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Devon Climate Emergency February Newsletter
| Discover the latest climate initiatives and how you can get involved this February! |
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In the last year, we’ve seen communities across the county taking action for nature. Wild About Devon wants to celebrate those communities that are giving Devon’s wildlife a helping hand.
Garden waste service subscriptions now open in the South Hams
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
Garden waste service subscriptions now open in the South Hams
Issued 3 February 2025
South Hams residents can now sign up to or renew their subscription for the district’s garden waste collection service.
Anyone living in the district can now sign up for a garden waste subscription for 2025/26.
If you sign up before 31 March 2025, you’ll pay a lower “early bird” fee of £65 for a year-long subscription running from 1 April 2025 that covers collections for one brown wheelie bin. If you sign up after 31 March, the service will cost £68.
There is a maximum of two subscriptions (which would cover two bins) per household. Subscribers can put grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, cut flowers and plants, small branches, weeds, leaves, twigs, windfall fruit and vase flowers in their brown bin.
The price for the year-long subscription has risen from last year; this is to continue covering the cost of your waste services.
Cllr Jacqi Hodgson, Executive Member for Waste, said: “We’re proud of the paid garden waste collection service we’ve provided in the South Hams in the last two years. The quality of service for residents has been high, with reliable collections and real convenience for those who sign up.
“Compared to what private companies charge for collections, the annual fee represents very good value for money.
“The £65 early bird fee works out at around £1.25 a week, which is great value for a service which saves on trips to the recycling centre, is good value and well worth considering if you have a garden.”
The quickest and easiest way to sign up is on our website: www.southhams.gov.uk/gardenwaste - the website is also full of information on the service.
If you’re already a subscriber to the garden waste service, there will be no changes to your service if you renew your subscription by 1 April, and you can continue to use your brown bin with no interruptions.
Those who decide not to sign up for the service can still take their garden waste to all three recycling centres in the South Hams. Full details, including opening hours, are available online here: www.devon.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/centre/
Alternatively, people can find out more on home composting possibilities here: www.recycledevon.org/in-the-garden/how-to-compost
Council gives much needed housing project a major boost
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
Council gives much needed housing project a major boost
23 January 2025
As part of its drive to create lower cost homes, South Hams District Council is investing an additional £300,0000 to bring the Clay Park housing development in Dartington one step closer to completion.
The project is the first of its kind in the South Hams, delivered in partnership with Aster Group and Transition Homes Community Land Trust. It will offer 39 new energy- efficient, 100% social rental homes for local people and those with a strong connection to Dartington and the adjacent parishes.
With this new investment, the Council will have contributed a total of £623,000 to make the innovative housing scheme a reality. The homes, which will be available via Devon Home Choice are expected to be available from late 2026.
Located in Clay Park on Ashburton Road, Dartington, the homes will include six one-bedroom flats/maisonettes, two one-bedroom houses, 13 two-bedroom houses, 12 three-bedroom houses and six four-bedroom houses. All of the properties will be delivered to the highest energy efficiency rating, EPC A and will come with air source heat pumps and solar panels to help customers with their energy bills.
Plans for the site also include a community garden, an orchard, and a community building which will be delivered once the homes are complete.
Councillor Denise O’Callaghan, Exec Member for Housing at South Hams District Council said: “The Clay Park Development is a first for us here in the South Hams. It is the first time a Community Land Trust and housing developer has together delivered a site which offers 100% of the homes available for social rent.
“There is still very much a housing crisis and a real need for genuinely affordable homes, so we know that our additional investment will go a long way in making sure local people get the homes they can afford. This is a great example of how we can work together with our communities and partners work to improve the lives of our residents.”
Ward Member for Dartington, Cllr Jacqi Hodgson: “I am delighted to support this much needed project which the Transition homes project team has worked so hard to achieve. Having been involved from the start, it’s exciting to see that these wonderful new eco-friendly homes will become available for our residents very soon.”
Erica Lewis of Transition Homes Community Land Trust said: “We are delighted that after some 16 years in the pipeline, this scheme offering much needed social rented homes to a high eco-spec is getting off the ground. We have had a great deal of support from organisations and individuals locally, including South Hams District Council whose funding and encouragement has been crucial.”
Amanda Williams Chief Investment Officer at Aster Group said: "What makes Clay Park truly special is that it is a development shaped and delivered by the local community. We welcome this additional investment from South Hams District Council which brings us one step closer toward delivering these much-needed, energy-efficient affordable homes for local people.
“This development, which is our largest community land trust project to date, is testament to what can be achieved through strong local partnerships and a shared vision for sustainable, affordable housing."
Council on the lookout again for its community heroes
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
Council on the lookout again for its community heroes
13 January 2025
South Hams District Council is once again on the lookout for local heroes for its annual South Hams Community Awards.
