Caroline Voaden elected as the Member of Parliament for the South Devon Constituency
Issued: 5 July 2024
The votes have been counted and the result declared for the South Devon Constituency in the 4 July 2024 General Election.
Commodore John Keith Moores OBE DL, High Sheriff of Devon, as the Returning Officer declared that Liberal Democrat candidate, Caroline Jane Voaden has been elected as Member of Parliament.
A fuel spillage has been averted and a fishing vessel has now been refloated after becoming grounded near Salcombe.
Salcombe Harbour Authority, with support from South Hams District Council, reacted quickly to help the Emma Jane after she got stuck in mud as she approached the fish quay at 5 a.m. this morning (2 July).
Despite efforts to tow the vessel, she remained grounded and there were fears that as the tide went out, she could roll over and spill fuel. Emergency measures were put into place to protect the environment and so there could be a speedy response if the situation changed.
Salcombe Harbour Master, Cameron Sims-Stirling, said: “The Emma Jane is now safely on her berth and all the crew are safe. We are really pleased that she floated free as the tide came in and that a pollution spill was avoided.
“I’d like to thank vessels for avoiding the grounded area during this time and all those involved for acting so quickly and efficiently to reduce the potential risks.”
Congratulations to the South Hams Community Award winners for 2024.
South Hams District Council's outgoing Chairman for 2023/2024, Cllr Guy Pannell recently presented the awards to the worthy recipients, recognised for their fantastic work to support communities across the District.
With so many fantastic entries, two winners have been named under both the Organisation and Community Champion categories.
Our winners are:
Organisation Award joint winners - Dementia-Friendly Parishes around the Yealm and Kingsbridge Foodbank
Community Champion Award joint winners - Robin Cox and Peter Davis
Young Persons Award (for under 18s) - Kieran Grills
Learn from some of our winners about the important work they do in the Council's recent video
Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary
Devon Climate Emergency | June 2024
Welcome To Our June 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 Organisations Secure Funds in Latest Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Round
Several Devon organisations have been granted funds from Phase 3 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, a UK government initiative to reduce carbon emissions in public sector buildings.
It provides funding to upgrade and retrofit these buildings with energy-efficient and low-carbon technologies.
One of the successful organisations is Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, which has been awarded £1.8 million.
Walking Bus Reducing Emissions at West Croft School
West Croft School in Bideford has launched a second Walking Bus route with the support of adult volunteers trained in road safety. Similar to a regular bus, the Walking Bus follows a fixed route, picking up children at designated stops along the way.
Replacing motorised transport with active travel combats climate change by reducing traffic, fuel usage and emissions.
New Walking, Cycling & Wheeling Route to Open Near Newton Abbot
The first phase of creating a safe and convenient walking, cycling, and wheeling route between Newton Abbot and Ogwell is nearly complete, with a new road section and fencing at Bakers Park finished and road improvements at Steppes Meadow underway.
The route will encourage active lifestyles, reduce car journeys, and improve access to the town centre.
New Project Uses Power of Community to Tackle Impacts of Climate Change
Communities across the South Hams, East and Mid Devon, Teignbridge, Exeter, Plymouth, and Torbay are being invited to help collect information on the impact climate change is having on nine threatened nocturnal mammal species – seven bat species, hazel dormice, and hedgehogs – as well as the habitats they depend on.
‘Connecting people and landscapes in a changing climate’ will bring together regenerative farming and conservation to build a community around nature-friendly food production.
Checking nest boxes for dormice, image by Emily Marnham/PTES
Free Support for Businesses in South Hams to Decarbonise
Businesses in the South Hams area are being offered free specialist advice from Libraries Unlimited, funded by South Hams District Council, to help them reduce their carbon footprint.
The initiative aims to assist firms in identifying actions to improve their environmental approach.
Participating businesses can then apply for Rural England Prosperity Fund grants of up to £10,000 to implement their plans. Currently, 24 businesses in the South Hams have enrolled in the project.
