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South Hams District Council wants to hear from you on cycling

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

South Hams District Council wants to hear from you on cycling, wheeling and walking in the area

Issued 18 September 2024

South Hams District Council wants to hear from you about cycling, wheeling and walking opportunities across the District.

The Council is developing a Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) as part of its priorities to support communities, help improve community wellbeing and fight against climate change by promoting greener journeys.

An LCWIP looks at cycling and walking in an area and aims to identify what could be done to encourage more people to cycle, walk and 'wheel' (for those using wheelchairs, mobility scooters or other wheeled mobility aids) on journeys locally. This is by identifying improvements on routes that exist already to make them safer or more appealing to people using them.

The Council is launching a consultation from today (18 September) to 11 October on walking, wheeling and cycling in the South Hams and is inviting people to take part and have their say.

Cllr Victor Abbott, Executive Member for Community Services and Operations, said: “With community wellbeing being a priority for the Council, looking into how to improve walking and cycling opportunities in the South Hams makes a lot of sense. We all need time outdoors for our mental health, and being active is great for physical health. The LCWIP will assess both new and existing opportunities for people to travel actively in the areas they live and have more active lives.”

The Council will be holding consultation events at the following venues:

Tuesday 24 September

10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. - Dartmouth Guildhall, Clifton Room

Wednesday 25 September

10.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m. - Kingsbridge Market Hall

Tuesday 1 October

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Totnes Civic Hall

2 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Ivybridge Watermark Centre, Beeson Suite

To take part in the online consultation, please visit: https://activetravelshwd.commonplace.is/

Devon Climate Emergency September Newsletter

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Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary

Devon Climate Emergency Logo

Devon Climate Emergency | September 2024

Welcome To Our September Newsletter!

Positive Climate News

There are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience and implementing the Devon Carbon Plan and Climate Adaptation Strategy. Here are our picks for the month!

You can see more positive actions and stay updated throughout the month by visiting the Taking Action page on our website.

Plymouth City Council Secures £458,000 For Community Centre Energy Efficiency

Plymouth City Council secures £458,353 from the Salix Grant and Climate Emergency Investment Fund to fund improvement works in Harewood House in Plympton. Works are expected to include adding air source heat pumps, a solar panel installation on the roof, a switch to energy-efficient LED lighting, and a boost in loft insulation.

Find out more
Image of Exmoor National Park by Clement Proust

Image by Clement Proust

Exmoor National Park Authority Cuts Emissions By 50%

Exmoor National Park Authority has announced they have halved their carbon emissions since declaring a climate emergency in 2019 with a variety of climate positive activities, putting them on track to reach their organisational goal of net zero by 2030.

Read more

Devon County Council Receives £200K To Fund Decarbonisation

Devon County Council has been awarded £200K from the government-funded South West Net Zero Hub. The funding will be used to develop two projects in Devon; creating a decarbonisation plan for Heathfield Industrial Estate in Bovey Tracey and exploring the development of solar energy on previous landfill sites across the county.

Read more

Devon And Cornwall Police Use E-Bikes To Keep Exeter safe

Electric bikes have recently become available for Exeter Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). Increasing low carbon modes of transport helps Devon and Cornwall’s law enforcement move towards net zero, all while setting a positive example.

Read more
Devon Climate Emergency Updates

Latest From The Secretariat

In August, the Tactical Group reviewed progress against the Economy and Resources actions, exploring opportunities for business support across the county. The Response Group reviewed progress against the Built Environment actions, as well as hearing an update on the new government's environmental commitments.

August's meeting of the Climate Impacts Group heard from Plymouth's Building Resilience in Communities (BRIC) project which is helping communities in Plymouth adapt to flood risk, as well as reviewing a cluster of risks and actions in the Adaptation Strategy.

The Secretariat has also joined the board of the Devon Community Resilience Forum to input on how communities can be supported to adapt to climate change.

We had the pleasure of joining Food and Drink Devon to help judge the Food Drink Devon Sustainability Pioneer Award entries and heard about the inspiring things Devon's businesses are doing to reduce their impact on the environment. The award ceremony will take place in October.

Organisation Spotlight - Turn The Tide Teignbridge CIC

We are delighted that Turn the Tide Teignbridge CIC is a signatory of the Devon Climate Declaration.

Turn the Tide Teignbridge CIC is a entirely volunteer-run community interest company organising "events with a climate/nature theme to draw attention to environmental issues."

