Friday 18 July 2025
We've begun a series of engagement events, starting in Ilfracombe this morning, to talk to people about the government's plans for local government reorganisation.
The government wants to abolish two-tier authorities - County Councils and District Councils - and to replace them with single unitary authorities, some of them led by Mayors.
It wants councils affected to engage with local residents, to seek views on new local government structures for their areas.
We've launched an online survey, and we're arranging engagement events in towns across Devon to seek people's views. You can read more in the story on our website.
Our health scrutiny commitee has expressed ‘concerns’ about plans to replace paid co-responders with trained volunteers across Devon and has asked the ambulance service to ‘pause’ and provide more information within four weeks.
The Health and Adult Care Scrutiny Committee on Monday heard from Dr John Martin, the Chief Executive of the South Western Ambulance Trust (SWAST).
Our trading standards service continues to work closely with the police together to stamp out the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes – and this week five more shops were closed down.
Four of the shops are in Torbay and one is in Devon, and it follows the closure of two shops in Exmouth last month.
The shops were closed down for three months each following a joint operation by Devon & Cornwall Police and Heart of the South West Trading Standards.
 Tips and suggestions for getting out and about and things to do this summer
Looking ahead to the summer holidays, and easier ways to get around Devon with the family? The Travel Devon website is full of helpful tips, maps, and journey planners to make walking, cycling, and public transport simple and fun. You’ll find family-friendly routes, and real-time travel updates.
If you're looking for ideas to get you out and about, our Explore Devon website has a variety of suggestions, whether it's walking or cycling or places to visit.
And, don't forget to keep an eye on what's going on at your local library this summer, where you'll find activities to suit all ages.
 There are lots of summer holidays activities for your child just waiting to be booked!
It’s not too late to book your child for activities this summer on our Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
With our new online booking system, it’s now easier than ever.
Since the new online system was launched in March thousands of parents have booked their child onto at least one of a number of activities, but there are still thousands of places available.
Stover Country Park and the Grand Western Canal Country Park are celebrating being officially named among the best parks in the country after receiving this year’s Green Flag Award.
Devon County Council’s two parks are among a record-breaking 2,250 sites in the UK to achieve the award, which is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces.
 credit: David Chamberlain
The Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) will be a new plan for Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay.
It’s being led by Devon County Council and aims to restore and enhance wildlife across the county.
The strategy is in development, and we’d love your input, ideally by Friday 25 July.
We have a short public survey to find out which habitats and species people believe should be a priority in Devon. It’ll only take a few minutes. There will be an opportunity to share more thoughts during the autumn consultation.
Click here to access the survey. To find out more about the LNRS, watch our video on the website here. To get updates, sign up to the Devon Local Nature Partnership newsletter here.
 Spotted flycatchers are relatively late nesters and will be feeding young at the moment
As summer reaches its peak, Stover Country Park is bursting with life, colour, and sound.
From the vibrant blooms of heather and orchids to the quiet rustle of birds in moult, July is a month of transformation and abundance.
Whether you're drawn by the scent of honeysuckle in the evening air, the sight of bats skimming the lake at dusk, or the chance to spot late-nesting birds like the spotted flycatcher, there's something magical to discover around every corner.
Read this month’s newsletter to explore the seasonal highlights and wildlife wonders waiting for you at Stover.
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