It is a registered charity, established in 1961 as the Devon Naturalists Trust,[1] and its aim is to safeguard the future of the county's urban, rural and marine wildlife and its environment.

[2] Devon Wildlife Trust campaigns on a number of regional and national wildlife issues, and also looks after some 58 nature reserves including Sites of Special Scientific Interest such as Bystock, Dawlish Warren, Bovey Heath, Chudleigh Knighton Heath, and Dunsford.

[4] The Trust's headquarters and visitor centre is located at the historic Cricklepit Mill in Exeter.

The building features a working 19th-century water-powered flour mill and displays information about the Trust's reserves and activities.

[6] The trust also manages Woodah Farm, near Doddiscombsleigh, which is situated in a wildlife reserve and provides groups with research facilities.