They told us about the things they are doing to help address the climate emergency:

"We are in partnership with Sustainable Dawlish, managing a project called 'Our Green Futures', funded by Transition Together that awards small grants to groups wishing to address climate change or nature depletion in their local communities. We are organising 10 events in the Dawlish area to help people come up with ideas that we might fund."

We are delighted that environmentally conscious organisations have supported our Climate Declaration as we work to deliver the Devon Carbon Plan and Climate Adaptation Strategy.

If you would like to learn more about signing the Declaration, please visit our website, following the link below.

Endorse the Devon Climate Declaration

Please also follow Turn the Tide Teignbridge and their project Our Green Futures on Facebook to stay up to date with their activities.

Check out Turn the Tide Teignbridge on Facebook
Check out the Our Green Futures project on Facebook

Dates for the Diary

Schools Working Together To Be Zero Carbon - Webinar

10th September, 15:45-16:30 | Microsoft Teams

Zero Carbon Schools is an exciting, free, programme which enables pupils to learn more about climate change, investigate their school's carbon footprint, lead projects to reduce it, and inspire others to take action. It also includes teacher training, and support to inform and involve the local community. Henry, Founder and Managing Director, will explain how the programme works, how it aligns with Let's Go Zero, and how you can get your school on board!

Find out more
Farm diversification circular economies a tree canopy and a recycling sign over a leaf

Image by Devon Agri-Tech Alliance

Farm Diversification: Circular Economies

12th September, 12:00-16:00 | Hayes Meadow, EX20 3QU

Join the Devon Agri-Tech Alliance for a workshop focused on farm diversification and circular economies, held at Hayes Meadow Organic. Speakers include Graham Macklin (farm owner), University of Plymouth researchers, Luppo Diepenbroek (grassland nutritionist), and Andy Gray (farmer and entrepreneur). Tour the cutting-edge processing facility and see how their approach repurposes animal by-products to produce new income streams.

Register your place
People Planet Profit growing a sustainable food and drink business devon food with leaves and a recycling symbol

Image by Devon Food Partnership

Growing A Sustainable Food And Drink Business

19th September, 18:00 - 22:00 | Greendale Farm Shop, EX5 2JU

Join the Devon Food Partnership and Food Drink Devon for a relaxed evening at Greendale Farm Shop exploring how sustainable practices can help support your food or drink business.

Hear from local food and drink businesses about their sustainability journeys and gain insight into how environmental and social sustainability could strengthen your enterprise.

Find out more

361 Energy Fair

29th September, 10:00-16:00 | Barnstaple Pannier Market EX31 1SY

361 Energy is hosting their Energy Fair at Barnstaple Pannier Market. Activities will include talks, an exhibition, and a mini planetatrium. Caterers, environmental organisations, and businesses will be in attendance. All ages welcome.

Find out more

Become Your Organisation’s Future Climate Leader

October - December 2024 | Cornwall and Plymouth

A Free 10-week course is available for those working in Cornwall, Devon or the Isles of Scilly to become sustainability leaders. The Future Climate Leaders course is a unique opportunity for enterprises to go greener. It is a chance to invest in one of your eco-conscious employees and turn them into your business’ climate champion so you can get to grips with and tackle environmental challenges.

This course is up to 90% funded for enterprises based in Devon as a Skills Bootcamp through the UK Government and Devon County Council.

Find out more

Sustainable Crediton And Significant Seams Present The ‘Crediton Eco-Crafternoon’

26th October, 13:00 - 16:00 | The Boniface Centre, EX17 2AH

The Crediton Eco-Crafternoon is a textile and craft ‘Give & Take’ event where people can bring their surplus supplies and make a donation in exchange for items. The Sustainable Crediton Repair Cafe will also be there to help with repairs. Other activities include making tote bags from curtains. The poppy appeal will be showing people how to make poppies, and there will be stalls/groups offering activities and eco-friendly gifts.

Book now

Fields and trees on a cloudy day

Photo by Bat Conservation Trust

The “Connecting People And Landscapes In A Changing Climate” Project Presents: Connect Café

Join each month for talks, chat, and to share ideas.

It is a free, friendly online space where you can:

  • Grow your knowledge of Devon’s wildlife and habitats
  • Get practical information on what you can do to help biodiversity
  • Discover more about monitoring and surveying
  • Connect with people, communities & organisations caring for local landscapes.

