Category Archives: Uncategorised

More EV Chargers to be Installed in Plymouth

A new trial is launching for residents of Plymouth who don’t have private parking and struggle to charge their electric vehicles at home.

Thanks to funding from the government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund Plymouth will have:

100 pavement channels (to enable residents to run a cable from an electricity supply in their house)
600 public pedestal and/or flush-fitting chargers on-street and in car parks

Work to Improve Climate Resilience of Rail Line

The Environment Agency and Network Rail are undertaking significant work to protect the main rail line through Devon and into Cornwall, particularly the section between Exeter and Dawlish along the Exe Estuary. This area is vulnerable to erosion due to rising sea levels and increased storm activity, both consequences of climate change.

Photo by Boys in Bristol Photography from Pexels

North Devon Council Moves Towards a Greener Future with Electric Vehicles

North Devon Council is progressing its sustainability efforts by transitioning to electric vehicles. Following successful trials, the council will replace two diesel vehicles in its Parks Team with electric vans, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency.

The council plans to extend this transition to other departments, including Parking and Waste & Recycling, depending on budget and infrastructure. Recent trials of an electric HGV waste lorry also showed promise but highlighted challenges in rural areas. Further testing is planned before replacing larger waste vehicles.

Devon Climate Emergency Recruiting a Support Officer

The Devon Climate Emergency Secretariat have a vacancy for a Climate Emergency Support Officer. This graduate role will support the Devon Climate Emergency Project Manager, principally with partner and wider stakeholder engagement and communications requirements of the project.

The role will also help ensure the partners feel involved in the project and will network with them and wider stakeholders to increase engagement and awareness of the partnership’s activities and to promote the activities to an extensive audience.

Endorse the Devon Climate Declaration

Organisation Spotlight - Creative Arts Therapy Devon CIC

Photo by Sarah Dietz, Pexels

We are delighted that Creative Arts Therapy Devon CIC is a signatory of the Devon Climate Declaration. They have calculated their carbon footprint and are working towards being net-zero by 2030.

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

"Whilst we use vehicles to be mobile therapists we are committed to working within our local communities as much as possible to promote cycling and walking (train for further journeys) to our places of work. Where possible we work virtually with clients and for meetings. We work from home, and we are ecologically mindful of our energy consumption throughout the year. We are working towards developing a climate action plan, and plan to be net-zero by 2030 for our travel (minimum)."

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.

Tamar Energyfest

9 Nov, 10:00 to 15:00 | Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock.

This year’s theme, “Cosy, Efficient, and Future-Ready,” focuses on practical strategies for retrofitting homes to enhance energy efficiency, comfort, and resilience against rising energy costs and climate change. With free entry, this event is ideal for anyone concerned about the climate emergency, carbon reduction, and energy efficiency—or simply looking to lower their bills.

Attendees can receive free, impartial advice from experts on retrofitting and energy management. You’ll also find knowledgeable exhibitors, information stalls, and interactive displays.

Community Action Groups Devon SkillShare24

09 November | The Mint, Exeter

You’re invited to join CAG Devon for SkillShare24, a day focused on environmental action, inspiration, and building resilience through community connections!

This year’s theme, "Resilience Through Connecting," explores how working together strengthens individuals and groups, helping us achieve more locally. Expect practical workshops, creative activities, and discussions on the latest local climate initiatives. You'll have the chance to network, share ideas, and make meaningful connections, all while enjoying good food and planning next steps for taking action in your community!

SkillShare24 welcomes anyone interested in making their communities more resilient and sustainable. Join us for a day of connection, learning, laughter, creativity, reflection and inspiration. We are stronger together.

We sold out last year so make sure to secure your place.

Check out our video from SkillShare23 for a flavour of what’s to come: CAG Devon SkillShare23

Sign Up

Introduction to Community Action on Energy

6 of Nov 10:00 -11:00 | Zoom

In this online session, the Centre for Sustainable Energy will give an overview of the many ways that communities can take action on energy.

