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Green goals set as North Devon plots decade of nature recovery

Lewis Clarke
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Green goals set as North Devon plots decade of nature recovery

A sweeping blueprint to reshape how nature, communities and the economy coexist is set to guide North Devon for the next decade, with ambitious targets aimed at restoring habitats, improving water quality and boosting sustainable growth.

Councillors have been asked to back the latest ten-year strategy for the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, covering the period 2026 to 2036, alongside a new partnership agreement and funding arrangements.

The strategy, produced by the North Devon Biosphere Partnership, sets out a long-term plan to manage the area’s natural environment while supporting local livelihoods and development.

A biosphere reserve is recognised internationally for its balance between conservation and sustainable living, with North Devon’s designation covering more than 5,000 square kilometres of land and sea.

The new plan outlines four main themes: helping nature thrive, living in balance with nature, unlocking the local value of the environment, and learning from nature.

Among the headline aims are increasing woodland cover to 17%, restoring 10,000 hectares of marine habitats, and ensuring half of the area’s land is managed in a nature-friendly way.

The strategy also targets improvements in river health, with a goal of 50% of water bodies reaching good ecological status and none classified as poor.

Alongside environmental goals, the plan seeks to grow the local economy through nature-based activity, including generating £1 million a year from projects linked to the biosphere and increasing public engagement with the natural environment.

A report to North Devon Council states that the strategy has been shaped by public consultation carried out between September and October 2025, with feedback from local authorities incorporated into the final draft.

Members are being recommended to endorse the strategy and agree to sign a partnership agreement later in 2026, which will formalise roles and responsibilities across 36 organisations involved in managing the biosphere.

The council is also expected to approve a service level agreement confirming its annual funding contribution to the North Devon Biosphere Foundation, with £15,900 allocated in the 2026/27 budget.

According to the report, the strategy provides “a 10-year plan… setting out clear aims and objectives against a measurable action plan”.

If adopted, the plan will form part of the area’s wider response to climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable development challenges, with the biosphere described as a “living laboratory” for testing new approaches to managing land, water and nature.

Police close Plymouth property after months of antisocial behaviour

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police close Plymouth property after months of antisocial behaviour

An address that caused repeated havoc within the local community of Plymouth has now been shut for three months in an effort to put a stop to antisocial behaviour (ASB).

The residential property, located on Hamaoze Avenue, had been reported to the police for noise disturbances, people visiting the address at all hours of the day, suspected drug dealing and drug taking in and around the address.

A full closure order was served on Thursday 9 April following an investigation into the reports, meaning it will now be an offence for anyone to enter the property for three months.

PC Sara Millett and PC Tash Wigfield supported with the investigation. They said: “We never take the decision to obtain a closure order lightly. But in this case, the address had been the source for continuous ASB incidents that were having a real negative impact on the wellbeing and livelihoods of people living nearby.

“No one’s quality of life should be impacted because of ASB happening in the area they live – that’s why it was important for us to take action to safeguard the local community.”

Commenting on the importance of sharing information with the police, they said: “Reporting is key in situations like this – we wouldn’t have been able to achieve this outcome if people hadn’t told us about what was going on.  

“Thank you to everyone who shared information with us. You really helped paint a picture of the repeated ASB happening in and around the address.”

The tenant impacted by this order has been signposted to relevant support services whilst the order is in place.

“If you’re experiencing something similar, please report it to us. We’re listening and taking action to keep you and our communities safe.”

The order was secured as a result of an investigation carried out by the St Budeaux and Barne Barton neighbourhood police team and Plymouth City Councils Community Connections team.

Report ASB online here: Report antisocial behaviour | Devon & Cornwall Police, or call 101. In an emergency, call 999.

If you have been affected by crime, please visit victimcare-dc.org to access support services and information on your rights and how to navigate the criminal justice system. You can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or Devon and Cornwall Police’s Victim Care Unit on 01392 475900.

Police swoop on Ivybridge home as drugs raid uncovers cannabis stash

Devon and Cornwall Police
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Police swoop on Ivybridge home as drugs raid uncovers cannabis stash

Officers from the Ivybridge Neighbourhood Team have thanked the public for their co-operation after they successfully executed a search warrant in Ivybridge and seized a quantity of suspected cannabis.  