For details and joining information contact: hworthington@bats.org.uk 07565147459

Funding Opportunities

Creative Commission Opportunity - Devon Wildlife Trust

Deadline: 22nd September 2024

Devon Wildlife Trust is re-introducing Pine Martens back into the Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks. As part of this, they are commissioning artists and creatives £300-£2000 to "ignite the spirit of nature and heritage in the hearts of those who experience your creations". They are "seeking proposals which will captivate, inspire and engage people" in a number of outlined themes. Click "Find out more" below to learn more about how to submit a proposal.

Find out more

Imperial Community Impact Fund

Deadline: 26th September 2024 (Round 1), 20th March 2025 (Round 2)

The Imperial Community Impact Fund is a new initiative designed to support local community groups and charities that are committed to making a positive difference.

There is a total annual fund of £10,000, offering grants up to £1,000 to encourage and empower local organisations working in the fields of environment, sustainability, creativity, and addressing local problems.

Community groups and charitable organisations can apply.

The focus of the fund is to provide small grants for community organisations and charities making a difference in their local community.

Find out more and apply

NextEnergy Solar Impact Fund

Deadline: 24th October 2024

Not-for-profit organisations in South West England can apply for funding from the NextEnergy Solar Impact Fund.

The funding is intended to support activities that will have positive social, economic and/or environmental impacts on the area. There is a particular focus on education, training and skills.

The programme objectives are:

  • Support climate change mitigation and adaptation - through community education on sustainable practices
  • Promote a just transition – encourage and promote skills, education and training in climate solutions – reskill or upskill people for jobs in climate solutions
  • Promote general skills development – encourage and promote skills and training for local people – provide training and development for employees
  • Improve local education – create educational initiatives that relate to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – create educational activities for the community – support local academic institutions

Registered charities, CICs, charitable trusts, academic institutions, charitable companies and unincorporated organisations can apply for grants up to £5,000.
Find out more and apply

Tree Council: Branching Out Fund

Deadline: 1st December 2024

The Tree Council grants programme, Branching Out, is now open for applications from not-for-profit organisations seeking to establish trees and hedges in the 2024/25 planting season.

You can apply for grants of between £250 and £2,500 for the purchase of trees, hedging, hedgerow trees and fruit trees, together with planting aids such as tree-guards, stakes and mulch. Projects with strong community involvement will be looked on more favourably.

Schools, colleges, community groups, care homes, parish & town councils, Tree Warden Networks, Community Interest Companies and small registered charities are all eligible to apply for funding.

Find out more and apply

Stobart Sustainability Fund

Funding is available for organisations that want to transform their local community through projects that tackle climate change, reduce carbon emissions or that protect and enhance the environment.

Community groups, schools and colleges or small businesses involved in sustainability initiatives can apply for a grant from the new Stobart Sustainability Fund.

Find out more and apply

Have you got an event, opportunity, or story around tackling climate change?

Let us know! For the chance to be featured in our newsletter, email: environmentalpolicy@devon.gov.uk

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The future looks bright for vessel recycling

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

The future looks bright for vessel recycling

28 August 2024

A clean marine environment remains high on the agenda for South Hams District Council as they now look to expand their work in the recycling of abandoned vessels across South Hams’ waters.

A big part of the Council’s drive to reduce climate change includes looking at marine activities across the District and finding ways to reduce carbon emissions and water pollution.

Boats are being regularly reported as abandoned, sunk or stranded within the Dart, Salcombe-Kingsbridge and Yealm estuaries. This is having an environmental and financial impact on the marine community. Therefore, the Council has identified these end-of-use vessels as an area of ongoing concern within the South Hams.

Back in Spring 2024, the Council worked with Creekside Boatyard in Dartmouth and industry partners to dismantle a sailing boat that had reached the end of its useful life. They then looked at ways to recycle or reuse as many component parts as possible.

The Council has now released the findings from the innovative recycling project, a first of its kind.  The pilot successfully demonstrated that a novel piece-by-piece disassembly, recovery, and recycling approach to dealing with end-of-life boats is both achievable and time efficient. Component parts ranged from stainless steel rigging and bronze winches to the boat’s engine and electronics. Almost 1,500 kg of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) composite was also recovered.

