Welcome To Our March 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.

East Devon District Council Introduces Electric Recycling Lorries

East Devon District Council (EDDC) has introduced two new electric recycling lorries to its fleet as part of its goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040. These lorries will operate in Cranbrook, Tithebarn, and West Clyst, with district-wide trials planned to guide future upgrades. Councillor Geoff Jung highlighted the health and environmental benefits of this initiative, noting that transport accounts for 10% of the council's carbon footprint. The acquisition of the Romaquip RQ-E vehicles is a significant step towards creating a clean growth zone and sets an example for other councils.

Cycle Training Hubs in Tavistock and Honiton Libraries

£23 Million Boost for South West’s Walking and Cycling Infrastructure

Peninsula Transport Strategic Implementation Plan Consultation

Peninsula Transport has launched a consultation on their Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP), which is a key part of their strategy to enhance connectivity, resilience, and sustainability across the region. The SIP focuses on several important areas, including improving the efficiency and reliability of transport networks, promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure, and enhancing both digital and physical connectivity to support economic growth. Additionally, the plan aims to complete the transport network to ensure comprehensive and integrated solutions.

Help Improve the Devon Climate Emergency Website

We want to hear from you! Your feedback is crucial in helping us enhance the Devon Climate Emergency website. Let us know what works well and what could be improved. By sharing your thoughts, you can help us create a more user-friendly and effective platform.

Your input will make a difference. Thank you for helping us build a better website for everyone!

We appreciate your support!

Local Climate Legend 2025 – Launch and Screening

📅 Monday 10th March
🕡 6:30 - 9pm GMT
📍 Plymouth Arts Cinema, PL4 8AT

Plymouth Arts Cinema is excited to announce the launch of the #LocalClimateLegend 2025 campaign. The event will begin with a special screening of documentaries that highlight the remarkable efforts of last year's winners in addressing climate change. These films showcase the innovative and dedicated actions taken by individuals and communities in Plymouth to promote sustainability and work towards a net-zero future. Following the 60-minute screening, attendees are invited to stay for drinks and networking. This segment offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with others who are passionate about environmental issues and to discuss ways to contribute to a greener Plymouth. Additionally, guests will have the chance to nominate their own local climate heroes for the 2025 campaign, recognising those who have made significant contributions to sustainability. The event is free to attend, but advanced booking is recommended to ensure a spot.

Devon Community Resilience Forum - Spring 2025

#ClimateScam? A Must-Watch Documentary by Cornwall Climate Care

📍 Kingsbridge 📅 10th March
📍 Okehampton 📅 12th March
📍 Ilfracombe 📅 14th March

Are you curious about the climate change debate and the conspiracy theories surrounding it? Cornwall Climate Care's latest documentary, #ClimateScam?, dives deep into the reasons behind climate conspiracies and their impact on society.

Despite overwhelming scientific consensus on climate change, some people still believe it's a hoax or part of a larger sinister plan. This film explores the origins of these conspiracy theories, their spread through social media, and the real-life consequences for those trying to address climate issues.

Join us for a thought-provoking screening and learn how to support those affected by climate anxiety and take meaningful action.

Home Composting Masterclass

Connect Café: Regenerative Farming Event

📅 Thursday 20th March
🕢 7:30 - 9pm GMT
📍 Online

The Bat Conservation Trust invites you to their next Connect Café event, focusing on regenerative farming. This free, friendly online space is perfect for anyone interested in learning more about sustainable agriculture and its benefits for our environment.

The guest speaker, Sebastian Allen-Mepham, a Farm Adviser from the Connecting People and Landscapes project, will discuss the core principles of regenerative farming. This approach to agriculture restores natural resources, enhances biodiversity, and promotes soil health by using natural processes and avoiding artificial inputs.

In addition to the informative presentation, this event offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, communities, and organisations dedicated to caring for local landscapes.

Regenerative Farm Walk

📅 Sunday 23rd March
🕐 1 - 3:30pm GMT
📍 Old Parsonage Farm, TQ9 6EA

The Bat Conservation Trust invites you to explore Old Parsonage Farm and discover how farmers Oli and Harriet are farming with nature in mind. This event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about regenerative farming practices and their benefits for the environment.

Led by Farming Adviser Sebastian Allen-Mepham, you will gain insights into how regenerative farming works, how it benefits nature, and what the Connecting People and Landscapes project is doing to support farmers who are growing and producing food in a sustainable way.

This event is free. Activities are designed for ages 7 years and up, but families with younger children are welcome. A hot drink and snack will be provided, so please bring a reusable cup if you have one. Remember to wear suitable clothing and footwear for the weather, as the walk will include rough, uneven ground with some slopes and wet/muddy conditions.

Changemakers: Positive Tipping Points for Climate and Nature Action

📅 Wednesday, March 26, 2025
🕛 12 - 1:30 PM GMT
📍 Online

Join an inspiring event hosted by Sustainable South Hams, to explore the concept of positive tipping points in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss. This session, led by Peter Lefort, will delve into how we can predict and encourage positive shifts to avoid the worst impacts of environmental crises.

During the event, you will have the opportunity to learn about the latest research from Exeter University and beyond on positive tipping points. The session will include interactive group activities designed to help you understand and apply the framework. Additionally, there will be dynamic discussions on creating the right conditions for change, building momentum, and triggering shifts towards a sustainable future.