The operation took place at Bridge Park on Wednesday 8 April. The local neighbourhood officers were joined by drugs dogs and handlers and the Neighbourhood Support Team

A woman was at the address when police visited but no arrests took place. Police are continuing with their ongoing investigation.

Drug issues are a priority for the Ivybridge local police team and they want to reassure the community that information will be acted upon. 

Neighbourhood Team Leader Sergeant Maddy Wiliams said: “The Ivybridge Neighbourhood Team is committed to taking drugs off the street and would urge members of the community to pass on information to allow us to focus on this priority. This can be done through calling Devon & Cornwall Police on 101 or emailing Ivybridgeandkingsbridge@devonandcornwall.police.uk.

“All Information will be treated with complete confidentiality.”

Members of the public can also pass on information via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111 or by the website Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers

To receive regular updates from the neighbourhood team why not follow Ivybridge and Rural Police on Facebook.  

Devon & Cornwall Police has a two way Community Messaging system which helps us to connect with our communities, it alerts people what is happening in their area and allows them to respond directly with any information they can provide.

Why not register and choose the type of information you receive: news and appeals, local crime information, crime prevention advice and community events, as well as local good news stories can go direct to your email inbox. Find out more here Home Page – Devon and Cornwall Community Messaging

Cullompton row over roundabouts as council rejects county takeover

Lewis Clarke
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Cullompton row over roundabouts as council rejects county takeover

A row over grass cutting, planting and advertising revenue has seen councillors opt to keep control of two key roundabouts rather than hand them back.

Cullompton Town Council debated whether to return responsibility for the sites to Devon County Council, which has proposed installing advertising hoardings and resuming basic maintenance.

Dan Ledger told members the town council had originally taken over the roundabouts due to concerns about maintenance standards and had since improved their appearance.

He explained that the county now intended to generate income from advertising at the sites and had offered to take back responsibility for upkeep. However, this would be limited to four grass cuts a year, with no additional planting or landscaping.

Dan said the decision for councillors was whether to continue funding enhanced maintenance — including planting and weeding — or accept a reduced standard under county control.

Councillor Chris Snow said the responsibility should return to the county, arguing it was their asset and that any advertising revenue should support its upkeep. He said the town council should not continue investing money into it.

Dan added that maintaining the improved standard required significant staff time, with around a week of work by two team members needed for each roundabout.

However, councillor Tony Spring said it would be a “shame” to lose the progress made, warning the sites could revert to simple grass areas without seasonal planting or regular upkeep.

Councillor Marilyn Bidmead agreed, suggesting it would be disappointing to undo the work already carried out. She also questioned whether the town council could seek a financial contribution from the county if it continued maintaining the sites.

Dan said the county had previously made clear it would only provide the basic four cuts per year, with any enhanced maintenance remaining the responsibility of the town council.

Councillor Lloyd Knight said if the county was receiving advertising income, it should also take responsibility for maintaining the roundabouts to an acceptable standard, and supported handing them back.

Councillor John Standford raised concerns about the risk of the sites becoming untidy if the county failed to carry out its scheduled cuts, warning they could become an eyesore.

Councillor Mike Thompson said that when the county had previously managed the roundabouts, local advertising had been more modest, with small plaques rather than large hoardings. He added that standards had declined over time, leading to a loss of support from local businesses.

He said if the county were to take control again, it should maintain the roundabouts to the same high standard seen in nearby areas such as Tiverton, and suggested this could reduce the burden on town council staff.

Councillors ultimately voted to retain control of the roundabouts and continue enhanced maintenance, including planting and trimming, rather than return them to county management.

Funding bid success paves way for new play equipment in village

Lewis Clarke
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Funding bid success paves way for new play equipment in village

A village play area could soon see a new addition as funding is set to unlock long-awaited improvements for local families.

Plans are in place to install a children’s play slide and safety surfacing at Bishops Nympton Village Green, after a report recommended releasing thousands of pounds in developer contributions to support the project.

