Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary
Devon Climate Emergency | April 2024
Welcome To Our April Newsletter!
There are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing the Devon Carbon Plan. 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.
Churches Raise 87% of Their Fundraising Goal in Four Weeks to Make Net Zero Improvements
Churches in Devon participating in the Give 2 Go Green pilot scheme have successfully raised £85,000 out of their £97,000 goal in just four weeks.
The project, run by the Church of England’s Giving Team, involves match-funding to help parishes make net zero improvements to their buildings. Improvements include LED lights, solar PV, infrared heating, roof and window repairs, insulation, and secondary glazing.
South West Coast Path Explore Future-Proofing Path
Since last March, eleven cliff landslips and five wildfires have been reported, prompting the path’s managers to consider adaptations.
The path’s managers are exploring ways to future-proof it through measures such as moving and diverting sections of the path and considering surfacing and drainage.
South West Water to Trial Innovative Leak-Detecting Technology
South West Water is launching a trial to address customer leaks by distributing 6,000 ‘LeakBots’ to households in Devon and Cornwall. The devices will alert homeowners if a leak is detected. If customers cannot fix the leak themselves, the company will provide free repair services.
Climate change is projected to result in reduced summer rainfall in the southwest, increasing the likelihood and length of droughts and causing greater water scarcity. Therefore, effectively managing water resources is more important than ever.
Multi-Million Pound Project to Restore Peat Bogs on Dartmoor
The South West Peatland Partnership (SWPP) is undertaking a £13 million project to restore peat bogs on Dartmoor, aiming to reverse habitat loss. Peat, rich in carbon storage, has been degraded due to various factors, including industry, ordnance testing, and climate change.
The partnership is implementing measures such as blocking gullies and creating pools of water to raise the water table within the peat, slowing water release to mitigate flooding and drought while capturing carbon.
£12.4 Million Secured For Zero-Emission Buses In Devon And Torbay
Devon County Council and Torbay Council have just been awarded £12.4m Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA) funding to electrify their bus fleets, alongside investment of over £15 million from Stagecoach.
The anticipated rollout of electric buses by early 2026 is expected to redefine the public image of transportation, attracting new passengers, increasing park and ride utilisation, and mitigating air pollution.
We've published a new page with monitoring indicator data on our website, to track the achievement of the Devon Carbon Plan’s objectives at a strategic level. Indicators include the total consumption of fossil fuel energy in Devon and the proportion of vehicles registered in Devon that are ultra low emission. This data supplements Devon’s annual carbon footprint and the descriptive progress reports against each action. The indicators are work in progress and will be developed and added to over the coming months.
These indicators are shared for review by the Response Group, as well as published online.
Wave Hill Farm have joined 34 other businesses who have signed the Devon Climate Declaration.
Wave Hill Farm & Eco-Glamping is an off-grid eco glamping site in the South Hams. The site is a working regenerative farm, meaning they produce delicious food while restoring the soil & natural resources.
They use the Farm Carbon Calculator to assess their carbon footprint, that concluded that in 2020 overall the farm sequestered more carbon than it emitted, 75 tonnes of CO2 equivalent per year NET. This is contributed to by 100% pasture reared lamb, tree planting and no-dig vegetable production.
The farm have applied their eco ethos to all aspects of what they do. Visit their website at wavehillfarm.co.uk to find out more.
If your organisation would like to endorse the Devon Climate Declaration and appear in this newsletter and our social channels, you can read more on our website:
Find out about upcoming events and consultations across Devon below.
Devon Housing Commission Call For Evidence
The Commission wants to hear from you about the housing issues you face, how to solve those issues and how the Commission can make a difference. The Commission is also considering the Devon Carbon Plan as evidence in developing its recommendations.
Our Green Futures is an exciting project funded by Transition Together and delivered by Turn the Tide Teignbridge CIC and Sustainable Dawlish. It runs from March 2024 until February 2025.
The project aims to provide ideas and support to local community groups to meet the dual challenge of climate and ecology emergencies. They will be delivering 10 meetings to raise awareness and inspire everyone into taking positive action, as well as inviting bids to enable groups to realise their Green Futures vision. To get involved and stay up to date follow their Facebook page.
South West Marine Ecosystems Water Quality Webinar
10 April 2024, 13:00 - 14:00
With increased likelihood of intense rainfall due to climate change, managing water quality is an area for concern. Would you like to learn more about the status of water quality in the Southwest? Speakers include South West Water and Westcountry Rivers Trust.
We'll be repairing at Tiverton Library, our regular home. We're here, every second Saturday of the month, 9.30am - 12.30pm. What can we mend? We'll have a go at most items, however, as we are volunteer run it does depend on who is available on the day.
With the reduction of income from the Basic Payment Scheme over the next few years, all farmers are considering how to continue to develop their profitable farm businesses. As part of the Agricultural Transition, Defra introduced the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to support farmers looking after the natural environment in the course of their farming.
In this free workshop, Business Information Point will look at the options available under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), including a deep dive into the six new standards being introduced in 2023, and how these can be applied on your farm.
Kingsbridge Community College, Balkwill Road, TQ7 1PL
Join Sustainable South Hams for their 2024 assembly and explore how collaboration leads to positive action! Taking Action Together is all about connecting, supporting and inspiring community groups and education services to collaborate for climate, nature and adaptation. It is a day to discover, explore and get inspired, to celebrate what is already happening across the South Hams and make new connections.
South Brent Old School Community Centre, Totnes Rd, South Brent, TQ10 9BP
Led over a weekend by 'Dr Compost' Nicky Scott and SusSH Composting Mentor and Community Compost Expert Ben Bryant, this course will offer a deep dive for all those interested in developing a community composting site. Booking is essential (follow the link above). Attendees should be willing and able to use the course to develop projects in their own community.
Action on Climate in Teignbridge invite artists from the world of theatre, music, performance, dance and contemporary art to join them in creating a climate change themed festival across Teignbridge.
There are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing the 
Churches in Devon participating in the Give 2 Go Green pilot scheme have successfully raised £85,000 out of their £97,000 goal in just four weeks.
Since last March, eleven cliff landslips and five wildfires have been reported, prompting the path’s managers to consider adaptations.
City parklets, seating areas with plants, have been introduced to create a more pleasant and social city experience for active travel.
South West Water is launching a trial to address customer leaks by distributing 6,000 ‘LeakBots’ to households in Devon and Cornwall. The devices will alert homeowners if a leak is detected. If customers cannot fix the leak themselves, the company will provide free repair services.
Wave Hill Farm have joined 34 other businesses who have signed the Devon Climate Declaration.
Find out about upcoming events and consultations across Devon below.
Exploring SFI Options for Your Farm in 2024
Two Day Community Composting Masterclass