Sign up here

Free Cycle Training Sessions for Adults this November

The dates for Active Devon's sessions in November are live and can be found here: Calendly - FREE Adult Cycle Training | Active Devon

This month, sessions are available in Exeter, Exmouth, Torrington, Bideford and Newton Abbot.

Active Devon provide sessions suitable for every level from beginner to intermediate!

Book now

#ClimateScam? + Q&A

21 Nov, 18:00 | Plymouth Arts Cinema

As the world faces increasingly devastating climate-related disasters, why do so many people believe that the climate crisis is nothing more than a hoax?

In this eye-opening documentary, Jaz, a young mobile hairdresser and social media-savvy member of the TikTok generation, embarks on a journey to uncover the truth.

In home visits with leading climate scientists, activists and sceptics, she starts to unravel a web of misinformation and conspiracy theories that should worry us all.

#ClimateScam? is the latest documentary produced by Cornwall Climate Care. The screening will be followed by a Q&A.

Book Here

Repair Cafes

Happening across Devon - follow link for dates and times.

There are a number of repair cafes happening across Devon this November helping you to mend a range of broken items. Check out the Community Action Group website by following the button below for more information.

Exeter City Council Sustainable Suppliers Event

28 Nov 8:30 – 11:30 (arrive from 8am) | Studio Room, Matford Centre, Marsh Barton, EX2 8FD

Join Exeter City Council for breakfast and learn how to improve the sustainability of your business and reduce costs with the Green Accord and ECC!

•Learn how to embed sustainability into your business with the Green Accord!
•Meet procurement specialists to find out how to supply to the council
•View electric vehicles for business use, showcased by Bristol Street Motors, Nissan, Yeomans and Bike Shed
•Learn how to improve business opportunity and reach!

Rootstock Sessions: Dairy Resilience in the Face of Change

Nov 28 11:00 - 14:00

Westpoint Arena, Conference Centre Clyst Saint Mary EX5 1DJ

This event brings together voices from the Devon dairy industry to explore resilience and sustainability in the face of change. This dynamic event, a precursor to Rootstock – Devon’s Future Farming Conference on 6 February 2025, is a collaboration between the Devon County Agricultural Association, Devon Agri Tech Alliance Devon County Council, and Forum for the Future.

Farmers and industry stakeholders will engage in discussions on the challenges and opportunities in dairy farming, contributing to The Future of Dairy project. The goal is to build a more resilient UK dairy industry that can withstand financial, environmental, and social challenges.

Register Here

Adopting Net-Zero Solutions in the South West’s Building Industry

22 Nov, 9:30-14.30 | Exeter College Technology Centre, College Way, Exeter EX1 3PZ

Bradfords Building Supplies and Plymouth Business School invite you to this launch event, for all individuals and organisations interested in the extent to which low carbon solutions are being adopted in construction across the South West region.

The launch will reveal the results of detailed research conducted over the summer examining the use by the construction industry of low-carbon building materials in the South West. The research was funded by the Net-Zero Exchange project at the University of Plymouth Sustainable Earth Institute.

Bat Conservation Trust Events

Connect Café, 20 Nov, 19:30 - 21:00

November’s café session is all about the power of citizens when it comes to looking after our wildlife and landscapes, learn about citizen science and how we people can make a difference to conservation through simply observing the world around us.

Winter wildlife on the farm, 24 Nov, 13:00 to 15.30

Come and explore Gappah Farm, near Chudleigh and help out with a Winter Wildlife Survey. Try out some wildlife recording Apps and work on your identification skills all while enjoying a walk on one of the project’s amazing farms. Refreshments provided.

Book Here

Energy for Tomorrow

EfT is Centrica's social impact fund, backing innovation and providing funding and support to communities with initiatives that can deliver a greener, fairer future for all. EfT encourages collaborative action and aims to advance initiatives that can bring us closer to a fairer, more sustainable future.

Igniting Innovation: conservation challenge

Igniting Innovation is an exciting nature conservation challenge that invites passionate young people to share their brightest ideas for a healthier planet. This is your chance to bring a real project to life with funding and expert support. Applications for 2025 are open.

Tree Council: Branching Out Fund

Deadline: 1 Dec 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.

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.

