A conservation charity that manages 1,700 acres of land in the Torbay area is going into liquidation due to concerns over its finances.

Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust has managed local authority owned land in Devon for the last 26 years.

During this time, it has “worked hard to expand commercial and fundraising activities including obtaining grants and donations, offering membership, burials, events” it said in a statement.

It has also regenerated Occombe Farm in the area as a visitor attraction to help fund its work, and runs schools’ visits, wildlife surveys and community projects.

“However, the gap between our generated income and what it costs to care for these places has grown to the point where we can no longer continue,” said the charity.

According to latest figures from the charity register the closure of the Trust will impact 86 members of staff and 112 volunteers.

Its spending has outstripped its income for four of the last five years, the register also details.

In the financial year ending March 2024, it spent £3.63m but its income was only £3.12m.

The charity said: “For over 25 years, led by our experienced team of conservationists, we have cared for nearly 80% of Torbay’s most important landscapes – including Berry Head National Nature Reserve, Occombe Farm, Cockington Country Park, as well as woodlands and over 40 miles of coast paths and bridleways.

“We’ve been proud to provide local people with vital access to nature, whilst also ensuring the protection of the wildlife that call these spaces home.

“Many areas we manage form part of the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark, due to their unique natural heritage and we’ve worked alongside national, regional, and local associations to ensure Torbay’s green spaces receive the recognition and preservation they deserve.

“It is with great sadness that the incredible achievements of our passionate team, including our volunteers, is drawing to a close. Our priority now is to support them as we navigate this process.”

It added: “We recognise and share the disappointment this news will cause our members, partners, and all those who value these places and we are enormously grateful for the support we have received over the years.

“We are now working on the formal liquidation process, and the liquidators will be in touch with all relevant parties soon.”

Council ‘saddened’ by closure

Torbay Council leader Cllr David Thomas said he is “saddened” by the charity’s “difficult decision to cease operating”.

“The closure of Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust will have a significant and deeply felt impact on the people who were employed at sites across the Bay, he said.

“In the coming weeks, we will be taking time to understand the full implications of this news and what it means for the future of these important spaces and initiatives”.

---