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Anyone planning to view the birds in the coming weeks are reminded of the importance of staying out of the refuges and following the codes of conduct for the area: Exe Water Users Code | South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee (southeastdevonwildlife.org.uk)
Cllr Martin Wrigley, Chair of the South East Devon Habitat Regulation Executive Committee and Teignbridge Executive Member for Communities, Housing and IT, said: “Watching the return of the overwintering birds to the Exe Estuary, seeing them feed and gather on clear blue-sky autumn days, reflected in the glassy water surface, brings a feeling of calm serenity. It’s definitely something worth protecting.
 “The Exmouth Wildlife Refuge at Exmouth Duck Pond is active until 31 December to protect the feeding grounds of birds such as Brent geese. The Dawlish Warren wildlife refuge is active all year round.
“Please watch from a distance and remain outside the wildlife refuge to respect their space and ensure they can feed free of disturbance. Dogs are seen as predators by birds, so please keep them away from the foreshore to avoid disturbing them. After such a long journey, it’s a simple way to show how welcome they are here.”
Our understanding is that tonight's ITV Westcountry news is scheduled to feature the importance of protecting migrating birds through the Wildlife Refuges in the Exe Estuary.
Covid memorial to be established
At this week's full council meetings, Chair Cllr Colin Parker announced that a Covid memorial will be established in the grounds of Old Forde House.
He said: "The pandemic has left an indelible impact on all our lives, and I recently raised a flag in the grounds of Old Forde House as a tribute to the emergency services who have been severely affected by it.
"In recognition of the impact of Covid across the district, the loss of life and the service provided by all in support of individuals and communities, we intend to establish a Covid memorial in the grounds of Old Forde House".
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Bradley Lane regeneration given go-ahead
Proposals to bring forward the development of Bradley Lane in Newton Abbot for residential housing were approved at this week's full council meeting.
The development will include 40 affordable homes in a prime town centre location, with excellent cycling and walking links.
Executive Member for Corporate Resources, Cllr Richard Keeling said: "This proposal offers delivery on all our council priorities for homes, jobs and tacking climate change. The offer also proposes a mix of properties to meet local needs."
A development agreement will now be finalised and subject to planning permission, the land will be sold to the developer who will be responsible for consulting with local people.
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Booster vaccinations underway in Devon
The first Covid-19 booster vaccinations have been administered in Devon with people receiving either one dose of the Pfizer vaccine or half a dose of the Moderna vaccine.
The NHS is contacting everyone who is eligible for a booster so they can book their appointment and people are being asked to be patient and wait for the invitation and not to initiate contact with NHS. The NHS says that majority of people currently eligible will receive their invite within the next three weeks.
Director of Mass Vaccination, Flu and Testing at University Hospitals Plymouth Sue Wilkins said: “There’s plenty of evidence that it will boost your immunity, whichever of the two vaccines you have. There are lots of places where people can have their booster; we’re making it as easy as possible to attend.”
Booster vaccine doses are being offered to people most at risk from COVID-19 who have already had two doses of a vaccine. A gap of six months needs to be left between the second jab and a booster.
A third dose is being offered to people over 12 who were severely immunosuppressed at the time of their first or second dose, including those with leukaemia, advanced HIV and recent organ transplants.
Start of vaccinations for 12-15 year olds
This age group will predominantly have their vaccine at school and vaccinations are expected to start in Devon next week, with the aim of offering every eligible child a first dose by half term. Alternative provisions are being made for those not attending school through vaccine centres.
Those concerned about the issue of consent might be interested in this explanation from Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty.
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Stoptober back to help smokers kick the habit
Stoptober is back to launch its tenth mass quit attempt on 1 October, calling on smokers in England to join the 2.3 million others who have made a quit attempt with the campaign since it launched a decade ago in 2012.
Over six million adults in England still smoke, and it remains the leading cause of premature death, with almost 75,000 preventable deaths a year. A new nationwide survey of 2,000 current smokers released today has found that nearly half (45%) have been smoking more since the first lockdown began.
If you are a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health, allowing you to start moving better, breathe more easily and save money. Join the thousands of others and start your quitting journey this October. Just search ‘Stoptober’ for more information and free tools to help you quit.
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Looking for your next job?
To aid those who are looking for their next job opportunity, the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) has launched a new JobHelp website.
The site contains training, support, and advice, including expert CV guidance.
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Support in Teignmouth
The latest newsletter is available from Alice Cross, the charity and community partnership which provides volunteer support.
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Government consultation on making flexible working the default
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has launched a consultation on proposals to reform flexible working regulations. The proposals include making the right to request flexible working a day one entitlement as well as introducing a day one right to one-week’s unpaid leave for carers.
This consultation closes at 11:45pm on 1 December 2021.
Want to plan an event?
The Inter Faith Network for the UK is encouraging people to start planning activity for inter faith week and is promoting a range of ideas and resources to help people run an event.
Inter Faith Week is about highlighting the contribution of faith groups to society and encouraging dialogue between those of religious and non-religious beliefs.
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 Although numbers have been falling, Devon remains an Enhanced Response Area for coronavirus and following Public Health's advice is important:
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