Devon Climate Emergency | November 2025

Welcome To Our November 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.

Devon is open for business with clean energy

The new Clean Energy Prospectus sets out a bold vision to attract investment and innovation in renewables, including solar, wind, and green hydrogen. It highlights strategic sites for energy generation and storage, promotes community-led schemes, and showcases economic opportunities from offshore technologies, positioning Devon as a leader in the energy transition and a prime destination for low-carbon investment.

Importantly, the work of the Devon Energy Planning Group continues to ensure the Regional Energy Strategic Plan being prepared by the National Energy System Operator (NESO) will help deliver the prospectus’ vision and opportunities.

Broadmeadow Sports Centre reopens greener than ever

Following a major refurbishment, the centre is now fully electric, powered partly by rooftop solar panels and efficient air source heat pumps. With LED lighting, heat recovery ventilation, and improved insulation, Broadmeadow sets a new standard for low-carbon leisure facilities, helping Devon move closer to its net-zero goals while offering a brighter, more sustainable space for the community.

Exeter shines with gold for sustainability

The city has won a prestigious Gold at the South West in Bloom Awards, celebrating its exceptional horticultural efforts and climate-conscious design. From biodiversity corridors and rainwater-harvested displays to Passivhaus innovation at St Sidwell’s Point, Exeter is leading the way in creating greener, healthier spaces, showcasing how urban beauty and climate resilience go hand in hand.

Water buffalo boost biodiversity on Exmoor

Six female water buffalo have been introduced to a 120-acre site in North Devon as part of a National Trust rewilding initiative. Acting as “wetland architects,” they create ponds and wallows that slow water flow, improve resilience to flooding and drought, and support diverse habitats. This nature-based approach enhances carbon storage and accelerates ecological recovery, showcasing how innovative land management can tackle climate and biodiversity challenges together.

Devon’s Carbon Footprint 2023 Update Coming Soon!

The latest analysis of Devon’s carbon emissions for 2023 will be published shortly. This data helps us understand where emissions come from and track progress toward our net-zero goals.

While we prepare the new report, you can explore last year’s figures to see how activities across Devon, Plymouth, and Torbay contributed to emissions in 2022.

Want to cut your carbon footprint? Our Top Tips for Individuals page is packed with practical actions you can take today, whether it’s saving energy at home, reducing travel emissions, or making sustainable choices in your daily life.

Open Climate and Sustainability Officer Role

Devon County Council is looking for a passionate individual to help drive climate action and sustainability across the county. This role offers the chance to shape projects that support net-zero ambitions and deliver real environmental impact. If you have experience in climate policy, project delivery, and stakeholder engagement, find the complete details below.

Open Senior Climate and Sustainability Officer Role

Devon County Council is seeking an experienced professional to lead on climate and sustainability initiatives that drive our net-zero ambitions. This senior role involves shaping strategy, managing projects, and working with partners to deliver meaningful environmental impact across the county.

Plymouth’s Net Zero Expo

📅 Date: Thursday 13 November 2025, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Boringdon Park Golf Club, Plymouth

Plymouth’s only dedicated business-to-business event for climate action and net zero collaboration is here! The Net Zero Expo will help businesses move from intention to action with:
✅ Practical tools and expert advice
✅ Real-world case studies
✅ Networking with climate-conscious businesses and local leaders
✅ Live demos of low-carbon solutions

Whether you’re a business leader, fleet manager, or sustainability officer, this is your chance to explore the innovations driving climate action in the South West.

Yealm Community Energy Fair

Want a warmer, more energy-efficient home this winter? Looking to cut bills or explore renewable options? Come along to this free, family-friendly event on Saturday 15 November, 10am-1pm at Wembury War Memorial Village Hall. Get expert advice on retrofit and renewables, learn about grants and funding, meet local installers, and enjoy kids’ activities and refreshments.

SkillShare25 Growing Through Collaboration

Annual SkillShare event on Saturday 15 November, hosted by new CAG member Newton Abbot CIC at The Courtenay Centre, Newton Abbot.

