East Devon plans future Recycling and Waste services

Plans have been announced to bring Recycling and Waste services in East Devon under council control starting in the summer of 2026.

All Suez staff will be invited to transfer to a new company, known as a Local Authority Trading Company, which will be fully owned by East Devon District Council. The council will make sure it is a smooth transfer and day-to-day services for residents will continue as usual. Together with residents, East Devon's partnership with Suez helped the district become one of the top recyclers in England.

Are you having a takeaway tonight?

Just rinse and recycle the foil trays in with your food and drink cans and place into your recycling sack. If you have any leftover food, please put in your food caddy.

Visit the council's webpages to search through the A - Z of Recycling and Waste.

Take part in the latest stage of East Devon's Local Plan

The Local Plan consultation provides an opportunity to review the final draft local development plan. All submitted comments will be passed directly to the Planning Inspector for examination. 

Review the proposals and share your feedback before the deadline of Monday 31 March 2025.

Have your say on the future of Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in East Devon

The council currently has three PSPOs in place across East Devon. These support communities with local enforcement regarding dog control, seashores, and promenades, as well as the control of anti-social behaviour and the consumption of intoxicating substances in Exmouth.

As part of a mandatory review that takes place every three years, the council is considering some changes.

Read more, and have your say, before the deadline of 3pm on Monday 28 April 2025.

New volunteer group launched to support East Devon’s countryside

A new volunteering group has been launched in response to growing community interest in hands-on conservation work and the recent addition of Clyst Meadows Country Park.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to engage in a range of meaningful conservation activities, including habitat creation, infrastructure creation and maintenance, tree planting and hedgerow laying; with the initial focus being on the production of sustainable charcoal.

Read more about the new volunteer group and find out how you can get involved.

Keep in touch with the Wild East Devon team on Facebook and Instagram.

Ranger wins first place at Blackdown Hills Hedge Association Competition

Countryside Ranger Ben was given five hours to lay a hedge in the traditional Devon-style, impressing the judges with his skill and technique.

Temporary closure of Foxholes Car Park on Monday morning

Exmouth's Foxholes Car Park will be temporarily closed on the morning of Monday 10 March 2025 to allow the RNLI to install a container for vital lifesaving equipment.

Find an alternative place to park on the East Devon car parks map.

East Devon to mark COVID-19 Day of Reflection

2025 marks five years since the pandemic began. Communities across the UK will remember loved ones lost during the pandemic, and honour frontline workers and volunteers, on COVID-19 Day of Reflection. 

Cranbrook Town Council is inviting residents to join them for an event from 11:30am on Friday 7 March 2025 at St. Martins Public Open Space (next to St. Martin's Play Area). In addition to a memorial bench and three elm trees planted in 2022, an ornamental spring flowering tree will be added by the bench.

'Make A Million Flowers Bloom' on display at Sidmouth Wallspace

New series of free online sessions aimed at dads and male carers

Parenting can be difficult at times, and dads and male carers can often find it even harder to support their children as advice and help is frequently tailored towards mothers and female carers.

The short online sessions running this March provide tips and techniques covering key safeguarding issues to help support young people to navigate some of the challenges they face and to allow men to feel more confident in their parenting.

Each session is free and will last around 20 minutes, covering a range of topics including:

• Anger and challenging behaviour - Tuesday 11 March 2025, 7pm
• Mental health and emotional wellbeing - Thursday 13 March 2025, 7pm
• Healthy relationships - Tuesday 18 March 2025, 7pm
• Drugs and exploitation - Thursday 20 March 2025, 7pm

So if you’re a dad, grandad, uncle, carer or male role model to a young person and want to help support them and keep them safe, book your Let’s Talk Dad’s session today. 

Whilst these sessions are aimed at dads and male carers, of course mums are welcome too!

Celebrating Women's History Month and International Women's Day

March is Women's History Month and International Women's Day is on Saturday, 8 March 2025. This year's theme is "Let's #AccelerateAction," focusing on speeding up progress toward gender equality and emphasising the need for collective action to address ongoing challenges. This month, we take the opportunity to reflect on women's achievements throughout history and their impact on society.

In celebration of International Women’s Day, Michelle Bowler, Associate Purchasing Director at Stovax, one of the innovative businesses based at Skypark in our Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, said:

“Stay focused on your goals, trust your abilities, and don’t let anyone’s opinions hold you back. Be strong, determined, and keep pushing forward—success will follow!”

Ramadan Mubarak

We wish those celebrating a happy and blessed Ramadan (Friday 28 February - Sunday 30 March 2025). During this month, Muslim community members are fasting from dawn to sunset, engaging in prayer, reflection, and community activities.