Your vote matters, don't lose it. It's quick and easy to register to vote. Make sure you register by Friday 11 April 2025 to vote in the Devon County Council elections on Thursday 1 May 2025.

Other dates for your diary ahead of the elections

• Monday 14 April 2025 - 5pm
  • deadline for registering for a postal vote
• Wednesday 23 April 2025 - 5pm
  • deadline for registering for a proxy vote
  • deadline for Voter Authority Certificate applications - you'll need this if you're planning on voting in person and you don't have an accepted form of photo ID

Public toilets across East Devon are undergoing major investment, with new facilities being provided at four locations, three further sites being transferred to other organisations to operate, while others will close permanently.

East Devon District Council held a public consultation, inviting feedback from residents, equalities groups, and parish and town councils on how funds should be used. 

Read the full news story to find out more about the plans for public toilet sites across East Devon

Devon Loves Dogs, a pioneering initiative dedicated to promoting responsible dog walking, has been nationally recognised by the Forestry Commission for its outstanding efforts in educating dog walkers on protecting wildlife and natural habitats while they enjoy the countryside. 

As the weather warms up, we’re all keen to spend more time outdoors—whether that’s walking, camping, or volunteering in the countryside. With outdoor adventures comes the risk of tick bites. Read the Countryside Team's advice on how to stay safe, protect yourself, your family, and your pets.

Now entering its third year, the Sidford Community Food Forest, located on East Devon District Council land at the top of The Byes, continues to flourish, attracting both residents and wildlife. With an ever-growing variety of plants, this unique space is designed to mimic a natural forest, filled mostly with edible species that locals can forage, while also providing a peaceful retreat for people and nature.

Monthly volunteer sessions offer a chance to help maintain the food forest, with many describing the work as a "gentle workout without the gym fees!" Whether joining in with planting and pruning or simply enjoying the tranquillity, volunteers value the opportunity to connect with others—or just sit back and take in the birdsong and butterflies.

The site has recently grown with the addition of a mini orchard, now enclosed by a new hazel hedge. To encourage biodiversity, the grass between the trees is only cut twice a year, and a colourful mix of flowering plants is already emerging.

If you’d like to help or simply explore this green haven, keep an eye out for volunteer days or pop by to enjoy the sights and sounds of this special community project. For updates, follow Sidmouth Community Food Forest on Facebook.

Do you know someone who deserves recognition?

You have until 5pm on Monday 31 March 2025 to submit your nominations for the Make a Difference Awards' eight categories.

Honour a volunteer’s outstanding contribution to an arts or heritage organisation or festival in East Devon. Nominating is easy. Visit the ACED website to submit your nomination before the deadline of Friday 9 May 2025.

Lime Kiln Car Park in Budleigh Salterton is scheduled to be partially closed from Monday 31 March 2025 until Wednesday 2 April 2025 whilst South West Water carry out a cleanse of the pumping station. Find an alternative place to park on the East Devon car parks map.

Emergency ‘ash dieback’ tree works require night-time road closures on A3052 at Trow Hill near Sidford from Monday 31 March to Friday 4 April 2025 (inclusive) between 7pm and 6.30am.

Please note that Devon County Council is responsible for highways, and if you would like to report a problem related to highways, you can do so on their website.

Book your place for fascinating art talks

Come along to Thelma Hulbert Gallery's Land, Art & Justice day of engagement reflecting on themes in the 'Sensing The Planet' exhibition.

From 11am -12.30pm, exhibiting artist Ashish Ghadiali and art historian, Joy Sleeman, from the Slade School of Art will discuss the themes in the exhibition.

Eminent decolonial feminist scholar Françoise Vergès will be delivering a keynote presentation from 4pm - 5pm.

Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Dowell St, Honiton EX14 1LX thelmahulbert.com

Celebrate spring at bluebell afternoon tea

The Countryside Team's annual bluebell event at Holyford Woods Local Nature Reserve returns from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday 26 April 2025.

Activities will include guided walks, family crafts, campfire cooking, and a falconry display. Afternoon tea and homemade cakes will be available, with all proceeds going towards the ongoing management of East Devon nature reserves.

Keep in touch with the Countryside team on Facebook and Instagram .

Sidmouth Sea Fest returns in May

This year's festival aims to support young and local musical talent, raise awareness to protect our unique marine and coastal environment, and promote community wellbeing, fun and creativity.

Sea Fest will open with a Free Family Day on Saturday 17 May 2025 from 10am to 5pm at Connaught Gardens followed by the Sea Fest Party ticketed event from 6pm to 11pm. £15 early bird tickets are available to book until Monday 31 March 2025.

Last chance to have your say on the Local Plan

The Local Plan will shape our district for decades—don’t miss your chance to make a difference.  The consultation provides an opportunity to review the final draft local development plan. Share your comments, before the deadline of Monday 31 March 2025, with the Government inspector, who will decide if the plan is made.

Share your feedback about East Devon's Draft Housing Strategy

The council welcomes any additional comments or suggestions that you have, to ensure the 2025-2030 Housing Strategy is as effective, and comprehensive, as possible. Your input will be carefully considered before the Strategy is finalised.

Get involved in the consultation before the deadline of 4pm on Monday 31 March 2025.