Devon County Council sent this bulletin at 04-02-2025 01:00 PM GMT
Devon Climate Emergency | February 2025
Welcome To Our February 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.
EAV Revolution at Plymouth Dockyard
Babcock International has introduced Electric Assisted Vehicles (EAVs) at their Plymouth dockyard, aiming for net-zero emissions. These EAVs will significantly reduce carbon emissions and enhance operational efficiency. This move highlights Babcock's commitment to sustainability and sets an example for other businesses.
This year, Plymouth will welcome 50 zero-emission electric double-decker buses as part of a major £31.87 million investment in the city's public transport. This initiative, led by Plymouth Citybus in collaboration with Plymouth City Council, Cornwall Council, and the Department for Transport, aims to enhance the city's commitment to sustainability and innovation. The new buses will operate on key routes, improving capacity and passenger experience while significantly reducing emissions. The first 25 buses will arrive in late spring, with all 50 in service by the end of the year. This project is a significant step towards Plymouth's goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2030.
South West Water has invested £260,000 to mitigate storm overflow spills at the Stibb Cross and Langtree wastewater treatment works in North Devon. These sites have seen significant improvements, achieving a 90% reduction in spills over the past seven months. The project included sewer relining, repairs, and enhancements to manhole covers to prevent groundwater and surface water from entering the sewers.
The Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) has unveiled its draft ambitions for the Exmoor Partnership Plan, aiming to ensure a thriving future for Exmoor through collaboration with partners, local communities, and organizations. The plan, developed from extensive public surveys, evidence collection, and workshops, is now open for public consultation before its formal adoption in Summer 2025. Key focuses include reducing emissions and adapting to climate change through nature-based solutions like woodland planting and peatland restoration, sustainable land management, and promoting renewable energy. Engaging local communities in these efforts is crucial for long-term sustainability and resilience to climate impacts.
Hello, I am Will Jackson-Nichols, the new Climate Emergency Support Officer. I will be helping provide the secretariat to the Devon Climate Emergency partnership and will be based at Devon County Council. As part of this I will be helping in communications - writing of these newsletters and posting on social media. I am looking forward to meeting everyone playing a part in making the South West a sustainable torchbearer!
Organisation Spotlight - Wise Goose
Wise Goose's 2023-24 Carbon Footprint Report
We are delighted that Wise Goose is a signatory of the Devon Climate Declaration. Wise Goose, through its Wise Goose initiative, is making significant contributions to environmental sustainability. They focus on promoting eco-friendly practices and supporting projects that enhance biodiversity and reduce carbon footprints.
They offer workshops and courses on sustainable living and environmental stewardship; engage local communities in activities like tree planting, habitat restoration, and conservation efforts; and are implementing green practices in their operations, such as reducing waste, using renewable energy, and promoting recycling. These initiatives help foster a deeper connection with nature and encourage sustainable living practices within the community.
They have completed their 2023-24 carbon footprint assessment and purchased carbon credits to offset the remaining 4 tCO2e that couldn't be reduced this time. These credits were acquired through Ecologi's verified carbon avoidance project, 'Protection of the Matavén forest in eastern Colombia.' As a result, they have effectively achieved carbon neutrality five years ahead of schedule.
In the last year, we’ve seen communities across the county taking action for nature. Wild About Devon wants to celebrate those communities that are giving Devon’s wildlife a helping hand.
If you know of a group or individual who deserve recognition for their community action for nature, nominate them here by completing the simple nomination form. You are able to submit for each category, and can nominate yourself (your group) or someone else (another group).
We are looking for projects, schemes or initiatives that, in the last year, have…
Taken steps to improve the wildlife value of an area, and;
Engaged their community
The 2024 awards will fall into three categories;
Wildlife Community Group of the Year (e.g. a local volunteer group, school, charity, Scout or Guide group, church group, or other similar organisation)
Wildlife Parish & Town Council of the Year
Outstanding Individual Award
Closing date for nominations is Friday 28th February 2025.
Empower Your Food SME with Carbon Literacy Training
Are you a food SME looking to take climate action but facing funding barriers? The Carbon Literacy Project, with support from The Compass Group Foundation, offers free Carbon Literacy training for food SMEs with an annual turnover of less than £5 million.
Why Carbon Literacy?
Equip your team with skills to build a low-carbon culture.
