A new county-wide initiative is launching to help protect and restore Devon’s natural environment by inviting hospitality businesses to add an optional £1 donation to customer bills.
Hospitality for Nature, created by Devon Environment Foundation (DEF), offers a simple way for restaurants, cafés, hotels, pubs and holiday providers to support grassroots nature restoration projects across the county. With 6 to 8 million visitors enjoying Devon’s beaches, moors and countryside every year, the scheme aims to turn everyday meals and stays into meaningful environmental action.
Participating businesses add a voluntary £1 donation to each bill or booking, with a clear opt‑out for customers. Experience from similar national campaigns shows that most customers are happy to take part, and many choose to give more.
Every penny raised goes directly to local nature projects, with 100% of donations funding work such as:
- Restoring meadows, woodlands and wildlife corridors.
- Protecting and reintroducing native species.
- Improving water quality and reducing pollution.
- Supporting nature‑based solutions that build climate resilience.
Joining the initiative is designed to be quick and hassle‑free. Businesses simply add an optional £1 donation at checkout, display a short message on menus, signage or booking confirmations with materials provided by DEF, and transfer collected donations periodically. There is no cost to the business, minimal admin and no impact on VAT, as donations are processed separately and passed directly to DEF.
With customers increasingly choosing businesses that demonstrate environmental responsibility, Hospitality for Nature offers a transparent way to give back to the landscapes that make Devon such a special place to live and visit. Inspired by successful national schemes such as StreetSmart, the initiative shows how small, collective actions can drive meaningful change.
DEF is inviting hospitality businesses across Devon to become Hospitality for Nature partners and help accelerate nature recovery across the county.
Restaurateur and co-founder of DEF, Mitch Tonks said: “This is a no brainer for our sector. It costs nothing to get involved and has an incredible and positive impact on our local environment, which is what attracts so many visitors to our area, and is also where we are fortunate to source such wonderful ingredients for our customers to enjoy.”
To find out more or request a simple sign‑up pack, please get in touch by contacting Executive Director Amanda Keetley: amanda@devonenvironment.org or visit DEF’s website.
Since 2020, DEF has raised over £2.4 million for environmental projects across Devon, with ambitions to reach £5 million by 2030 through initiatives such as Hospitality for Nature.
(Main image credit: Mark Chan).
