 Photo of Bystock Pools by Kate Williams
In this week's newsletter, read about these stories, and more:
East Devon District Councillors express preference for two unitary councils
 Click on the play icon to watch the Extraordinary Council meeting
Following the publication of the UK Government’s English Devolution White Paper, Devon's district council leaders issued (which would replace the current district councils and county council)
At an Extraordinary Council meeting held on Thursday 9 January 2025, East Devon District Councillors considered the implications of the devolution proposals. They expressed a preference for two unitary councils in Devon. The suggested area for one of these proposed unitary councils would cover East Devon, Exeter, Teignbridge, Mid Devon, and North Devon.
However, this is just a proposal at this stage, and considerable work is required to try to reach an agreement. This will include engaging with our residents, businesses, and wider partners, and stakeholders at the most appropriate times.
We will continue to keep you updated as these discussions progress.
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Work starting on Dinan Way extension
 A ceremonial turf cutting marked the occasion, with Devon County Council's Chair John Hart joined by fellow councillors, David Reed MP for Exmouth and Exeter East, project partners, and contractor Octavius Infrastructure Limited
The scheme aims to improve traffic flow in Exmouth, extending Dinan Way by around 830 metres, linking the road from its junction with Hulham Road to the A376 Exmouth Road. Work is scheduled to take around 12 months and is due to be completed by the end of 2025.
UK Government funding for the scheme was successfully secured by Devon County Council, who also contributed, alongside East Devon District Council, and Exmouth Town Council.
Read more about this congestion-busting project.
Record-breaking year for visitors at Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve
 An osprey flying over the Axe Estuary. Photo credit: Sue Smith
Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve welcomed 112,608 visitors in 2024, a 12% increase compared to 2023 and a new record for the site.
A key factor to the site’s success in 2024 was the opening of a multi-user path connecting the heart of the reserve to the town of Seaton.
The reserve saw its busiest day on Saturday 28 September 2024, coinciding with the annual Colyford Goose Fayre, and following the excitement of a record number of osprey fishing in the Axe Estuary.
Countryside Team thank volunteers for their achievements across local nature reserves
 East Devon District Council's Countryside Team gathered at Offwell Woods
Over more than 5,100 hours, Wild East Devon's volunteers achieved fantastic things in 2024, such as:
- a major rebuild of the boardwalk at Colyford Common, and the creation of a brand-new viewpoint for those arriving via the tramway
- extended opening hours at Seaton Wetlands' Discovery Hut
- partnership work with the Axe Vale and District Conservation Society to clear invasive rhododendron at Trinity Hill, helping native species thrive
Read more about their incredible impact in the full news story.
Keep in touch with the Wild East Devon team on Facebook and Instagram .
Events in East Devon
Join a tree planting session at Yonder Oak Wood
The Woodland Trust are hosting three tree planting sessions on Saturday 18 January 2025. These will run from 10am – 12pm, 12pm – 2pm, and 2pm – 3:30pm. A shuttle bus service will pick up attendees from Exmouth's Estuary Long Stay Car Park 30 minutes before each session.
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New exhibition at Sidmouth Wallspace and Phone Boxes
 CODEX Project exhibition at the Wallspace and Phone Boxes by Sidmouth School of Art and Sidmouth College students. Photo credit: Sarah Hall
The 'CODEX Project', on display until Friday 28 February 2025, gives a voice to the young people of Sidmouth, exploring identity, personal journeys, and emotional wellbeing.
Watch the short film to hear more about the project, and read more on the Sidmouth School of Art website.
Discover more events in the local area by heading to the East Devon Excellence website
Have your say on overnight motorhome parking in Exmouth
 The council wants to hear your feedback about the current overnight parking arrangements in Maer Road car park and along Queen’s Drive.
Help shape decisions about the future of overnight parking arrangements in Exmouth by responding to the consultation before 5pm on Thursday 13 February 2025.
Which option should be taken to manage Exmouth's coastal flooding and erosion risks?
Take part in the consultation before 5pm on Monday 10 February 2025.
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 Council meetings dates
Over the next week the following East Devon District Council meetings are taking place:
You can watch public meetings live on the council’s YouTube channel.
 You may be interested in
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Next edition
We plan to send out our next bulletin on Friday 17 January 2025.
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