Sustainable Tiverton Supports Young People to Take Action
Sustainable Tiverton has a new Youth Development Worker to support young people around climate breakdown and future sustainability. They are linking up with young people already doing fantastic work locally and tracking down youth-led ideas from across the world to inspire new local action.
Over the next 6-months, they will work out what action young people would like to get involved in, making Sustainable Tiverton more youth centred, then help work up ideas and identify resources for projects.
Volunteers Sought to Support Schools in Their Climate Action Journey
Climate Ambassadors are being recruited to support schools in their climate action journey!
The Climate Ambassador programme is a Department for Education funded project in association with the University of Reading, EAUC and STEM Learning, in partnership with nine regional institutions.
Secretariat Works with the University of Exeter on Monitoring Indicators
The Devon Climate Emergency secretariat has been working with the University of Exeter to review, update and expand the monitoring indicators for the Devon Carbon Plan. The team at the Centre for Energy and Environment, University of Exeter, have made good progress at identifying publicly available data sets to track progress towards the majority of the 62 milestones in the Plan. Further work will now take place to determine how best to present this data for the partnership and the public, on the website. This will then be shared in the newsletter once it is live in coming months.
The latest minutes of the partnership are available on the website.
Organisation Spotlight - Program Agency
Program Agency are proud to have signed the Devon Climate Declaration.
The South West based marketing and communications agency is committed to using marketing for good, helping to elevate organisations that have a positive impact on people and planet.
They've recently become a Certified B Corp, as part of their own commitment to be a force for good.
Program publish their annual carbon footprint reports and client disclosure report; something they're pushing for others to make public. The team also run an internal programme educating employees on reducing environmental impact, as a business and individuals, led by their dedicated Sustainability Champion.
If you would like to sign our Declaration, please visit our website:
Find out about upcoming events, funding and opportunities across Devon below.
Turn the Tide Teignbridge CIC present Troubadour Theatre’s premier production of Whose Wild World?
Dawlish, in the marque on the lawn, 7th June 2024 – 18.00 – 20.00
Turn the Tide is proud to bring an interactive community theatre company performance to Dawlish! Bring your imagination, bring your sense of humour and bring your outrage to explore the impact of human behaviour on our beautiful planet.
Be part of the UK’s biggest celebration of action to tackle climate change and protect nature, taking place in communities nationwide from 8th to 16th June 2024.
In celebration of the launch of the Energy Local Totnes Club, with its new access to local, affordable, renewable hydroelectric power from the Totnes Weir Hydro, there will be a fun and informative afternoon next to the Totnes Weir. There will be children's activities, tours of the Hydroelectric station and information about Energy Local Totnes, as well as Energy Saving advice and a food and drink stall.
Please book your hydroelectric tour or children's activity slot in advance if you can, (it's really helpful for our planning) at: admin@tresoc.co.uk
Every bite of local food can help to support local farmers, reduce food miles, promote regenerative farming, strengthen communities, and improve health and wellbeing.
That's why the Devon Food Partnership are encouraging everyone to make small, simple changes to local food. Whether you shop at farmers' market, visit a farm shop, or sign up to a box scheme, together we can make a big difference.
You can share your pledge on the Every Bite Counts webpage as well as access resources to help you on your local food journey. Share your pledge by Sunday 30 June and you will be entered into a prize draw for a chance towin a Food Drink Devon hamper from Greendale Farm Shop!
Join us in building a more sustainable food future, one bite at a time!
A talk and discussion about the practicalities and opportunities of nature recovery in the UK, with practitioners and experts on the subject. With speakers from Ambios andCows in Clover. This event is Part of the Community Resilience Forum.
Featuring local performers, live music, contemporary art by some of the South West’s leading artists, workshops, street entertainment, and more. Local artists have joined ACT to create events that involve, engage, excite, illuminate, and explain what our changing climate means for us, and what we can all do to reduce our impact on the planet and improve our lives.
Devon County Council (DCC) is administering grants and resources for tree planting, supported by The Woodland Trust and The Forestry Commission. DCC are looking for community groups, including schools, town and parish councils that would like to plant trees on their land. The land can be public or private, but ideally the land should be publicly accessible, or at least accessible to a specific community group (i.e., orchards and allotments).
