Photo from a field in Croyde, overlooking the beach with lots of people sat watching a large outdoor screen which shows the title 'Save The Waves Film Festival 2025'

Surf & Conservation Film Festival

Waves, Wildlife, and Community Action in North Devon

Where surf culture meets ocean stewardship

The evening of Friday 21st & all day Saturday 22nd, August 2026

The Surf & Conservation Film Festival brings together surfers, conservationists, families, and ocean lovers for a weekend celebrating our shared connection to the sea. Hosted in partnership with the North Devon World Surfing Reserve, North Devon Coast National Landscape, North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, Freshwell Camping and Ruda Holiday Park, this annual event blends adventure, creativity, and community action against the stunning backdrop of the North Devon coastline.

Centred around two nights of film screenings, the festival explores how surfing, storytelling and hands-on conservation come together to protect our surf ecosystem, with all proceeds directly supporting future ocean protection projects. You’ll find:

What to Expect

Inspiring film screenings from the Save The Waves Film Festival and the Edinburgh Conservation Film Festival showcasing stories of ocean exploration and resilience
Interactive workshops on marine conservation, creativity, and coastal protection
Family-friendly activities designed to spark a lifelong love of nature
Live music and local food
Talks and panels with local experts, activists, and surfers driving change

Whether you come for the waves, the wildlife, or the community spirit, the festival offers something for everyone who cares about the ocean.

Photo of a pyrography workshop with a young girl looking on

Photo of a talk panel chatting at the Festival

Photo of the singer-songwriter Sam Green performing at the Festival

Our coasts and oceans face growing challenges, from plastic pollution to climate change, but together we can make a difference. The Surf & Conservation Film Festival is more than just a celebration; it’s a call to action to protect what we love.

Why It Matters

Photo of the large outdoor screen lit-up at night with a film. People are sat around in silhouette.

Building on the success of the pilot festival in 2025, plans are underway for the 2026 Surf & Conservation Film Festival 21/22 Aug, and we’re looking for passionate partners, contributors, and volunteers to join us.