 In this week's newsletter, read about these stories and more:
Experts and leaders gather to address challenges facing Devon's water resources
Shining a spotlight on the growing pressures on local water resources, the Devon Water Summit, took place on Thursday 12 December 2024.
The summit brought together key figures from the water industry, environmental organisations, public health bodies, and local government. They are working together to identify and agree some short-term measures, as well as long-term solutions, to create a more sustainable, and less polluting environment across the region.
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Councillor Paul Arnott, Chair of the Devon District Forum, and Leader of East Devon District Council, said:
“The Devon Water Summit is a crucial opportunity for stakeholders from across the region to unite in a shared commitment to positive collaboration, innovative solutions, improved policy, and targeted investment. Together, we can work toward a future that is sustainable and free from unnecessary pollution.”
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We will share further updates, including the outcomes of the summit’s discussions, in due course. Read more about the Devon Water Summit.
Age 66+? Apply for Pension Credit by Saturday 21 December 2024
Could you, a loved one, or a friend, be eligible for Pension Credit? More people aged 66+ are eligible than you think, and they could be missing out on an average £3,900 per year, as well as additional benefits such as help with living costs and the Winter Fuel Payment.
See if you are entitled to Pension Credit on the UK Government website. For guidance on how to use the Pension Credit calculator, watch a helpful step-by-step video.
Cranbrook milestone celebrated as supermarket opens
 Councillors from East Devon District Council and Cranbrook Town Council joined the Morrisons team at the opening of the new supermarket
Cranbrook has celebrated a landmark event, with its first large supermarket opening in the run up to Christmas.
The supermarket’s arrival is a pivotal moment in the evolution of Cranbrook, which has been steadily developing since the first foundations were laid in 2011. The new town is expected to have an eventual population of more than 20,000 people, making it one of the biggest towns in East Devon.
The opening of Morrisons now marks a new chapter, as Cranbrook’s town centre becomes a vibrant hub for residents and visitors alike.
Countryside Team celebrate a year of wildlife and community success
 Remarkable wildlife activity at East Devon sites this year included baby dormice “pinks” being found for the first time at new monitoring site at Knapp Copse Local Nature Reserve, and two exceptionally rare bat species at Seaton Wetlands and Holyford Woods.
The team have also been celebrating a successful programme of engaging events, the vital role that volunteers have played, and the partnerships with local organisations which have provided nature-based activities to the community.
Read more about the Countryside Team's 2024 highlights.
 Advice for recycling cardboard over Christmas
 If you have large quantities of cardboard, collected and stored from your internet Christmas shopping, please leave these for our crews to recover and recycle.
It will help our crews if you can spread the load by putting it out for collection over a number of weeks. There are times when we may have to leave behind some cardboard for another collection if our vehicles are filling quickly.
Also, please remember to take out any polystyrene, bubble wrap or polythene bags from your cardboard packaging before putting it out for collection. Thank you for helping our crews at a peak time, and for recycling as much as possible.
If you're unsure how to dispose of something, visit the A - Z search tool on the Recycling and Waste webpages or on the East Devon app.
Green Waste collections to be paused
If you already have kerbside green waste collections, there will be a pause between Monday 16 December 2024 and Friday 10 January 2025.
Haven't signed up yet? Subscribe on the Recycling and Waste website or call 01395 571515.
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Have you downloaded our free East Devon app yet?
Join more than 70,000 people using our smartphone app and get simple personalised recycling and waste collection reminders, the latest collection updates and tell us about a missed collection. You can download the app through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
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Living roof installed at Seaton seafront bus shelter
 The project was funded by Devon County Council, using Department for Transport Bus Service Improvement Plan funding, with a significant contribution from Seaton Town Council towards the associated works
To attract pollinators, like bees, and insects, living roofs are being installed at bus stops around Devon, including at Seaton Esplanade, by the County Council. An electronic ‘real-time’ information display will also help improve bus users' experience.
East Devon District Council is committed to involving the community in how the area surrounding the bus stop can be enhanced, and will consult residents in due course. Before this refresh can take place, vital engineering work to improve coastal defences is planned in this area in 2025.
Find out more about the upgrades at Seaton seafront.
 Events in East Devon
Green Santa recommends Seaton Wetlands' Robin Trail
 Green Santa, AKA Councillor John Loudoun, at Seaton Wetlands
Visit the free self-guided trail and find the 12 wooden robins around Seaton Wetlands between Saturday 14 December 2024, and Friday 31 January 2025.
Whilst you're at Seaton Wetlands, visit the Discovery Hut (open Friday - Monday: 11am - 3pm, Tuesday - Thursday: 11am - 1pm) to meet the enthusiastic team of knowledgeable volunteers. Hot drinks and basic snacks are available to purchase, the proceeds of which go towards the site's on-going management.
Keep in touch with the Wild East Devon team on Facebook and Instagram.
 Learn to solder and shape silver pendants
 Make your own unique pendant to take home, or as a gift.
Book your place for the workshop, taking place from 2pm – 4pm on Tuesday 17 December, for £50 (£45 for THG Friends). All materials and refreshments are provided.
Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX thelmahulbert.com
Discover more events in the local area by heading to the East Devon Excellence website
 East Devon District Council meetings
The next Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for 10am on Tuesday 17 December 2024. View a calendar of upcoming East Devon District Council meetings on the council website, and watch public meetings live on YouTube.
 You may be interested in
Next edition
We plan to send out our next bulletin on Friday 20 December 2024.
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