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

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

devonclimateemergency.org.uk | Media enquiries | Contact

Working together to clean up our waters

Posted on 21st October 202421st October 2024 by admin

Tel: 01803 861368

Email: communications@swdevon.gov.uk

Working together to clean up our waters

21 October 2024

With cleaner waters a hot topic, organisations have been coming together to see how our marine industry can do its bit to tackle air and water pollution across the South Hams.

As part of its promise to protect the environment and boost the local economy, South Hams District Council has been working with local marine businesses, harbour authorities and industry experts to help move away from fossil fuel to electric power on the water.

At an electric propulsion workshop on 18 October at South Devon College Marine Academy, Cllr John Birch, Executive Member for Economic Development said: “We want to see our local marine economy thrive and embrace the future of electric power. It is so important that businesses stay ahead of the curve when it comes to cleaner technologies; this is the future, and we want everyone on the journey with us.”

The workshop also heard from Salcombe Harbour Authority who talked about its plans to electrify the Council’s fleet of vessels, including the trial of an electric water taxi and RIB.

There are many projects the Council is delivering to help to reduce carbon emissions and pollution along the District’s coast.

Following its successful vessel recycling project at Creekside Boatyard in Dartmouth, the Council is now looking to upscale its work in tackling the issue of abandoned boats across the District.

It recently partnered with the Royal Yachting Association’s environmental programme, The Green Blue to seek the marine communities’ views on electric propulsion.

It is also working with The Carbon Trust to create a toolkit that will measure the carbon footprint for all boat users in Salcombe Harbour, as well as its own fleet of vessels.

Cllr John McKay, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity said: “The only way we can tackle climate change is by working together.

“We want to protect our beautiful waterways here in the South Hams so that future generations can enjoy our coastal areas and rivers for many years to come – these projects will certainly help to do just that.”

Devon Climate Emergency October Newsletter

Posted on 15th October 202415th October 2024 by admin

Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary

Devon Climate Emergency | October 2024

Welcome To Our October Newsletter!

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

Devon County and Torbay Councils Launch Consultations on Transport Plans

The draft Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) and draft Devon Countywide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) are open for public consultation until Saturday the 30^th of November. These plans inform how the county moves forward in building sustainable transport infrastructure which will help bring down Devon’s carbon emissions and improve quality of life.

Read more

University of Exeter Launches “Gift It, Reuse It” Scheme for Incoming Freshers

The University of Exeter launches scheme to pass on donated home essentials from outgoing student halls residents to new students joining this September. Items include crockery, cutlery, PAT-tested small electricals, and clothes hangers- all completely for free. The initiative offers a solution to a recurring source of waste and helps new students save money, packing space, and start their degrees in an environmentally conscious way.

Read more

Photo by North Devon Council

North Devon Council Revamps Barnstaple Bus Station Hub

Barnstaple Bus Station Hub officially reopens, complete with a brand new café and takeaway. Refurbishment brings an improved layout to provide a safer and more comfortable experience for visitors.

Read more

Food and Drink Businesses Come Together at

People Planet Profit Event

Devon food and drink businesses came together in September for a ‘People Planet Profit’ event hosted by Greendale Farm Shop. A collaboration between the Devon Food Partnership and the Food Drink Devon Sustainability Working Group, this engaging evening focused on growing a sustainable food and drink business.

To accompany the event, the Devon Food Partnership produced a short digital booklet which contains all the information discussed on the night plus some more.

Devon's Latest Carbon Footprint Published

Cumulative Historic Emissions & Cumulative Carbon Budget 2018 to 2022

Each year the University of Exeter calculates Devon’s carbon footprint - the amount of greenhouse gases emitted to the atmosphere by activities within Devon, Plymouth and Torbay’s boundaries. Due to the time taken for the data sets used to be released, there is usually a two year delay. The latest available data is for 2022, when Devon's carbon footprint was 7.15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Emissions have fallen 25% since 2010 and 4% since 2021. Building and transport were responsible for two thirds of emissions in 2022.