Through the new Water Restoration Fund, local groups can apply for funding to bolster their capacity and capabilities for delivery of on-the-ground projects which improve the water environment.
Grants to Help Get People Back on their Bikes this Summer
Grants of up to £3,500 are available to deliver cycling events to get people back on their bikes this summer.
The Big Bike Revival Programme will support activity to encourage people who do not currently cycle to consider either starting or returning to cycling.
The closing date for applications is the 25th June 2024.
Designed to seed and support schemes to increase the amount of reuse and improve involvement and awareness of reuse projects such as Repair Cafés, Libraries of Things and clothes swap events in East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge, and West Devon.
To encourage and support more groups, two rounds of funding are proposed every year and applications can only be made once every 2 years (i.e., once every 4 rounds). The closing dates are:
Round 1: Wednesday 26thJune 2024
Round 2: Wednesday 27th November 2024
For more information or to request an information and application form, please contact Jennifer.cooper@devon.gov.uk.
Over 100 courses now available - new ones alongside the classics!
Introducing our new programme for 2024! 🚀
With over 100 exciting courses on offer, Learn Devon will have something for you.
In this programme, we offer a selection of face-to-face courses as well as a large number of online courses accessible from anywhere in the county. Whether you are looking to learn something new, gain a qualification or just brush up on your skills, we have got you covered.
Courses are available throughout the year. However, some of our courses are starting in June and September so we recommend you enrol as soon as possible.
We have a number of digital skills and IT courses starting in June 2024. Don't miss out on the opportunity to develop your skills with one these courses.
Find the full range on our website.
Beeline for digital skills - 11th June, 5 sessions in Newton Abbot
Beeline for digital skills - 11th June, 5 sessions in Okehampton
Beeline for digital skills - 11th June, 5 sessions in Great Torrington
Beeline for digital skills - 11th June, 5 sessions in Newton Abbot
Beeline for digital skills - 17th June, 4 sessions in Exeter
First steps to getting online - 19th June, 1 session in Barnstaple
In the UK, 11.7 million (22%) adults are without the essential digital skills needed for everyday life
- Lloyds Bank UK Consumer Digital Index 2020
Enrolment Events
If you would like to know more about how we can help you or what courses are available, attend one of our online enrolment events.
These events provide a chance for you to talk to a tutor and understand more about Learn Devon. We have online enrolment events taking place through June 2024.
Wednesday 5th June from 10am to 12 noon
Thursday 13th June from 1pm to 3pm
Tuesday 18th June from 6pm to 8pm
Get in touch for more details and to book your slot.
The devolution deal would allow local decisions to be made about local priorities, such as housing
What does the General Election mean for Devon and Torbay’s plans for a Combined County Authority?
The Government has announced that there will be a General Election on Thursday 4 July 2024. The Prime Minister has formally asked the King to “dissolve” Parliament – the official term for closing it ahead of an election. This will happen on Thursday 30 May.
We and Torbay Council formally submitted a proposal to the Government at the beginning of this month to create a Combined County Authority (CCA) to deliver the devolution deal in Devon and Torbay.
We had expected that the Government would make the legislative regulations to create the CCA over the summer months, with a view to the Devon and Torbay CCA holding its first meeting in the autumn. But the General Election in July potentially changes that timetable.
Free school meal holiday vouchers for low-income families
If your family currently receives benefit-related free school meals during term time, we've sent you £105 worth of supermarket vouchers to help buy food over the upcoming May half-term and summer holidays.
It’s the equivalent of £15 per child per week of the school holidays, and is being distributed in one lump sum now to allow families some flexibility on how they spend the vouchers and try to help with the additional pressure the long summer holiday puts on household budgets.
The expiry date for the voucher code has also been extended from the usual three months to six months. They can be redeemed in major supermarkets across Devon and arrangements are in place for families who cannot get to a supermarket.