Whilst there is currently no commercial recycling solution in the UK for the composite used in boat hulls, the project team were delighted to be able to recover and clean contaminated GRP fibres for the first time from a small section of the boat using an innovative process known as DEECOM®. Going forward, they hope that these fibres can be re-used to create an upcycled product.

Work will now continue as the Council explores future opportunities with partners and local waste management specialists to address the issue on a larger scale.

Cllr John McKay, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “This research is just the first step in our work to address the issue of abandoned vessels across the South Hams.

“We want to work more closely with our industry partners, harbour authorities, marinas and boat builders. They are the ones who feel more closely the financial and environmental impact of end-of-life boats sitting in their waters and getting in the way of their day-to-day work.  

“Projects such as these are so important and go a long way in supporting our ambitions to reduce climate change.”

James Scott-Anderson from Marine Environmental Specialists Blue Parameters said: “This project has successfully demonstrated that there is a solution to end-of-life vessels, and that we have options for all kinds of composite waste, and its potential for upcycling.

“It has been a combination of expertise, resources and companies from different sectors- and using new technology, which has made this project successful. We have an alternative to landfill for composite waste which will not only benefit the marine sector, but wider ambitions to tackle climate change.

“It is also essential that we move forward and look at how the knowledge gained from this project can be used in the future, and at a larger scale.”

The project has also had the support from the Royal Yachting Association and its environmental programme The Green Blue.

Read the report and watch the Council's recent video at www.southhams.gov.uk/marine-decarbonisation

Anyone who spots an abandoned boat, can report it at the The Green Blue website.

Locks Hill developer and director convicted of planning breaches

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Locks Hill developer and director convicted of planning breaches

Issued: 20 August 2024

We will come down hard on developers who ignore planning regulations and cause damage in our communities. That’s the message from South Hams District Council after a successful prosecution at Gloucester Crown Court yesterday (19 August).

The Council pursued Blakesley Estates (Kingsbridge) Ltd - now known as Garden Mill Ltd - and its Director, John Freeland through the courts, when in 2021 they continued building without complying with planning permission conditions on the Garden Mill development site, known locally as Locks Hill in Kingsbridge.

Following several court hearings and unsuccessful applications by Garden Mill Ltd and Mr Freeland both pleaded guilty to breaching a temporary stop notice and an enforcement notice issued by the Council. Garden Mill Ltd have been ordered to pay a £100,000 fine and £40,000 costs to the Council. Mr Freeland has been ordered to pay £76,000 in fines and £80,000 in costs to the Council. They have been given 12 months in which to pay.

Councillor Dan Thomas, the Council’s Executive Member for Planning, said: “I am really pleased that this company and its director have been brought to justice.

“We tried to work with them, but they refused to comply. The local community has quite rightly been up in arms about what has happened at the site – we have listened to them and relentlessly taken this through the courts over the past few years. We hope this sends a message loud and clear that we will not tolerate anyone who disregards planning enforcement notices and that we will take action.”

Blakesley Estates bought the land with planning permission for 32 new homes, with a condition. This was that no site clearance, preparatory work or development would take place until a scheme was put in place to protect trees on the site and limit the impact that building work and the development would have on a neighbouring Grade-II listed building.

Despite this, work started at the site without adequate tree protection, so the Council ordered the developer to stop. However, work continued, causing even more damage to the site.

Work finally stopped, leaving the land with a number of houses partially built and the remaining land an unfinished building site.

Blakesley Estates then lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate to restart the work, which was dismissed. Earlier this year, an inspector concluded that the developer had not complied with a planning condition and that planning permission had expired resulting in the land no longer benefitting from planning permission.

The Council continued to pursue the company and its director through the courts and has now won its case.

Councillor Dan Thomas said: “This issue has gone on for years and we have worked tirelessly to bring it to a conclusion. We are facing a housing crisis, and we are really keen for this eyesore to be fixed. We want the local community in Kingsbridge to get the housing development they deserve which respects the local area.”

South Hams District Council has welcomed its new tenants to Holywell Meadow

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

South Hams District Council has welcomed its new tenants to Holywell Meadow.

15 August 2024

Creating more lower cost homes for local people is a top priority for South Hams District Council which is why they built their own affordable rental homes to help tackle the District’s housing crisis.

The Council’s new development offers eight social rented 2- and 3-bedroom homes and bungalows on a new site in St Anns Chapel.  Three homes will also soon be available to buy on the open market.

With the Council’s focus also on climate change, the homes benefit from state-of-the-art energy saving technology which will also help residents save on their energy bills.