For the second year running, the awards will celebrate people and organisations who go above and beyond to help local people every day.
So, do you know someone doing wonderful things for your community? Is there an organisation who is making a real difference to local people?
If yes, you can now shine a spotlight on their hard work by nominating them for a South Hams Community Award.
The Chairman of the Council along with a panel of judges, are looking for nominations in the following categories:
- Young Persons Award (for under 18s)
- Community Champion Award (for over 18s)
- Community Organisation Award
- Climate and Biodiversity Champion Award
The Climate and Biodiversity Champion category, a new award for 2025 has been added to recognise those doing great things for the natural environment and helping to tackle climate change, one of the Council’s top priorities.
Chairman of South Hams District Council, Cllr Bernard Taylor, said: “There is so much great work going on across the South Hams which too often goes unrecognised.
“It was wonderful last year to be able to celebrate our unsung heroes, so this year, we want even more nominations, we know there are so many more people and organisations out there doing great things for our communities.
“It is so important that we recognise those who go above and beyond and make a real difference to people’s lives.”
Nominations for the South Hams Community Awards close at 11.59pm on Monday 10 February 2025.
Find out more and nominate at www.southhams.gov.uk/south-hams-community-awards
Devon Climate Emergency January Newsletter
| Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary |
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A single bus journey will cost just £1 on all bus services in Devon and Torbay across three ‘Super Saturdays’ this January.
The Young Climate Ambassadors scheme in Plymouth is an inspiring initiative aimed at empowering young people to take an active role in addressing climate change. This programme, part of Climate Connections Plymouth, seeks to engage youth aged 11 to 17 in local climate issues, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious advocates.
South Hams District Council states its position on local government reform
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
South Hams District Council states its position on local government reform
Issued: 7 January 2025
We do not support the creation of one unitary council for Devon and want more time to properly discuss and consult on the best way to reorganise local government for the benefit of our communities. That’s the message from South Hams District Council at a Special Council meeting yesterday (Monday 6 January 2025).
The meeting follows the publication of the English Devolution White Paper and subsequent statements by the leader of Devon County Council as well as a joint statement from Devon District Councils, of which South Hams is a part.
Councillors agreed the Council:
- mandates the Leader to write to the Government on its behalf outlining this Council’s concerns, with all related correspondence being copied to the wider membership (i.e. all council members) for their information and reference only.
- supports the joint statement issued by the leaders of the eight district councils throughout Devon that includes:
- not supporting a Single Unitary Council solution for Devon; and
- will widely consult with its residents, businesses, community organisations and town and parish councils once a firm re-organisation proposal is ready for consideration.
3. not supporting the postponement of the County Council elections in May 2025
Cllr John Birch, who proposed the recommendation as the Executive Lead with responsibility for Governance, said: “I believe that we as a council are facing one of our biggest challenges yet. We want to send a clear message to the Government and Devon County Council that we will not be forced into a proposal which we do not support and will not be rushed into a decision without consulting with our communities.
“There is a real opportunity here to devolve powers locally in the right way. As a council we are well led and financially sound but creating one large unitary authority will reduce the quality of services we currently deliver – services such as leisure centres, public toilets, planning and waste collections that our residents value so much. We want to carefully consider our options and will not be forced into a shot gun marriage.”
Leader of the Council, Cllr Julian Brazil, said: “We may have our political differences, but the one thing that binds us all at South Hams District Council is our commitment to do what is best for our local communities. I am proud to lead a council that puts its residents and communities first and party politics second.
“We will do everything in our power to make sure that the voice of our communities is heard and that we work with others to find the right solution for residents, businesses and organisations across the District.”
Cllr Nicky Hopwood said: “This all seems very rushed. As District councillors I believe we are the closest people in local government to our residents and we need to reassure them that we will continue to work hard for them. I am concerned that I haven’t been able to ask my residents in Woolwell what they think. We all need time to do this, which is why I support this recommendation.
“We also have a high calibre of knowledgeable staff at this council who are vital to the delivery of good local services. Re-organisation in this way could risk losing them and create higher than expected recruitment and redundancy costs.”
Cllr Jacqi Hodgson said: “I think the recommendation put forward is very strong and I fully agree with it. We should not be moving around the deckchairs and wasting public funding. If the government wants to support local authorities and demonstrate its understanding of the problems, then this re-organisation should be held off for at least a couple of years. The money spent on this changeover should go directly into delivering direct services where it is urgently needed, such as on our roads and NHS.”
A recording of the special meeting can be found on South Hams District Council’s You Tube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMQTgJYPqg4
Hope Wood unveiled in South Brent
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
Hope Wood unveiled in South Brent
Issued 7 January 2025
South Brent’s community came out in force last weekend planting the first 2,500 trees for a new 65-acre community woodland.