If you were expecting to receive the vouchers, but didn’t, get in touch with our team as soon as possible by emailing freeschoolmeals@devon.gov.uk or calling 0345 155 1019.
People’s circumstances change all the time, so if you didn’t previously qualify for free school meals but your income has recently reduced or stopped, please apply using our website. It’s the quickest and easiest way for your eligibility to be assessed and you will get an instant decision.
Councils call for business experts to work alongside the new Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority
We're inviting experts in business to be part of a newly formed Devon and Torbay Business Advisory Group.
Members will have a meaningful role in developing, implementing, and monitoring the Devon and Torbay Combined County Authority’s economic strategy, including setting annual priorities, securing investment, and designing appropriate programmes to address business needs.
In addition, the Group will provide expertise, insight, intelligence, and evidence from business to support the growth and economic ambitions of Devon and Torbay.
Visit the Devon and Torbay Business Advisory Group's webpage for more information about the role, with a briefing pack and details about how you can apply. The deadline for applications is Friday 7 June 2024.
Devon Special Educational Needs and Disabilities newsletter out now!
The latest edition of our monthly newsletter for parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and the professionals who work with them, is out now!
There's an update following our Accelerated Progress Plan Monitoring Meeting earlier this month with officials from the Department for Education and NHS England; information about how to get the most out of meetings; spotlight on Speech, language and communication needs and a roundup of what our Participation Team have been up to.... and lot's more!
The event on Thursday 6 June from 10am until 3:30pm is an opportunity for young people aged 16 to 25-years-old to meet three different companies. There will be themed sessions, rotating around the following careers: Construction with Skinner Construction Ltd and South West Norse, De-Silting/ Dredging with Murlac Ltd, and Building Surveying with Savills (UK) Ltd.
Help with travel costs is available, and lunch is provided. Please contact Emily on 07816 369083 or email restoringstoverpark@devon.gov.uk to book a place and discuss any special requirements.
Barnstaple Train Station proposals aim to make it easier to travel by rail and bus
We’re asking for your views on our proposals to make it easier for travellers at Barnstaple Railway Station to change between buses and trains.
Our proposals include a simplified road layout, making it easier for people to access the station and bus stop and an upgraded bus stop directly outside the main entrance, which would be served by all buses and would incorporate shelters and real-time information screens. We're also planning to install bus access on Sticklepath Terrace, to enable buses to use this road when travelling towards Barnstaple town centre, avoiding traffic on Station Road.
From Wednesday 22 May until Wednesday 26 June, we are inviting the public to view the plans and provide feedback on our Have Your Say website. We will be holding the following events, which will give members of the public opportunities to find out more:
A new series of the highly successful ‘Let’s Talk’ webinars has launched, and this time it is specifically for parents and carers of neurodivergent young people and those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The free, open access online programme provides a space for parents and carers to discuss the challenges facing young people today and understand the tools and techniques that they can use to support them.
The sessions have been developed with parents and carers of neurodivergent young people and those with SEND, and will cover topics including mental health and emotional wellbeing, anger and challenging behaviour, healthy relationships and online safety.
The tickets are free, and you can sign up now using the links below:
As we approach half term, and more people visit farms, the Government's UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is reminding visitors of simple hygiene steps to help reduce their risk of catching infection from animals or the environment.
Visiting a farm is an enjoyable and educational experience for many people, particularly children, but farm animals can be the source of several bugs that can be passed from animals to humans and cause illness. Some can be particularly serious for children or pregnant women.
Visit the UKHSA website for top tips on what to do when visiting a farm, what to avoid, and what to do if you feel unwell after a farm visit.
John Hart is the Council’s new independent Chair
Councillor John Hart has, until this week, been Leader of Devon County Council for the past 15 years.
At a meeting of our Full Council yesterday, (Thursday), Councillor James McInnes became our new Leader, and Councillor Hart became our new Chairman of Devon County Council, taking over from Councillor Percy Prowse.
As the independent Chair of the Council, it will be Councillor Hart's role to preside over Full Council meetings and to represent Devon County Council at civic and ceremonial functions.