As tenants have recently moved in, you can now hear from tenant Abbie Fish on how she is finding her new home in their recent video.

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District Council Agrees Ambitious Woodland Deal

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Tel: 01803 861368 Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

 

District Council Agrees Ambitious Woodland Deal

 

Issued: 6 August 2024

An exciting and ambitious woodland deal for a new 65-acre community woodland has been agreed and is going to be created in South Brent.

With the support of the Government’s Trees for Climate Land Acquisition Fund, South Hams District Council has been able to buy the site. This is part of the District Council’s priority to tackle climate change and increase biodiversity by 20% over four years.

Tree planting will start later this year with a community planting event.

Leader of South Hams District Council, Cllr Julian Brazil, says: “We are so thrilled and excited about this project. As an ambitious administration this is all about what we are trying to achieve. It emphasises our priority around the climate change and biodiversity agenda, but it does so much more. We will be working with local schools, social prescribers, and other local community groups. It will leave a lasting legacy for the South Hams.

“We hope to plant around 25,000 trees on this site. It is the start of us planting a tree for every resident of the South Hams. Thank you so much to all those involved. My fellow councillor John McKay, as executive lead, and local councillors Guy Pannell and David Hancock have all helped to get us this far. We all want to make a difference.”

As part of the woodland, the fields will continue to be a productive landscape, with parts of the site still being grazed. As part of the varied community proposals, an orchard and a market garden will be created in partnership with local group, Sustainable South Brent to deliver the project for their local area.

They are passionate about the project and will use some of the woodland for education and community food production.

The Vice-Chair of Sustainable South Brent (SSB), Hayden Gabriel, says: “This new woodland can deliver so much for the community of South Brent and aligns precisely with SSB’s vision of creating a resilient, low-carbon community where all life thrives.  Varied habitat creation and nature recovery in this zone of woodland, increased local food production and a natural educational resource are just some of the many advantages on offer.

“The opportunities are huge and we are excited to work with the District Council and the Community Forest to maximise the potential of the site for the community.  Sustainable South Brent trustees and volunteers are keen to get behind this project.  Now news of the woodland has been made public, we will be inviting local groups and schools to help shape and deliver this uplifting endeavour.”

Director of the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, Kathryn Deeney, says: “The Community Forest has successfully been supporting a varied programme of new planting within the Plymouth, South Devon and Dartmoor area over the last couple of years. This marks the first land purchase through the Community Forest, and is an exciting milestone, reflecting the strong partnership built up locally, and was a proposal we could confidently champion and support.”

Over the coming months South Hams District Council will engage with local residents over proposals for the site and consider detailed design and planting with the community, partners and stakeholders. The planting will be supported through a partnership with the Woodland Trust and their MoreWoods scheme.

The planting will be supported through a partnership with the Woodland Trust and their MOREwoods scheme, which is funded by Lloyds Bank.

Outreach Manager for the Woodland Trust, Eleanor Lewis, says: “This is an excellent opportunity for a new woodland serving the South Hams. MOREWoods is an established scheme that provides expert advice, funding and trees to landowners who want to create a woodland.”

“With careful planning this site can deliver huge benefits for people, wildlife and climate, as well as incorporating local aspirations for continued local food production on part of the land. We look forward to working collaboratively to design a woodland that can deliver multiple benefits with the local community at its heart.”

The next step is to share proposals with the local South Brent community at a drop-in event. This will be held on Wednesday 14 August in the Aune Room, Old School Community Centre in South Brent from 3 to 8 p.m.

Welcome To Our August Newsletter!

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Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary

Devon Climate Emergency Logo

Devon Climate Emergency | August 2024

Welcome To Our August Newsletter!

Positive Climate NewsThere are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience and implementing the Devon Carbon Plan and Climate Adaptation Strategy. Here are our picks for the month!

You can see more positive actions and stay updated throughout the month by visiting the Taking Action page on our website.

