A rare wildflower in East Devon is showing strong signs of recovery thanks to dedicated volunteers and landowners. Conservationists from the East Devon National Landscape team confirmed the positive development after years of decline.
Community effort restores heath lobelia
The heath lobelia, a delicate plant with striking purple-blue flowers, had suffered from disappearing open heathland and reduced grazing. Volunteers and local landowners joined forces to bring it back. They planted young specimens, collected seeds, and managed several sites near Shute and Kilmington.
Year-round commitment pays off
Nature engagement co-ordinator Ruth Worsley praised the volunteers’ commitment. She said they had worked tirelessly throughout the year on annual plant counts, habitat maintenance, and careful monitoring. Worsley called the revival “inspiring,” adding that the plant was once locally known as “the flower of the Axe.” She said the project showed how the community could protect and restore an important part of East Devon’s natural heritage.
Encouraging results from 2025 project
The team reported that volunteers counted 67 heath lobelia plants on Kilmington Common this year. This followed the planting of 30 more plants the previous autumn. Although a 2024 planting near Newton Poppleford did not succeed, conservationists found one new heath lobelia nearby later that year. The discovery suggests the species is beginning to spread naturally once again.