Former staff nurse at North Devon District Hospital, Councillor Pru Maskell is now our Vice-Chair. She says her focus on the year will be Accessibility and Disability.
With Councillor McInnes now as Leader, Councillor Phil Bullivant has taken over Cabinet Member responsibility for adult social care.
The NHS national booking system is now open for bookings for the COVID-19 spring vaccination programme. With COVID-19 still circulating, it’s important those most at risk who are eligible get their vaccine to help top up their immunity.
Those eligible include:
Adults aged 75-years-old and over
Residents in a care home for older adults
Individuals aged 6 months old and over who have a weakened immune system
The NHS is sending texts, emails, NHS App messages or letters to those who are eligible, but you do not have to wait for the invite to book your vaccination.
South Hams District Council elects its new chairman
Issued: 23 May 2024
South Hams District Council has announced its new chairman for the next 12 months at this year’s Annual Council meeting on 23 May.
Cllr Bernard Taylor, ward member for Charterlands, will be the chairman for the coming year. Cllr Taylor accepted the chain of office from the outgoing chairman, Cllr Guy Pannell. Cllr Pannell, ward member for South Brent, was appointed as vice-chairman of the council.
Cllr Taylor said: “I would like to thank our leader Julian Brazil and all of our members for having faith in me to represent the council for the next 12 months. I hope that I can do this honorary role justice on behalf of the council.
“We have some work to do as a team. Most important of all is to build affordable housing, which I believe should be top of our spending list. Not forgetting climate change and biodiversity of course, which is very important.
“Cllr Pannell has been an excellent chairman, and it has been a pleasure to work alongside him. I hope that I can have a year as chairman as successful as his.”
The following committee positions were also confirmed during the Council meeting.
Executive
Cllr Julian Brazil – Leader
Cllr Dan Thomas – Deputy Leader
Cllr John McKay
Cllr John Birch
Cllr Denise O’Callaghan
Cllr Victor Abbott
Cllr Jacqui Hodgson
Cllr Nicky Hopwood
Cllr Nadine Dommett
Audit and Governance Committee
Cllr Lee Bonham – Chairman
Cllr Alison Nix – Vice Chairman
Development Management Committee
Cllr Mark Long – Chairman
Cllr Bernard Taylor – Vice Chairman
Licensing Committee
Cllr Simon Rake – Chairman
Cllr Sam Penfold – Vice Chairman
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Cllr Jonathan Hawkins – Chairman
Cllr Ben Cooper – Vice Chairman
Council Tax Setting Committee
Cllr Julian Brazil - Chairman
To watch the Annual Council as it happened and to see all the appointments made during this meeting, go to our YouTube page.
Work to enhance Salcombe’s Hangar Marsh nature reserve has been completed, with part of the site reopening to the public this month.
This is part of South Hams District Council’s ongoing commitment to address biodiversity loss across the District. The Council declared this a priority within their Council Plan and they are thrilled to showcase this as just some of the excellent work which is currently being delivered with the community in the South Hams.
The small wetland reserve, located behind North Sands beach and car park, includes a sizable pond, reedbeds and other wildlife habitats. The pond has been restored, the reedbeds are actively being conserved, and woody leaky dams have been created along the stream to help manage water levels in the wetland.
A replacement section of boardwalk has been built, leading to a new bird hide next to the pond. Interpretation boards giving information about the reserve are also being updated and installed.
The reserve, owned and managed by the District Council had funds secured in 2023 amounting to £20k from Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL). The funding, administered by South Devon National Landscapes, were to restore and enhance the almost a hectare of wetland and involved 15 community volunteer days.
Local social enterprise ParkLife South West has been central in managing the restoration of the site.
Cllr John McKay, South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Climate Change & Biodiversity said: “This is exactly the kind of conservation work to increase biodiversity that we’re more actively involved in and is just one of very many projects we’ll be sharing with residents in the future.
