Resident parking discounts on the horizon in South Hams
Issued: 20 November 2024
After listening to the views of local town councils, plans for an innovative discounted residents’ parking scheme will be discussed by the Executive at South Hams District Council on Thursday 21 November 2024.
Delivering effective services and the wellbeing of communities is at the heart of each decision the Council makes - and essential services such as car parks, public toilets and the other services are all part of ensuring towns thrive and succeed.
After 4 years of frozen car park prices to support residents and businesses throughout the cost-of-living crisis, the Council can no longer absorb the significant rising costs of delivering services that residents and businesses value, so is regrettably considering increasing charges.
The District Council plans to continue to offer support to its local communities in the current difficult financial climate.
Residents who sign up to the proposed scheme would get a discount on prices displayed in district council-owned car parks.
Even with the increases visitors to the South Hams will still be paying less for parking when compared to other similar tourist areas across Devon and Cornwall.
Consulting closely with local town councils, the District Council has listened carefully to their feedback. New adapted proposals ready for the Executive meeting, take account of their views that not all increased charges should fall on visitors.
Cllr Victor Abbott, Executive Member for Community Services and Operations: “For 4 years we have frozen our prices, but we can’t keep doing this with increasing costs. The new changes ensure that visitors make a fairer contribution to the cost of the services they use but reflect the views of our larger town councils that visitors shouldn’t pick up the full bill.
“This latest proposed scheme means residents will pay a little less than the advertised car parking rates; while still valuing our visitors and the impact they have on our local economy and keep charges as competitive as possible across the whole of the region.
“We are being open and transparent and everyone will be given the opportunity to give us their views in a public consultation before a final decision is taken.”
Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary
Devon Climate Emergency | November 2024
Welcome To Our November 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.
Funded Training Offered for Future Climate Leaders
Become a Climate Champion for your organisation!
Devon County Council are funding a 10-week training course for Devon employees to become sustainability leaders with Train4Tomorrow.
The Future Climate Leaders Skills Bootcamp has been developed by experts from a wide spectrum of specialisms at the University of Plymouth. Up to 90% funded, the training course is your chance to become a climate champion for your organisation so you can get to grips with and tackle environmental challenges within your sector.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.”
Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary
Devon Climate Emergency | October 2024
Welcome To Our October 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.
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 30th 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary
Devon Climate Emergency | September 2024
Welcome To Our September 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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!
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.
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 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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Please find attached information about a temporary traffic restriction. **Advice of deferred works dates: the works under this TTRO2457342 will now take place from 21/11 – 03/12**
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.