The newly named Hope Wood is part of South Hams District Council’s priority to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, and to plant one tree for every resident in the South Hams.
It was a bright Saturday morning, when scores of South Brent volunteers donned their wellies to help plant their own tree.
During the day, South Hams District Council Leader, Cllr Julian Brazil, along with Ross Kennerley of Sustainable South Brent proudly unveiled Hope Wood, named by the South Brent community. The name, together with an information board, details plans for the future woodland.
Leader of South Hams District Council, Cllr Julian Brazil, says: “Hope Wood is a very fitting name as we face challenges with the climate and biodiversity. I won’t be here to see these magnificent trees mature but my grandchildren and future generations will.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to becoming net zero as a district by 2050. Planting these first trees marks the start of us planting a tree for every resident of the South Hams and a chance for us to make a difference.
“It’s the culmination of hard work and partnership working towards a common goal. Sustainable South Brent has been a fantastic partner, as have the Woodland Trust and Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest - together we are making a difference, with the help of DEFRA funding.
“But a big thank you must go to the local community. Without the incredible support of South Brent’s volunteers and others who have helped make this happen, we wouldn’t get very far, so thank you for digging in. Literally!”
Ross Kennerley of Sustainable South Brent says: “It has been great to start the planting of this fantastic new woodland. Sustainable South Brent is enormously grateful to the District Council, and all the other organisations who have been involved.
“The planting is the start of a long-term commitment by local residents and volunteers to plant nearly 25,000 trees in the woodland – as well as creating areas for food production, an orchard and a tree nursery. This really will be a place for nature and people to enjoy and thrive.”
Director of the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, Kathryn Deeney, says: “The Community Forest is excited to support South Brent with the start of over 20,000 trees to be planted over the next two years. It is a testament to the power of collaboration and long-term vision; contributing to the goal of the PSDCF to create an accessible woodland network that will benefit both people and the environment for generations to come across South Devon."
Outreach Manager for the Woodland Trust, Eleanor Lewis, says: “A large part of the Woodland Trust’s work is supporting landowners to increase tree cover on their land, whether community woods like this or farmers incorporating trees into their farming systems.
“It has been a pleasure to work with the team at Hope Wood to create a planting plan and provide the UK and Ireland Source and Grown native trees, though our MOREwoods scheme, which is funded by Lloyds Bank. We look forward to seeing this community woodland flourish over the coming years, providing a valuable place for people and wildlife.”
Over the coming months there will be more opportunities to support the tree planting. To find out about volunteering opportunities at the site, contact ParkLife SW at office@parklifesw.org.uk
Devon Climate Emergency December Newsletter
| Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary |
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Work on the Exe Estuary is going green after the Exeter Port Authority took delivery of a new hydrogen electric boat for a trial period.
Christmas Eve, December 24th 2024, 17:30 - 19:30District Council doing all it can to help residents during cost of living crisis
| Tel: 01803 861368 | Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk |
District Council doing all it can to help residents during cost of living crisis
Issued 20 December 2024
With the winter months upon us, South Hams District Council is doing all it can to help people with the cost of living, including the introduction of new payments from the Household Support Fund for those most in need.
Supporting South Hams residents through the ongoing cost of living crisis is a priority for the Council, especially during the winter months, when people are heating their homes, and costs can really begin to bite.
Cllr Nicky Hopwood, Executive Member for Cost of Living, said: “We know how hard it is for people during the cost-of-living crisis, and we want to help those who are finding things difficult.
“Our new support payments are targeted to help those most in need, including pensioners who might be worst affected by the cut to winter fuel payments and some households living in ‘system built’ or non-traditional houses who may be experiencing fuel poverty.
“If you think that you could benefit from the Household Support Fund, or need support of any kind this winter, please contact us.”
The Council is supporting four types of households in the District with new £300 support payments this winter. These types of households are:
- Single person households receiving Council Tax Reduction and not receiving a state benefit
- Pensioners with income of up to £18 per week above the threshold for Pension Credit
- Certain households in ‘system built’ houses who may be experiencing fuel poverty
The authority already distributes the Household Support Fund locally, which supports people who would otherwise struggle to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.
South Hams is also maintaining its commitment to support Devon County Council care leavers by providing a support payment of £300 to care experienced young people who either live in District already or move to an address in the District before 2 March next year.
The Council also works closely with Citizens Advice, who are dealing with people on the frontline, and helping them in any way they can.
If you need help with the cost of living, please contact the Council on support.vulnerability@swdevon.gov.uk
You can also visit the Council’s online support directory, which will signpost you to services and organisations that could help, on www.southhams.gov.uk/support-directory
