Operating Structure
A small core independent central team is supported and guided by a Local Stewardship Council (LSC) which is made up of a collective of individuals from local councils, environmental organisations, landowners, local and national authorities, educational and research organisations, local businesses, local clubs and of course the local community. All of which can use their influence and power to drive the common, agreed strategic objectives of the Surfing Reserve. The LSC is scheduled to meet once a quarter.
The Core Team works directly with Save the Waves and operates within the established World Surfing Reserve proven model. The Core Team also shares learning and best practice with the other 11 reserves around the world on quarterly calls.
Several activities can be led by the central team but many of the activities will require the LSC to take ownership of areas of responsibility on behalf of the whole Reserve. The LSC is fundamental to the Surfing Reserves success, and each member of the council will bring the power they hold within their role at the organisation or network they represent.
No such forum has ever existed in the UK – to protect the waves, surfing, surf culture and experience. The LSC was created in 2018 for the initial World Surfing Reserve application, maintained for the 2019 application and has indicated that they will support the national approach.
Local Stewardship Council
North Devon World Surfing Reserve
Core Team: Kevin Cook ‘Cookie’, Yvette Curtis, Adam Hall, Ben Hewitt, Rob Whitney
National Environmental Organisations
Environment Agency, National Trust, Surfers Against Sewage, Blue Marine Foundation, Oceana
Local Environmental Organisations
Exmoor National Park, North Devon Coast: Area of Outstanding Beauty, North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve, Plastic Free North Devon, Pickwell Foundation, Devon Local Nature Partnership, Coastwise
National Surf and Ocean Organisations
Surfing England, RNLI, Museum of British Surfing, Surfdome, The Wave Project, Surf Life Saving GB
Local Surf and Ocean Organisations
Educational and Research Organisations
Croyde Surf Club, Wave Wahines, Hotdoggers Surf Club, North Devon Schools Surfing, Woolacombe Boardriders Surf Club, Woolacombe SLSC
University of Plymouth, The Ilfracombe Academy, Plymouth Marjons University
Local Government
Mortehoe Parish Council, Georgeham and Croyde Parish Council, Lynton and Lynmouth Town Council, North Devon Council, Braunton Parish Council
Beaches and Tourism
Christie Devon Estates (Saunton), Putsborough Beach, Saunton Beach and Villas, Parkin Estates (Woolacombe), Parkdean (Croyde)