“Although this is only a small site, wetland habitats are very important, supporting a wide range of specialist wildlife species. These reed bed sites lock-in large amounts of carbon, helping to reduce the impact of climate change.
“We’re excited about the opportunities projects like this one offer, not just for improving biodiversity, but also so our communities can come together to work side-by-side with us and our partners on climate change, biodiversity and conservation work. The bird hide provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy wetland wildlife up close.”
ParkLife South West is an organisation that supports environmental volunteering, and a combination of volunteers from the local community and visiting educational groups have helped out with conservation projects at the marsh. This includes young people from Dartington-based Lifeworks, and students from Ivybridge Community College who worked at the site to help create the woody dams.
ParkLife Director, Keith Rennells, said: “The site lends itself to community activity and is a great place for visiting groups to learn about nature. We would like the community to help us manage and maintain the reserve, with projects like cutting and raking the reedbeds.”
The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme (FiPL) is funded by Defra and delivered by protected landscapes i.e National Landscapes and National Parks. It started in July 2021 and is set to continue until March 2025 as part of the government's Agricultural Transition Plan. It funds land managers, like the Council, and farmers for projects that deliver for at least one of the following - Climate, Nature, People or Place.
John Yeoman Chair of the FiPL Local Assessment Panel, commented: “This project has enabled the land manager to protect a unique site in Salcombe. It gives volunteers the opportunity to be involved and makes it possible for locals and visitors to enjoy this special area. The improvements to the boardwalk, bird hide and interpretation panels will help with the understanding and enjoyment of the area. All this addresses one of the main outcomes of the scheme, ‘people’ and to encourage their involvement in the environment.”
The Panel made up of farmers, with representatives from Natural England, RSPB, the Environment Agency and FWAG meets every two months and still has funds to distribute this year. Further information about criteria for funding, past projects and how to apply is available at www.southdevon-nl.org.uk/farming-in-protected-landscape-programme-2021-2025.
Access to Hangar Marsh is to the back of North Sands car park. A short section of boardwalk leads to the pond and hide, but beyond that the wetland reserve is not accessible to the public.
For more information about volunteering at Hangar Marsh, or educational visits: please contact the team at parklifesw@gmail.com
Action on climate change in Devon and dates for the diary
Devon Climate Emergency | May 2024
Welcome To Our May 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.
The BIG FIX Returns In May And Aims To Boost Repair Cafés
Throughout May, The BIG FIX event aims to breathe new life into broken items. Skilled volunteers repair items like electrical equipment, bikes, clothing and jewellery, fostering sustainability and saving money. Now a nationwide initiative for the fourth time, with 60 Repair Cafés participating, it aims to empower people with repair skills for the future. It is coordinated by Devon County Council.
Devon is now home to the country’s first registered “habitat bank“, a 3.2-hectare site in Duryard Valley Park, developed through collaboration between Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, and BioGains Limited.
The Devon Local Nature Partnership has recently adopted Devon's first Tree and Woodland Strategy. The aim of this strategy is to protect and enhance the county's tree and woodland resources, including those in Plymouth and Torbay, until 2050.
By 2030, the goal is to increase the area covered with trees and woodlands by 3000 hectares. This would increase Devon's tree cover from 14% to 16.5%, which is in line with the national target set for the UK.
Devon is celebrating #NaturallyHealthyMay, encouraging people to get outside, connect with nature, and enjoy being active outdoors.
Throughout May, Active Devon and the Local Nature Partnership will be sharing a variety of events around the county, along with places to walk, wheel, and cycle, areas to breathe in fresh air, and wildlife to spot in Devon.
To find events in your local area, or to list an event you are running, visit www.devonconnect.org and let’s all celebrate naturally healthy month together!
Recruitment Takes Place to Appoint a Devon Climate Emergency Support Officer
The Devon Climate Emergency (DCE) team will shortly have more capacity following the advertisement for a Climate Emergency Support Officer, which had a good response from applicants.
The Support Officer's responsibilities will include communicating the project through the website, social media and newsletter and engagement with partner organisations and the public. It is hoped that the successful candidate will be in post by mid-June.