Meet sustainability goals and enhance your environmental reputation.
Understand climate impacts and develop actionable strategies.
To apply read the application guidance, complete the form, and apply soon as spots are limited.
Energy Saving Devon offers free, impartial advice to help homeowners improve energy efficiency. Services include personalised consultations, home visits from local energy advisors, and advice on grants and solutions for issues like damp and underheating.
For more information or to book a free home visit, contact Energy Saving Devon at 0800 999 1439 or email energysavingdevon@devon.gov.uk.
Beware of rogue traders; Energy Saving Devon will never ask for upfront payments.
Enjoy a day of eco-friendly fun with activities for all ages. The Cove Discovery Project will offer microscope exploration, allowing you to examine samples from local beaches. Cricketfield Community Garden will host nature crafting activities, perfect for those who love to create with natural materials. Taleblazers will bring hand-made games for everyone to enjoy, adding a playful touch to the event. Play Torbay and The Orchard Forest School will provide a range of creative activities, including making squishy animals, molding salt dough, and building dens.
In addition to these free activities, they have two special workshops available for a small fee. Chris Johnson will lead an Animal Encounters workshop, where you can meet and learn about various creepy crawlies, reptiles, and other fascinating animals. Lou Chapman will host a Dystopian vs Utopian Art workshop, encouraging participants to draw inspiration from books or media to create their vision of a positive future.
Entry to the event is free, and donations to Libraries Unlimited, the charity providing local library services, are welcome. For more information or to book a workshop, please call 01803 714460 or email paignton.library@librariesunlimited.org.uk.
Get involved in some rewarding practical work at Halsdon Nature Reserve. Join Volunteer Warden Kevin New and the lively team to help maintain the reserve. Wear gardening clothes, bring gloves, and a packed lunch. Tools will be provided. This free event requires no booking—just turn up 5-10 minutes before 10am.
Devon County Council, supported by the Woodland Trust, is developing a new woodland site to promote carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Volunteers are needed for a tree planting event involving tasks like digging, planting, and pegging down mulch mats. Bring your own gloves, waterproofs, sturdy footwear, and packed lunch. Limited parking is available, so car sharing or traveling by foot/bike is encouraged.
Join Sustainable South Hams for a field trip to Loop Frome to learn about community composting and composting micro-enterprises. The event includes visits to various composting sites, discussions with coordinators, and practical composting insights. Participants should bring a packed lunch, appropriate clothing, and are encouraged to car share.
Join Devon Wildlife Trust for an insightful evening with Murray Sharpe from the National Trust. Learn about the West Exmoor Project and its efforts in nature conservation, as featured on BBC Countryfile. The event includes a Q&A session and refreshments. A suggested donation of £3 per person is appreciated. No need to book in advance.
Join the Bat Conservation Trust online for the Connect Café event featuring Megan Gimber from People's Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). Learn about the heritage and management of hedgerows, their role as wildlife habitats, and how to maintain them for future generations. The event includes talks, quizzes, and opportunities to connect with others interested in Devon's wildlife and habitats.
Key topics covered:
Heritage of hedgerows and countryside skills
Current management practices for hedgerows
Importance of hedgerows as wildlife habitats and corridors
Join the Bat Conservation Trust for a family-oriented day at the orchard. Help plant and mulch 30 new apple trees while learning about regenerative agriculture from experienced farmers. Enjoy a hearty winter stew and refreshments (vegetarian options available). Suitable for ages 7+ (younger siblings welcome).
Exeter Community Energy (ECOE) has launched its latest Community Fund, inviting local groups to apply for funding aimed at addressing the climate emergency and promoting social justice. With £5,500 available this year, the fund supports projects that align with ECOE's mission of sustainability, reducing carbon footprints, and enhancing social welfare.
Expressions of interest are open until 9 February 2025 and winners will be announced end of March.
Not-for-profit community organizations with an annual income under £500,000 can apply for grants of up to £25,000 over 24 months from the Royal Countryside Fund. The fund aims to support activities in four key areas: retaining young people in rural areas, empowering rural communities, promoting environmental sustainability, and enhancing emergency resilience in rural regions.
Grants can cover direct costs, organisational development, core or fixed costs, and projects must be completed by June 2027. Expressions of interest are open until Friday, 21 February 2025.
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.