In order to track progress, Devon has a carbon budget, outlining the emissions which can occur whilst remaining on track for a 50% reduction by 2030 from 2010 levels and net-zero by 2050 at the latest. However, the latest figures show that emissions exceed the current budget period (2018 to 2022) by 9%, highlighting the need for accelerated action on emissions.

The Devon Climate Emergency partnership are working to accelerate emissions reduction in Devon through projects including an Energy Plan, and an update to the Transport Plan for Torbay and Devon County Council area. Devon, Plymouth and Torbay has secured over £10 million in total through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, to roll-out charging for drivers without off-street parking. Funding of £12.4 million has also been awarded to the area for zero-emissions busses. The Energy Saving Devon website and phoneline has been launched to connect citizens to energy and building advisors and grants, including schemes for low income households.

The partnership will continue to work with government to enable emissions reductions to be accelerated.

There is much to do, but the partnership remains committed to achieving net-zero.

Endorse the Devon Climate Declaration

Organisation Spotlight - Exmouth Council

The Eco Gazebo at Exmouth Festival this year, with Green Team volunteers, Cllr Tim Dumper and Catherine Causley (East Devon District Council Climate Officer).

We are delighted that Exmouth Town Council is a signatory of the Devon Climate Declaration.

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

"After declaring a climate emergency Exmouth Town Council appointed a Climate and Ecological Emergency Resilience Officer, Zoey Cooper. In her 18 months in post Zoey has initiated a range of impactful campaigns, earning her the award of "Newcomer of the Year" (and position #9) at the Resource Hot 100 awards this autumn. Campaigns run include:

• Exmouth Reusable Cup scheme
• Samudra the (plastic-eating) Sea Serpent
• A real nappy scheme
• Promoting reusable period products
• Clothes swapping (and promoting sustainable fashion)
• Magpies: A Thrifty Festival
• Exmouth Festival: “Treading More Lightly" •Cigarette Butt Ballot bin installation

For more information, please contact Exmouth Town Council’s Climate Officer Zoey Cooper at zoey.cooper@exmouth.gov.uk or visit the website: Tackling the Climate & Ecological Emergency - Exmouth Town Council "

Women in sunglasses smiling with brown hair and a green hi-vis jacket and Exmouth Lanyard.

Zoey Cooper, Exmouth's Climate and Ecological Emergency Resilience Officer

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.

Food from the Forest

13th October, 10:00-15:00 | Yeo Valley Woodland, EX32 7HP

A unique day out at Yeo Valley Woodland in Barnstaple on Sunday, 13 October from 10am to 3pm for the "Food from the Forest" event.

Explore the wonders of foraging, with sloes, apples, blackberries, hazelnuts, and more, as we discover delicious, natural foods that can be harvested for free from the woodland.

Apple Pressing: Help press apples to make your own fresh, organic juice! Don’t forget to bring a clean plastic bottle to take some home.

For more details, call 01271 388326 or email parks@northdevon.gov.uk

Water Night 2024

24th October, 17:00-22:00 | Nationwide

Households across the UK will take part in the #TapOffTuneIn Challenge by turning off all non-essential taps from 5-10pm, while landmarks across the country will light up blue. You can sign up below and also be entered into a prize draw for one of two £100 vouchers.

Sign up here

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

Repair Cafes

Tiverton, Chagford, Ashburton and Honiton - follow link for dates and times.

There are a number of repair cafes happening across Devon this October helping you to mend a range of broken items. Check out the Community Action Group website by following the button below for more information.

National Garden Scheme Community Garden Grants

Deadline: 28th October 2024

The 2025 Community Garden Grants scheme is open for applications. Eligible community garden projects from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are welcome to apply for grants of between £1,000 and £5,000. All applications will be assessed on their merits and the successful groups will be notified in March 2025.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

devonclimateemergency.org.uk | Media enquiries | Contact

South Hams District Council wants to hear from you on cycling

Posted on 18th September 202418th September 2024 by admin

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

Posted on 10th September 202410th September 2024 by admin

Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary

Devon Climate Emergency | September 2024

Welcome To Our September Newsletter!

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.

Endorse the Devon Climate Declaration

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Book now

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.