As a socially responsible organisation, Devon Air Ambulance has been proactive for many years in making its operations as environmentally friendly as possible. Since signing the Climate Declaration in 2021, they have been working with employees and external consultants to survey and improve their environmental impact.
They have set objectives for improving building insulation, reducing transport emissions, favouring investments with strong environmental credentials, reducing waste, and working with green suppliers.
Recently, they have installed EV charging points at their airbases and are transitioning from petrol-engine cars to electric vehicles.
Devon Air Ambulance Trust CEO Helena Holt, said:
“We take very seriously our commitment towards Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship, as outlined in our strategic plan. It is essential that we play our part in working towards achieving the 45% drop in carbon emissions required globally by 2030, if we are to reach net-zero by 2050 to avoid the worst effects of climate change by keeping warming below 1.5 degrees. As a charity that cares for the health of those we serve, we recognise that our ability to deliver our service effectively is very much subject to the impact of climate breakdown and biodiversity collapse. We are fortunate, therefore, to have a highly-motivated workforce that is entirely behind the strategic goals set out to achieve this.”
We are delighted that environmentally conscious organisations have supported our Climate Declaration as we work to deliver the Devon Carbon Plan.
If you would like to learn more about signing the Declaration, please visit our website, following the link below:
Enjoy a three-day festival of agriculture, food, and fun at this year’s Devon County Show.
The Devon Agri-Tech Alliance (DATA) will host a space on Innovation Avenue for its members to connect and showcase their innovative and regenerative farming projects, including running a selection of workshops. Additionally, the Devon Food Partnership will have a stand in this space which will serve as a pop-up opportunity for local food and drink producers to promote themselves.
Workshop topics include regenerative agriculture, soils, solar PV for farms and growing your own with speakers from the Apricot Centre, Symbiosis Soils, Bloom Renewables and Taw Valley Microgreens.
Royal Seven Stars Hotel Ballroom, Totnes
18:00 – 21:30
Join the 12th Totnes LEF! An amazing community gathering aimed at bringing into being a resilient, ecological, just, convivial local economy. An opportunity for new entrepreneurs – and old – to connect, build relationships with peers, supporters and investors. And then 4 entrepreneurs will pitch to the Community of Dragons!
A weekend in the year when farms and other sites with agroforestry planting are open in co-ordination with each other to welcome visitors. A number of Devon sites are involved this year.
Agroforestry is the practice of combining agriculture and trees.
Devon County Council (DCC) is administering grants and resources for tree planting, supported by The Woodland Trust and The Forestry Commission. DCC are looking for community groups, including schools, town and parish councils that would like to plant trees on their land. The land can be public or private, but ideally the land should be publicly accessible, or at least accessible to a specific community group (i.e., orchards and allotments).
Through the new Water Restoration Fund, local groups can apply for funding to bolster their capacity and capabilities for delivery of on-the-ground projects which improve the water environment.
Grants to Help Get People Back on their Bikes this Summer
Grants of up to £3,500 are available to deliver cycling events to get people back on their bikes this summer.
The Big Bike Revival Programme will support activity to encourage people who do not currently cycle to consider either starting or returning to cycling.
The closing date for applications is the 25th June 2024.
Designed to seed and support schemes to increase the amount of reuse and improve involvement and awareness of reuse projects such as Repair Cafés, Libraries of Things and clothes swap events in East Devon, Exeter, Mid Devon, North Devon, South Hams, Teignbridge, Torridge, and West Devon.
To encourage and support more groups, two rounds of funding are proposed every year and applications can only be made once every 2 years (i.e., once every 4 rounds). The closing dates are:
Round 1: Wednesday 26th June 2024
Round 2: Wednesday 27th November 2024
For more information or to request an information and application form, please contact Jennifer.cooper@devon.gov.uk.
Free decarbonisation support for South Hams businesses
Issued: 08 May 2024
Businesses in the South Hams are receiving free specialist help and advice on how to reduce their environmental impact, thanks to support from Libraries Unlimited and funding from South Hams District Council.