Free Energy-Efficiency Retrofit Advice Available To Homeowners

A high window in a white room with blue sky and sun seen through the window.Local Community Energy groups in Devon are offering free Retrofit Advice home visits until the end of March 2025. You can arrange for one of their qualified Retrofit Advisors to visit your home and advise you on how to make your home healthier to live in and cheaper to run.
Find Out More

North Devon Council Celebrates Air Quality Improvement

A woman faces the sun with her eyes closedNorth Devon Council has revoked the Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) for Braunton, marking a key milestone in the district’s efforts to enhance air quality. Braunton has seen consistent air quality improvements over the past five years, driven by reduced transport emissions largely due to vehicle technology and increases in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Whilst air pollution, particularly from diesel vehicle particulates, remains a concern, this achievement is a significant step forward. The Council will continue working with residents and businesses to build on this success.
Read More

New Bus Lane Will Shorten Bus Travel Times In Exeter

bus stop written on the road surface in yellowDevon County Council commenced work on a new contraflow bus lane in Exeter city centre on Monday, 24 June. The project will require some night-time road closures, and once completed, it will improve bus journey times in the city.
Read More

Biodiversity And Community Boosting Improvements Underway In Lower Hoopern Valley

wooden bench with trees and shrubs behindWorks are underway to improve the Lower Hoopern Valley, a 38 acre plot to the south of the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus.

Habitats are being restored to maximise wildlife, including work on a pond, clearance of invasive species, and removal of litter. Additions of paths, bridges, entrances, and seating will increase the availability of green spaces for the community.
Find Out More

Teignbridge District Council Launches Climate Hub

Teignbridge Climate Hub has been launched by Teignbridge District Council, so the public and businesses can find out how they can contribute to a net zero Devon. Each idea is rated out of three starts for impact and ease, allowing visitors of the platform to choose the best options for their circumstances at a glance. two hands holding three marrows out
Find Out More

Torridge District Council To Establish New Community Woodland

a large old tree branch in the canopy with blue sky behindTorridge District Council has been consulting the public on plans to establish a community woodland at the Gatefield Amenity Grassland in Bideford. In person consultation events have been held, as well as an option to input online.

This initiative is part of the council’s commitment to plant 10,000 urban trees by 2025. The woodland will support wildlife and capture carbon from the air as the woodland grows.
Find Out More
Devon Climate Emergency Updates

Latest From The Secretariat

The Progress Report against the Carbon Plan and Adaptation Action Plan (the short term priorities within the Strategy) have been updated on the website. There is lot happening across Devon against the plans, though there remains much to do.

In July, the Tactical Group discussed progress against the Built Environment actions and explored further opportunities for partnership collaboration, which they will continue to look to develop. The Response Group considered progress against the Adaptation Action Plan, as well as hearing an update on the Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas Scheme.

July's meeting of the Climate Impacts Group explored plans for an Extreme Heat workshop to be held by the Local Resilience Forum, as well as opportunities to collaborate around landscape recovery at a catchment scale.

Organisation Spotlight - Croyde Ocean Triathlon

people in wetsuits running into the sea

We are delighted that Croyde Ocean Triathlon is a signatory of the Devon Climate Declaration.

Croyde Ocean Triathlon have developed a climate action plan and are working towards being net zero by 2027. They told us about the things they are doing to help address the climate emergency:

"As a large organised outdoor event we have a responsibility to do things right, here is what we do:

  • encourage train use and offer free collections from the station;
  • make our own medal ribbons using old beach tents that we have helped collect;
  • make sure our medal has a dual use and is not simply a "medal";
  • take steps to change our bank;
  • 100% of single use cups on site are recyclable via a bio digester, also used to recycle food waste and veg ware plates;
  • use reusable cups for our water stations;
  • give 100% of our profit to local charity Plastic Free North Devon;
  • use home made volunteer made food with zero packaging;
  • never over order merchandise, source it VERY carefully, make sure it is made from recycled plastics or organic cotton;
  • be strict regarding vendor sustainability standard compliance;
  • and support ethical local suppliers."

We are delighted that environmentally conscious organisations have supported our Climate Declaration as we work to deliver the Devon Carbon Plan and Climate Adaptation Strategy.

If you would like to learn more about signing the Declaration, please visit our website, following the link below:
Endorse the Devon Climate Declaration

Dates for the DiaryFind out about upcoming events, funding and opportunities across Devon below.
A girl with a butterfly on her nose Take part in the Big Butterfly Count 2024

Till the 4th August, Butterfly Conservation need people of all ages across the UK to get outside and count butterflies.

It's lots of fun and the information you provide helps experts understand how butterflies and day-flying moths are doing, and how we can help protect them for the future. This information helps assess how butterflies and moths are responding to a changing climate, in combination with other threats such as habitat loss.
Find Out More
a silhouette of a wheel with a castle in front Totnes Bike Hub Social Bike Ride 

10th August, 10:00, Totnes Bike Hub

The Pulse Building, The Mansion, 36 Fore Street, Totnes

Aimed at beginners or people returning to cycling.