With 64 groups now in the countywide network, SkillShare25 is your chance to:
✅ Meet like-minded people
✅ Get inspired and learn new skills
✅ Share ideas and tackle challenges
✅ Recharge your batteries – and enjoy fabulous food!

📅 Date: Saturday 15 November
📍 Location: The Courtenay Centre, Newton Abbot

Booking essential

Explore Earth Action North Devon: Explorers Create!

Open now until 22 November at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon, this free exhibition showcases incredible upcycled creations, sketches, and photographs from young environmental stewards in the Ocean Explorer Academy. From model sailboats to lanterns made from tent waste, these works celebrate creativity and climate action.

Tamar Energy Fest 2025

Discover practical ways to make your home more energy-efficient and resilient at this year’s Tamar Energy Fest, taking place Saturday 22nd November, 10:00–15:00 at Butchers’ Hall, Tavistock. Enjoy hands-on advice, informative exhibits, and family-friendly activities, all focused on retrofitting, reducing energy costs, and tackling the climate emergency. Connect with local experts and community projects making a real difference.

Sustainability Conference for Schools

📅 Thursday 27 November 🕤 09:30–15:45 📍 Sandy Park, Exeter

Join educators, facilities managers, and sustainability leads for a dynamic day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. With keynote speakers from Education South West and the Department for Education, this conference will equip schools with the tools to create and implement effective climate action plans.

Interactive workshops will cover topics like embedding climate education, reducing your school's carbon footprint, sustainable catering, active travel, and more. Discover practical strategies that benefit both the environment and your school budget.

Full Price: £110

Net Zero and Climate Change - Getting Started

Join the University of Plymouth on 1 December, 10:00–13:00 for a practical, interactive session on how individuals and enterprises can take climate action. This three-hour workshop covers why net zero matters, strategies for reducing emissions across energy, transport, and buildings, and introduces tools like the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and carbon handprint concept. No prior knowledge needed, just curiosity and commitment to a sustainable future.

People, Planet, Profit: Packaging & Waste Solutions

📅 Date: Tuesday 2 December 2025, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Hawke Barn, Thorne Farm, Stoodleigh, Tiverton, Mid Devon, EX16 9QG

Join the Devon Food Partnership and Prosper Business Support for a morning dedicated to helping food and drink businesses improve packaging and waste management.

✅ Hear inspiring case studies from local businesses
✅ Discover cost-saving ideas and eco-friendly practices
✅ Stay ahead of upcoming waste legislation
✅ Network with other Devon businesses and access support programs

Lunch provided

Active Travel Innovation Fund

A new £1 million fund is available to support projects that enable more people to walk, wheel, or cycle. Grants of up to £100,000 are offered for innovative initiatives that:

• Improve access to active travel
• Address gaps and opportunities
• Support underrepresented groups
• Promote health, safety, and net zero goals

Eligible applicants include SMEs, charities, CICs, and partnerships. Funding is revenue only, focused on engagement and behaviour change.

Deadline: 14 November 2025

Highway Maintenance Community Enhancement Fund

This fund supports community-led projects that enhance the local highway network and improve public spaces. Grants are available for initiatives such as:

• Planting and landscaping
• Improving verges and public rights of way
• Small-scale works that add value to highway maintenance

Community groups, parish councils, and local organisations can apply.

Deadline: 31 December 2025

Recycle Devon Reuse Fund

Grants of up to £1,000 are available to support projects that encourage reuse and waste reduction in Devon. This fund is ideal for community groups, charities, and social enterprises looking to:

• Promote repair and reuse
• Reduce waste and carbon emissions
• Engage local communities in sustainable practices

Applications are open now, and funding can help with tools, equipment, and resources to make reuse easier and more accessible.

Deadline: 28 November 2025

Naturesave Trust

The Naturesave Trust offers grants to support environmental, conservation, and sustainable projects across the UK. Funding is available for initiatives that:

• Promote biodiversity and habitat restoration
• Encourage sustainable living and climate action
• Support community-led environmental projects

Applications are open to charities, CICs, and not-for-profit organisations.

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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