 In this week's newsletter, read about these stories and more:
Installation work continues on £1.2million upgrade for 10 East Devon play areas
 Visit the full news story for artists' impressions of the other play areas
Another five play area refurbishments across East Devon are planned to be completed by the end of October, following the five that were completed prior to the summer holidays. The remaining sites are Whitebridges and Allhallows in Honiton, Slewton Crescent in Whimple, Littleham, and Byron Way in Exmouth. These improvements are funded by East Devon District Council, with the remaining costs covered by developer contributions.
Cranbrook to get new integrated community space
 Aerial view of Cranbrook, credit: Still Imaging
Exciting plans for a new family-focused community space in Cranbrook have been given the green light by Devon County Council's Cabinet. The new space will bring children’s services and public health nursing together within East Devon District Council’s planned Cranbrook Leisure, Health and Wellbeing Campus.
What's going on at local Wildlife Improvement Areas this autumn?
 Wildflowers in front of East Devon District Council's Blackdown House offices in Honiton
As part of East Devon's StreetScene autumn maintenance programme, mowing and the collection of vegetation will soon begin at designated Wildlife Improvement Areas across East Devon. These areas are managed to boost biodiversity and lets habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife flourish.
Transitioning to wildlife-friendly management takes time. The council's carefully timed strategy will help these spaces become more vibrant, species-rich habitats. Autumn is the ideal time for this work. It avoids disturbing nesting birds and the completion of insects' life cycles.
Each site is at a different stage. Some areas will be mown and collected immediately. Others will be left temporarily to allow seeds to fall, and have time to set, helping maintain healthy wildflower populations year after year.
 Events in East Devon
Pink and blue ribbons to return to Sidmouth gardens for Baby Loss Awareness Week
 A local family who lost their baby Monty in 2020 are working with East Devon District Council (EDDC) on a special ribbon display to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week. It will be the second year running Connaught Gardens, will be decorated with ribbons by bereaved families in Sidmouth.
There will be pink and blue ribbons and hearts available as part of the display where anyone can write the name of the babies being remembered during the week, taking place between Thursday 9 - Wednesday 15 October 2025. Anyone wanting to also plant a bulb in memory of babies lost, have been invited to do so at Connaught Gardens on Monday 13 October 2025 at 10:30am. EDDC will providing the bulbs and overseeing the planting.
Join Exmouth’s free Community Clothes Swap
 Credit: Exmouth Town Council
Do you want to refresh your wardrobe sustainably?
The Community Clothes Swap takes place on the last Tuesday of every month at Sea Dog Art Gallery and Bar. Drop off your items from 5pm on Tuesday 28 October 2025, and take part in the swap from 6pm – 8pm.
Bring along any clean, good-quality clothes, shoes, or jewellery you no longer wear — and swap them for something 'new to you'. Halloween outfits are especially welcome, so if you’ve got a costume from last year gathering dust, now’s your chance to exchange it for a fresh look.
Discover more events in the local area by heading to the East Devon Excellence website
 Takeaway Tonight?
 Give your foil trays a quick rinse and pop them in your recycling sack, along with your food and drink cans. Please place any food waste that can't be re-used into your food caddy. Thanks for doing your bit - every item counts.
If you're unsure whether something is recyclable, visit the handy A - Z search tool.
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Have you downloaded our free East Devon app yet?
Join more than 60,000 residents 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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Last chance for community organisations to register for Carbon Action Programme
 Only a few spaces remain on East Devon's Carbon Action Fund decarbonisation grants scheme, and the grant deadline of Monday 10 November 2025 is fast approaching. Sign up today to avoid missing out - it takes less than 5 minutes.
Stay up to date with the latest news about grants, opportunities, funding and training for businesses, by subscribing to the East Devon Business newsletter
 Active consultations and surveys
 Aerial view of Cranbrook (c) Still Imaging
If you, or someone you know, is unable to complete an online consultation or survey, request a paper version, by emailing engagement@eastdevon.gov.uk. Please submit this request at least four days before the consultation closes, so that the response is received before the deadline.
 Upcoming council meetings
Council is scheduled from 6pm on Wednesday 15 October 2025. You can find a calendar of meetings on the East Devon District Council website and watch public meetings live on the council’s YouTube channel.
 You may be interested in
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