Around 6 to 8 miles.
Find Out More
ACT on a green background Action on Climate Teignbridge at the Christow Show

17th August, 10:00 to 17:00

Teign Valley Community Hall EX6 7WA

ACT will have a stall all day at the show, with climate change information and volunteers who would love to talk to you.
Find Out More
A group of people standing outside a shop Open Day at Sustainabubble

17 August, 10:00 to 13:00

The Sustainabubble - North St, Market Sq, Crediton (old Town Council Offices) GoogleMap

Come along and see how Sustainable Crediton makes a difference to the environment and bring ideas too.

Everyone welcome.
Find Out More
man outside smiling with a necklace on 'your career elevated' Join thousands supercharging their skills Supercharge your green career with Train4Tomorrow Skills Bootcamps!

The training is funded, flexible and enables you to upskill or retrain, whether you are employed, unemployed or returning to work.

Explore courses in sustainability:

  • Learn how to protect our local environment with Green Protection of Natural Resources or Ecology and Conservation.
  • Become your organisation’s climate champion with Future Climate Leaders.
  • Explore the world of renewable energies with the Intro to Renewables Skills Bootcamp.
  • Or browse the other available courses now by clicking on 'Explore Courses' below.

The Skills Bootcamps are open to residents living in Devon or Cornwall, aged 19 and over looking to build new skills to use in the workplace.
Explore Courses
image of a beech tree close up Photo by Felix Mittermeier Have your say on the first Tree, Hedge and Woodland Strategy for East Devon

Closes 6th September

East Devon District Council (EDDC) is working towards becoming carbon neutral by 2040. To help achieve this, EDDC is preparing a district wide Tree, Hedge and Woodland Strategy and is calling on local residents, community groups, landowners and businesses to share their views.
Respond to the Consultation

Funding Opportunities

Wild About Devon Wild About Devon Community Wildlife Grant Scheme  The Wild About Devon grant scheme 2024 is now live. Communities can apply for up to £500 to fund initiatives that support local wildlife and biodiversity. This could range from gardens and parks to churchyards, orchards, window boxes, ponds and ditches, buildings and more. The scheme is running from 5th June - 1st October 2024. All information on the scheme can be found here.
Devon County Council Devon County Council: Locality Budget Applications can now be made to Devon County Council’s Locality Budgets 2024/25, with funding available for projects that benefit local communities in Devon. Each County Councillor in Devon has a Locality Budget grant allocation of £8,000 that they can use to respond to local needs in this financial year (April 2024 to March 2025). Funding is to be spent or allocated by 31 March 2025. Details here.
volunteers boxing foods to be distributed Photo by cottonbro studio Growing Communities Fund

The Growing Communities Fund is intended to support proactive, effective, measurable, and sustainable actions to enable individuals and communities to build self-reliance, community resilience and improve mental health and wellbeing as well as tackle the current cost of living issues through reducing food and fuel inequalities.

Projects should have a clear and direct community benefit as well as consider the environment during this climate emergency.

Grants are commonly between £500 and £1000, and up to £3000 for exemplary projects.

Projects can:

  • link to already established work and add value
  • be new and in response to an identified need
  • use innovation to improve efficiency, reach a wider range of people and improve provision
Find Out More
Event submission information

Devon Climate Emergency
County Hall, Topsham Road
Exeter, Devon EX2 4QD

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Notification of Road Closure – Work Ref: LM300FH11002221 on ZETH HILL LANE TO CORNWOOD ROAD, IVYBRIDGE

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We’re working in your area

Notification of Road Closure – Work Ref: LM300FH11002221 on ZETH HILL LANE TO CORNWOOD ROAD, IVYBRIDGE

We are writing to inform you that South West Water has applied for a road closure to complete utility works from near Dinnaton Bridge to near Greenacres. These works, subject to approval from Devon Highways, will take place between 14/11/2024 and 18/11/2024.

All efforts will be made to maintain access to properties within the area of the closure and minimise disruption.

If you require further information, please contact the Helpline on 0344 346 2020.

 Thank you for your patience and understanding, we’ll make sure the work is completed as quickly as possible to minimise any disruption.

South West Water