Devon’s world-class heritage to be celebrated through new public project

Devon’s rich cultural and natural heritage is taking centre stage in a major new project launched by the Devonshire Association, with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and UNESCO UK. Running throughout 2025, the initiative aims to celebrate and raise awareness of the county’s six prestigious UNESCO designations through a series of engaging public events.

The project will feature twelve free Discovery Days across Devon, designed to showcase the global significance of sites including:

• The Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site (Tavistock and Tamar Valley)

• The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site (Dorset and East Devon Coast)

• The North Devon Biosphere Reserve

• Exeter City of Literature

• The English Riviera Global Geopark

• The Exeter Book of Anglo-Saxon poetry, housed at Exeter Cathedral

The programme kicks off on Saturday, April 26, in Tavistock Town Hall with a day of talks, exhibitions and displays focusing on the region’s mining legacy. Featuring expert speakers including Lesley Strong from the World Heritage Site team, landscape researcher Sharon Gedye, archaeologist Andrew Thompson, and historian Sue Andrew, the event will delve into Tavistock’s 19th-century transformation, exploring copper mining, local foundries, the canal system, and key Victorian buildings.

A follow-up Discovery Day will take place on Saturday, May 17, offering guided heritage walks along the Tavistock Canal and Devon Great Consols in Gulworthy, led by archaeologists Robert Waterhouse, Andrew Thompson, and Colin Buck.

The heritage celebrations will continue across the county in Beer, Berry Head, Braunton Burrows, Budleigh Salterton, Churston Ferrers, Exeter, Merton and Torquay, each focusing on different aspects of Devon’s world-class history and landscapes.

In addition to the Discovery Days, three flagship events will bring together thought leaders, historians, and conservationists:

• Saturday, May 10 – A UNESCO Symposium at Petroc College, Tiverton, featuring representatives from all six of Devon’s UNESCO sites in a first-of-its-kind public gathering

• Saturday, May 24 – A special event titled ‘Exeter Cathedral: Past, Present and Future’

• November 2025 – A high-profile evening on ‘Climate Change and Devon’s Environment’ at the University of Plymouth

Founded in 1862, the Devonshire Association has worked for more than 160 years to promote understanding of Devon’s science, literature and arts. This project aims not only to spotlight Devon’s internationally recognised heritage, but also to strengthen public engagement and environmental awareness.

“Thanks to funding from the National Lottery and its players, we’re proud to bring Devon’s incredible UNESCO sites to the forefront,” said a spokesperson for the Association. “This is a rare opportunity to explore the county’s legacy through expert-led events, walks, and talks – and it’s all free to the public.”

A beautifully illustrated booklet, Celebrating Devon’s World-Class Heritage, will be provided free to all attendees.

To find out more and book free tickets for Discovery Days, visit the Devonshire Association website at devonassoc.org.uk/wch. Bookings are managed via TicketSource.