Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary
Devon Climate Emergency | January 2025
Welcome To Our January Newsletter!
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.
Exeter University recognised for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership’
Image courtesy of Times Higher Education
The University of Exeter has been recognised for its commitment to undertaking and communicating world-leading climate research. The prize for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Environmental Leadership’ was given to the University by the Times Higher Education awards at a ceremony in November.
Plymouth’s Young Climate Ambassadors scheme offers hands on learning
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 establish new community woodland
To start the year, the South Brent community enthusiastically planted the first 2,500 trees for a new 65-acre community woodland, now named Hope Wood. This initiative is part of South Hams District Council’s commitment to combating climate change and biodiversity loss by planting one tree for every resident in the South Hams.
Devon Climate Emergency Support Officer starting in January
Having interviewed for a new Climate Emergency Support Officer in December, we are looking forward to the successful candidate starting this month. This will provide extra energy and capacity for communicating the project and keeping the website up to date, to name but a few aspects of the role. We look forward to introducing them to you.
People planet profit: packaging and waste solutions
30 Jan | 10:00 - 14:00
Exeter Science Park, Clyst Honiton, Exeter, EX5 2FN
The Devon Food Partnership and Prosper Business Support invite you to a morning dedicated to exploring how food and drink businesses can improve packaging and waste management!
💡 Hear inspiring case studies from local food and drink businesses and get practical ideas to make your business more eco-friendly.
🗞 Get up to speed with the latest waste legislation changes.
🤝 Network with other Devon businesses and learn about available business support programs.
🍽️ Lunch will be provided#
🎤 Speakers include:
▪ Philippa Roberts - CEO & Co-founder of @Binit: "New packaging regulations and better value waste disposal solutions"
▪ Annette Dentith - Principal Waste Manager at @Devon County Council: "Food waste reduction and Simpler Recycling legislation"
▪ Katie Cross - Owner of @Cake or Death: "Choosing to be plastic-free"
Calling for new members to join the Network of Environmental Educators in Devon (NEED).
Are you interested in environmental education in Devon or perhaps you are a practitioner or organisation that offers environmental education to schools and education settings or a community action group looking to work with schools? Or maybe you are a Teacher interested in what there is out there for your setting?
NEED brings together a large and diverse network of practitioners including local government, schools, further and higher education institutions, NGOs and local communities. The group meets regularly at venues around the county (or virtually) to share good practice and work on joint projects. The group currently acts as a network for everyone involved in education and outdoor learning and seeks to provide a coherent and co-ordinated framework of support across Devon for helping all achieve environmental awareness and sustainability development work.
If you are interested in joining please fill out the form at this link here
NEED are holding their winter networking event on the 7th February at Stover Country park, with a range of speakers and plenty of networking opportunities, plus a tour of the achievements of the ‘Restoring Stover Park’ project. If you are interested in attending, please fill in the NEED joining form above and email alex.mack@resourcefutures.co.uk for the invite details.
Tree Planting at Yonder Oak Wood 2025
Do you want to start 2025 on the right foot? Help plant trees in your local area that will boost local diversity, capture carbon and boost your January blues!
Help the Woodland Trust by planting trees at Yonder Oak Wood this year. They have 2 dates available for you to get involved, 18th January, and 14th February. Please use the following link to find out more information and to book:
Exeter Seed Swap 2025 open for workshop proposals and speakers
Exeter Seed Bank are looking for workshop leaders, speakers, and stallholders to share their knowledge and passion at the 2025 Exeter Seed Swap. To submit a proposal or learn more, contact exeterseedbank@gmail.com.
Exeter Seed Swap 2025 is taking place on Sunday 2 March 2025 at Positive Light Projects, 184-187 Sidwell Street, Exeter, EX4 6RD. Everyone from curious beginners to seasoned gardeners are welcome for a day of exchanging seeds and cultivating community.
Join Zero Miles Gardens for a workshop exploring how permaculture and its principles can help guide our community growing spaces to thrive by growing abundance. In addition, the workshop will explore how permaculture can help create strong and positive group dynamics. The workshop will be led by Tess Wilmot, a permaculture designer and facilitator from Food Plymouth.
This 10 week course is aimed at employees across Devon, working in organisations of any size or sector. Learners could be working in manufacturing, engineering, agriculture, leisure, hospitality, retail, a social enterprise, a charity etc. We are looking for those at management level who are passionate about making sustainable changes to their organisation. Thanks to Skills Bootcamps funding from Devon County Council, the course is up to 90% funded. Our next course starts 16th January.
How it works: Bring unwanted clothes, in good clean condition, drop off between 11:30 - 13:00 (keep your tickets). Swapping begins at 13:00. Take away one item for every one you bring, (exchange ticket) plus buy extra items for just £1 each.
Coffee and cake for sale. Dontate to a great cause, while helping the environment!
Net zero and climate change: Getting started as individuals and enterprises
Net zero and climate change: Getting started as individuals and enterprises guides you through why our climate is changing, what that means for us and our planet, and how we can combat it as individuals and enterprises. No prior knowledge is required, so whether you are a student, professional, policymaker, or simply someone who wants to find out more about why we need to reach net zero carbon emissions, you can register for free. Our next series starts on the 15th January.
Ultra low-carbon building materials: CobBauge, natural insulation and living walls
29th Jan | 14:20 - 17:00 | Online
The built environment is responsible for 34% of energy demand and 37% of carbon emissions globally* and is intertwined with other crises, not least the reduction in global biodiversity. Learn about our research into ultra low-carbon building materials – discover what these materials are, their benefits and how you can implement them.
The Totnes Climate Hub, The Mansion, 36a Fore Street, Totnes,TQ9 5RP
Jack Clancy is a Chartered Financial Planner who works with Path Financial (one of the few financial advice firms that are highly recommended by Ethical Consumer magazine).
His drop-in session offers free, ethical & expert advice.
(Please note that this is not an endorsement of Path Financial by Devon Climate Emergency, all financial advice is taken at your own risk).
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS)
The Great British Insulation Scheme (GBIS) is a government energy efficiency scheme administered by Ofgem.
GBIS may be able to offer you free or cheaper insulation to help reduce your energy bills and your property’s emissions. You can be a homeowner, landlord or tenant (you will need your landlord’s permission before any measures are installed).
You may be able to get support to install measures such as cavity wall insulation, solid wall insulation (internal or external), loft insulation, flat or pitched roof insulation, underfloor insulation - and more.
For further information, to check your eligibility for this scheme, and to apply, go to the following page on the government website:
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.
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.
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.
