Devon Climate Emergency | October 2025

Welcome To Our October Newsletter!

There are many actions already taking place across Devon that are successfully reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience and implementing the Devon Carbon Plan and Climate Adaptation Strategy. Here are our picks for the month!

You can see more positive actions and stay updated throughout the month by visiting the Taking Action page on our website.

Met Office and Network Rail Collaborate

The Met Office and Network Rail have signed a new agreement to speed up research into how extreme weather affects rail infrastructure. This partnership will allow studies to be commissioned in days rather than months, helping the rail network respond more quickly to climate-related challenges like flooding and heatwaves. The collaboration supports the Devon Carbon Plan’s goals for infrastructure resilience and cross-sector action on climate adaptation.

Devon’s City Councils Pledge Universal Food Waste Recycling by 2026

Exeter and Plymouth City Councils have committed to rolling out food waste recycling for all residents by April 2026, aligning with new government legislation. Exeter is investing £8 million in infrastructure, while Plymouth is using nearly £2 million in grant funding to provide caddies and communal bins to over 150,000 households. The collected food waste will be processed via anaerobic digestion, generating renewable energy and fertiliser. This move supports the Devon Carbon Plan’s goals to reduce emissions and standardise recycling services across the county.

Octopus Bloom Sparks Urgent Marine Research Collaboration

A rare surge in common octopus numbers off the South West coast has triggered a rapid research response from Plymouth City Council, Devon County Council, DEFRA, and leading marine scientists. The bloom, which disrupted crab and lobster catches, is being investigated using advanced underwater monitoring and real-time data from local fishers. Led by Dr Bryce Stewart, the study aims to uncover the causes of the bloom and assess its impact on marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods, highlighting the growing need for climate adaptation in our seas.

Restoring Plymouth’s Central Park Ponds

Plymouth City Council is revitalising the ponds in Central Park to boost biodiversity, improve water quality, and reduce flood risk. The project includes desilting, planting native species, and installing wildlife-friendly features. It also supports climate adaptation by managing surface water through sustainable drainage systems. Community involvement has been key, with volunteers and schools helping create habitats and monitor progress. This initiative aligns with Plymouth’s Climate Emergency Action Plan and the Devon Carbon Plan’s goals for nature recovery and low-carbon recreation.

We’re now collecting Taking Action stories by email!

Have you or your organisation taken steps to tackle climate change in Devon? Whether it's reducing emissions, building resilience, or inspiring others to act we want to hear about it.

We’re now inviting submissions directly via email. If you have a story to share, please send it to:

📧 climate@devon.gov.uk

Your story could be featured on our website and social media to help inspire others across the county.

Organisation Spotlight - The Upcycled Glass Company

We’re proud to welcome Ian, founder of The Upcycled Glass Company, a sustainable glass workshop on Dartmoor, as a new signatory of the Devon Climate Declaration.

With support from the Back the Future Devon Climate Challenge, Ian has developed ground-breaking techniques to transform PV panel waste and end-of-life building glass into beautiful, functional products, including solar concentrator prototypes presented to UK Research and Innovation.

His workshop is now near carbon neutral and could soon become carbon positive.

Draft Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy - Public Consultation NOW LIVE!

We’re excited to share that the draft Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS) is now open for public consultation!

This is your chance to help shape a strategy that will guide nature recovery across Devon, including Plymouth and Torbay. The draft LNRS:

• Sets out priorities and actions to support nature recovery
• Includes detailed information on Devon’s habitats and species
• Is designed to be for everyone - individuals, communities, landowners, and organisations

Join a Public Webinar to Learn More

Want to learn more before responding? Join one of the free public webinars introducing the draft LNRS: 🗓️ Monday 13th October 🕧 12:30–1:30pm

Shape the Future of the North Devon Biosphere: Strategy Consultation Now Open

The North Devon Biosphere Partnership has launched a public consultation on its new 10-year strategy (2025–2035), and your input is vital. The draft strategy sets out 19 ambitious targets covering nature recovery, climate resilience, sustainable tourism, local food, education, and more, all under the theme “Living up to world class by nature.”

Consultation closes Monday 20 October 2025.

If you have questions or need help accessing the documents, please contact: biosphere-mailbox@devon.gov.uk

Have Your Say: North Devon Coast National Landscape Management Plan 2025–2030

Last December, the North Devon Coast National Landscape team asked for your views on what their priorities should be over the next five years. Thanks to your input, alongside feedback from partners, stakeholders, local organisations and experts, they’ve now drafted a new Management Plan for 2025–2030.

Public consultation is open until Monday 27 October 2025, and they’d love to hear your thoughts on the proposed policies, aims and objectives.

If you have any questions or trouble accessing the documents, please email: aonb@devon.gov.uk

Barnfield Road Improvements - Have Your Say!

Proposed improvements to Barnfield Road in Exeter have been suggested to make it safer and more welcoming for everyone. Plans include wider pavements, new cycle lanes, better crossings, and a one-way traffic system between Western Way and Barnfield Crescent. These changes aim to reduce traffic, improve safety, and support walking and cycling in the city centre.

Fill out the online questionnaire by 31st October 2025 to have your say

Chat in person:
📍 Princesshay (outside the former Debenhams)
📅 Tuesday 21st October
🕒 11:30 AM – 6:30 PM

Train4Tomorrow: Free Green Skills Bootcamps Now Open

Looking to upskill or switch careers into the green economy? Train4Tomorrow’s Green Skills Bootcamps offer free, flexible training for adults aged 19+ in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. Courses include Ecology and Conservation, Regenerative Agriculture, and Climate Leadership, with options for both beginners and advanced learners.