The Great British Spring Clean is back!

Photo taken by Iain Stevens

📅 21st March - 6th April

Join in to make a difference in our local environment. Be one of Devon’s #LitterHeroes to help clean up our beautiful county.

• Help improve our community and protect our natural habitats.
• Pick by yourself or join forces with neighbours, friends, and family to tackle litter together.
• Enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise while making a positive impact.

Share your participation on social media using #GreatBritishSpringClean and tag us @DevonClimateEmergency. 

Litter-picking kits are available all year round for loan from most district councils.

Grow Wild Youth Grants

The Grow Wild Youth Grants programme supports young people in the UK to create projects that champion native plants and fungi. Here are the key points:

• Funding Amount: £500 grants.
• Eligibility: Open to individuals aged 16-25 in the UK.
• Focus Areas: Projects that promote UK native plants and fungi, involving and benefiting the community.
• Application Deadline: 3pm, 19th March 2025.

Free Home Retrofit Advice

Want to make your home more energy efficient but not sure where to start? The Energy Saving Devon Partnership offers a free Retrofit Advice Home Visit until 31 March 2025. During this visit, a qualified Retrofit Assessor will provide impartial advice on retrofitting your home, considering your plans, usage, local planning restrictions, and architectural constraints. You'll also receive a summary of the discussion and potential next steps.

Carbon13 Venture Launchpad Opportunity

The Carbon13 Venture Launchpad supports early-stage ClimateTech start-ups aiming to address climate change. Here are the key points:

• Funding Amount: Up to £200,000 in pre-seed investment.
• Eligibility: Open to UK-registered start-ups with two or more founders, working on software or deeptech/science-based solutions.
• Focus Areas: Projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, with the ambition of achieving significant carbon reduction.
• Application Deadline: 31st March 2025.

Everyday Energy Competition

The Everyday Energy Competition encourages children to design banners that inspire their community to adopt energy-saving habits. Here are the key points:

• Funding Amount: £5,000 for the winning school; £500 for 25 runner-up schools.
• Eligibility: Open to UK schools educating children aged 5 to 11.
• Focus Areas: Designs should illustrate small, everyday energy-saving changes and include an inspirational message.
• Application Deadline: 25th April 2025.

Postcode Local Trust Funding Opportunity

Grants for Good Funding Opportunity

The Matthew Good Foundation's Grants for Good programme supports small charities, community groups, and social enterprises making a big impact. Here are the key points:

• Funding Amount: £60,000 annually, distributed quarterly among 20 organisations.
• Eligibility: Open to UK-based local community groups, charities, voluntary groups, or social enterprises with an average income of less than £50,000 in the last 12 months.
• Focus Areas: Projects that positively impact communities, people, or the environment.
• Application Deadlines: Quarterly cycles with specific deadlines in March, June, September, and December.

Tomorrow’s Climate Scientists Funding Opportunity

The Royal Society's Tomorrow’s Climate Scientists programme supports schools in researching climate change and biodiversity. Here are the key points:

• Funding Amount: Grants up to £3,000.
• Eligibility: Open to UK schools and colleges working with STEM professionals from academia or industry.
• Focus Areas: Projects investigating climate change and biodiversity.
• Application Deadlines: Three submission deadlines throughout the year - end of April, mid-June, and early December.

Free Trees for Schools and Communities

The Woodland Trust is offering free tree packs to schools and communities across the UK to support environmental sustainability. Here are the key points:

• Funding Amount: Free tree packs.
• Eligibility: Open to schools and community groups in the UK.
• Focus Areas: Projects that enhance green spaces, promote biodiversity, and contribute to the UK's carbon net-zero target by 2050.
• Application Deadlines: Applications for tree packs to be delivered in November 2025 are currently open and expected to close in August.

Alpkit Foundation Funding Opportunity

The Alpkit Foundation offers small grants to support community projects that promote outdoor activities and experiences. Here are the key points:

• Funding Amount: Grants range from £50 to £500.
• Eligibility: Open to community groups, schools, and other not-for-profit organisations.
• Focus Areas: Projects that encourage outdoor education, participation, environmental conservation, diversity, and health.
• Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Energy Resilience Fund Opportunity

The Energy Resilience Fund supports charities and social enterprises in England to improve their energy resilience. Here are the key points:

• Funding Amount: £25,000 to £250,000 (60% loan, 40% grant).
• Eligibility: Open to incorporated voluntary, community, or social enterprise organisations based in England with a minimum turnover of £100,000 and fewer than 250 employees.
• Focus Areas: Projects that install energy-saving measures or generation technology, such as energy-efficient lighting, insulation upgrades, solar PV panels, and electric vehicles.
• Application Deadlines: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Esmée Fairbairn Foundation Grants

The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation provides grants to support charitable work in the UK, focusing on long-term, core funding. Here are the key points:

• Funding Amount: Varies, with most grants lasting three to five years.
• Eligibility: Open to UK-based charities and not-for-profit organisations.
• Focus Areas: Projects that improve the natural world, secure a fairer future, and strengthen bonds in communities.
• Application Deadlines: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

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 environmentalpolicy@devon.gov.uk