Libraries Unlimited is providing specialist consultancy across the district to help businesses develop a decarbonisation plan. These plans will help identify a range of actions to reduce their carbon footprint and on their overall impact on the planet.
Those who take part in the scheme can also apply for Rural England Prosperity Fund decarbonisation grants, which could help to pay for implementing one or more of the measures highlighted in their decarbonisation plans.
The programme links into one of the Council’s key priorities by supporting businesses important to the local economy, helping them to save money by becoming more efficient, boosting their resilience for the years ahead while reducing their carbon footprint.
The project has received £60,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money from South Hams District Council, so that the project can be rolled out to as wide a range of businesses as possible. Any type of business can apply for the support.
So far, 24 businesses in the South Hams have signed up to receive a decarbonisation plan.
Cllr John McKay,South Hams Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “The work being done by Libraries Unlimited on decarbonisation for businesses is important. Business activity can have a huge impact on the environment that we may not even realise, so this work raising awareness and supporting businesses to reduce their environmental impact can only be a good thing.”
Richard Love, Business and IP Centre Manager for Libraries Unlimited, said: “As a charity, Libraries Unlimited are keen to support the businesses of the South Hams to reduce their carbon footprint. Working in partnership with the council, we designed a consultancy and decarbonisation programme that would cater to businesses small and large, to provide them not only with a carbon footprint baseline, but also a decarbonisation plan with recommendations to reduce their emissions.
“Upon receipt of your decarbonisation plan, the businesses are then eligible to apply for a grant of up to £10,000 to implement those measures.
“We’ve created a tailored programme that takes into account whether your business is at the start, or at a more advanced stage on your sustainability journey, and all it takes to register your interest in joining.”
Alex Pickstone, who runs Brackenhill Glamping, one of the businesses who have signed up for a decarbonisation plan, said: “We’ve got an ongoing commitment to green tourism. I think it’s on our guests’ minds as well. They’re looking to stay in the UK, they’re looking for sustainable options. We have got beehives on site, which is really good for pollination. We manage the land, so we’ve got long areas of grass, for biodiversity.”
There are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience and implementing the 
Several Devon organisations have been granted funds from Phase 3 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, a UK government initiative to reduce carbon emissions in public sector buildings.
Plymouth residents can nominate their local climate legends online as part of a Plymouth Climate Connections' initiative.
The first phase of creating a safe and convenient walking, cycling, and wheeling route between Newton Abbot and Ogwell is nearly complete, with a new road section and fencing at Bakers Park finished and road improvements at Steppes Meadow underway.
Communities across the South Hams, East and Mid Devon, Teignbridge, Exeter, Plymouth, and Torbay are being invited to help collect information on the impact climate change is having on nine threatened nocturnal mammal species – seven bat species, hazel dormice, and hedgehogs – as well as the habitats they depend on.
Businesses in the South Hams area are being offered free specialist advice from Libraries Unlimited, funded by South Hams District Council, to help them reduce their carbon footprint.
If you would like to sign our Declaration, please visit our website:
Find out about upcoming events, funding and opportunities across Devon below.
Pledge to Eat Local For a Chance to Win a Hamper
Nature Recovery: Can Totnes be Wild?
Throughout May, The BIG FIX event aims to breathe new life into broken items. Skilled volunteers repair items like electrical equipment, bikes, clothing and jewellery, fostering sustainability and saving money. Now a nationwide initiative for the fourth time, with 60 Repair Cafés participating, it aims to empower people with repair skills for the future. It is coordinated by Devon County Council.
Devon is now home to the country’s first registered “habitat bank“, a 3.2-hectare site in Duryard Valley Park, developed through collaboration between Devon County Council, Exeter City Council, and BioGains Limited.
The Devon Local Nature Partnership has recently adopted Devon's first Tree and Woodland Strategy. The aim of this strategy is to protect and enhance the county's tree and woodland resources, including those in Plymouth and Torbay, until 2050.
Devon is celebrating 