Delivered by expert providers like Petroc and the Apricot Centre, these bootcamps run for 12–13 weeks and include hands-on fieldwork, business skills, and pathways into roles such as park ranger, conservation officer, or sustainable farming specialist.

South Hams Energy Assembly

Join Sustainable South Hams and South Dartmoor Community Energy for the 2025 South Hams Energy Assembly on Saturday 18 October, 9:30am–3:30pm at Kingsbridge Community College. This event brings together community groups, councillors, businesses, and energy experts to accelerate the transition to energy resilience in the South Hams. Expect workshops on fuel poverty, retrofit, renewables, and community energy projects, plus exhibitions, networking, and a tasty lunch.

Step inside the homes of tomorrow - today!

Plymouth Green Open Homes on Sunday 19 October, is offering a unique chance to tour real-life retrofitted homes across the city. From solar panels and heat pumps to rainwater harvesting and insulation, discover how local residents are making their homes more energy efficient and sustainable.

Whether you're a homeowner, renter or just curious, this is a hands-on opportunity to learn directly from those who’ve done it and get inspired to take action in your own space.

Climate, Cake & Conversation: Farming the Flood

Join an evening of film, discussion, and community connection on Wednesday 22 October, 7–9pm at Tavistock Library. The event features Farming the Flood, a locally made film showcasing nature-based flood management on Dartmoor farms. After the screening, share ideas and chat over refreshments about local climate and nature action. Free entry, donations welcome.

Plymouth Net Zero Expo is coming soon!

This is Plymouth's only business-to-business climate event, on 13 November at Boringdon Golf Club. The Expo will bring together businesses, innovators and community leaders for a day of collaboration, inspiration and action.

If you're looking to discover net zero solutions, this is your chance to connect with like-minded organisations and lead change locally.

AI x Sustainability: Unlocking Business Potential Responsibly

Join the University of Plymouth on Tuesday 19 November, 2–4pm at the Sustainability Hub Forum for a free, in-person panel exploring how artificial intelligence can support, or challenge, sustainable development. Experts from business and academia will discuss AI’s role in solving complex sustainability issues, its risks (like energy use and bias), and real-world case studies. Open to professionals, policymakers, academics, and anyone curious about the future of tech and sustainability.

Free Home Energy Upgrades Available

Devon County Council is offering free energy-saving improvements to eligible households, including insulation, heat pumps, solar panels, and more. Grants are available across most of Devon and tailored to help reduce bills and improve comfort. ✅ For homes with EPC rating D or below ✅ Income under £36,000 or receiving benefits ✅ Includes a full energy assessment 📞 Call 0800 999 1439 or email energysavingdevon@devon.gov.uk

£100,000 Rewilding Challenge Fund Now Open

Rewilding Britain is offering a £100,000 grant for one large-scale rewilding project in Britain. Projects must cover at least 1,000 hectares (10 km²) and be mostly contiguous land or sea proposed for rewilding.

Priority will be given to:

• Projects restoring natural processes, habitats, and missing species
• Community-led or co-designed initiatives with lasting local benefits
• Collaborations between landowners, sea-users, organisations, and communities

📅 Apply by: 10 October 2025

Beyond the Bin Fund: Grants for Paper Cup Recycling Innovation

Grants of up to £45,000 are available for projects that improve the recycling or reuse of on-the-go paper cups. Funded by the National Cup Recycling Scheme and administered by Valpak, this fund supports:

• Awareness campaigns
• Infrastructure improvements
• Research into scalable recycling solutions

Open to businesses, local authorities, universities, startups, and social enterprises. Collaborative projects are welcome.

📅 Apply by: 31 October 2025

SUEZ Communities Fund: Grants for Local Facility Improvements

Grants of up to £50,000 are available for capital improvements to public amenities such as village halls, community centres, playgrounds, sports facilities, and historic buildings.

📍 Projects must be within 2.5 miles of a qualifying SUEZ site (e.g. Woodbury Salterton or Brynsworthy near Barnstaple)
👥 Open to charities, community groups, parish councils, and social enterprises
🚫 Not available for new builds or schools
📅 Next deadline: 11 February 2026

Funding Available: Farming Innovation Programme

DEFRA and UKRI are offering grants through the Farming Innovation Programme to support innovation, research, and development in agriculture. Open to farmers, growers, and foresters in England, the programme includes:

• Feasibility Studies – test if a research idea works
• Small R&D Partnerships – develop new products or services
• ADOPT Grants – support farmer-led trials and experiments

Projects must be collaborative and led by UK-registered businesses. Funding aims to boost productivity, sustainability, and climate resilience in farming.

📅 Deadlines vary by competition

Grassroots Grants: £500–£2,000 for Small Community Groups

Small, local organisations making a positive impact in their communities can apply for unrestricted grants of £500 to £2,000. Funding can be used flexibly, including for core costs, and supports projects such as:

• Access to food and essentials
• Improving local greenspaces
• Cultural, wellbeing, or support activities
• Volunteering and environmental action

👥 Open to not-for-profit groups with income under £25,000
📍 Priority for projects in deprived areas or supporting vulnerable communities
📅 Applications open from 15 September 2025

Mid Devon Business Refresh Grant: Up to £2,500 for Premises Improvements

Independent businesses in Bampton, Crediton, Cullompton, Tiverton, and surrounding villages can apply for grants of up to £2,500 to improve their commercial premises. The grant covers up to 80% of project costs and aims to enhance customer experience and support local economic vitality.

Eligible applicants include:

• Independent businesses
• Social enterprises
• Registered charities
• Voluntary organisations

📅 Open until funds are fully allocated

Have you got an event, opportunity, or story around tackling climate change?

Let us know! For the chance to be featured in our newsletter, email climate@devon.gov.uk

Devon Climate Emergency
County Hall, Topsham Road
Exeter, Devon EX2 4QD

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