The proposal, outlined in a report dated Monday, April 13, calls for £4,599 to be allocated from Section 106 public open space funds to Bishops Nympton Parish Council.

The funding would contribute towards the total project cost of £9,883, with the parish council already securing £5,000 from the Batsworthy Community Fund.

Councillors have been asked to approve the allocation in line with the requirements of the Section 106 agreements, which are designed to support community infrastructure linked to development.

If approved, the funds will be released subject to a formal funding agreement, with terms set by the council’s senior solicitor and monitoring officer.

The report states the project will help “protect and enhance public open space and community facilities”, while also ensuring the play area remains accessible to all.

It adds that local suppliers will be used where possible to minimise travel and support the local economy.

Any shortfall in the overall project cost will be met by Bishops Nympton Parish Council.

The recommendation will be considered by the Strategy and Resources Committee, with final approval required from full council.

Heartbreaking story shows power of music in final days of life

Rowcroft Hospice
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Heartbreaking story shows power of music in final days of life

This Music Therapy Week (10-15 April) a Totnes family is sharing how Rowcroft’s music therapy service has brought creativity, connection and uplifting moments during a deeply challenging time.

Richard Goss, 66, a mechanical design engineer from Totnes, was living with a brain tumour and receiving palliative care from the hospice. He had been attending music therapy sessions at Rowcroft since December 2025 with hospice Music Therapist David Holmes. The sessions became a meaningful shared experience for Richard and his wife Lesley and son Oliver, who often joined. While Richard sadly died on 23 March, his family have chosen to share his story in a tribute to him, and to raise awareness of the comfort and connection that music therapy can bring.

During his final weeks, and reflecting on his experience of Rowcroft’s care, Richard said: “I was really pleased to hear that music therapy is available at Rowcroft. One of the Rowcroft team had suggested it might be helpful, given that music has been a big part of my life.”

• Richard Goss playing a tongue drum in a music therapy session at Rowcroft Hospice

Rowcroft’s music therapy service works alongside the hospice’s multidisciplinary team to support patients living with life-limiting illnesses, and their families, across 300 square miles of South Devon. Through creative musical expression, music therapy helps people to connect with emotions, relieve stress and create meaningful experiences together.

“My wife and one of our sons attend with me as I need some help, and they join in so we all enjoy our musical creative time together,” said Richard. “It is time away from the other health things I am working through. And we look forward to seeing what we can come up with. Each session is guided by Rowcroft’s Music Therapist David who is very good at getting us warmed up and helping to choose instruments to start us off.”

The music therapy room – a small and enchanting wooden hut in the hospice grounds – is kitted out with a variety of instruments from all around the world. There are percussion instruments, metal tongue drums, beautifully-sounding wooden bowls that are hand-made in Buckfastleigh, as well as small original African and Asian shakers, gongs, drums, metal cymbals and much more.

“During the sessions, David sometimes suggests that we visualise a scene – for example, a walk through a jungle,” explained Richard. “He can then accompany us on various instruments, and we develop a loose piece of music as we go. The tempo and dynamics change as we go along.”

The sessions provided something positive to anticipate and reflect on together as a family, creating lasting memories.

“We have lovely discussions afterwards about what we enjoyed, and my son has created some short recordings that we can listen back to and share with other family members,” said Richard. “I enjoy taking part; it’s good fun, and it’s a lovely way to spend time with some of the family. It’s been emotional for me, but in a very positive way.”

Richard’s son Oliver, a trained musician who attended the sessions with his parents, said the experience created special moments and memories:

“It was fantastic to continue having new experiences together, and for us as a family to have something to look forward to. I can’t think of any other situation where you have the opportunity to play a guitar, a harp, a rain stick, and a full drum kit in one place!”

The Goss family’s experience highlights how music therapy can be deeply personal, creative, emotionally supportive, and can help people to connect with their own feelings and with other people.

“The aim of music therapy is to create a musical conversation with people,” said David Holmes. “Through sound and rhythm, people can express feelings that are often difficult to put into words. Music gives them another voice – a way to be heard and to connect with others.

“It can also bring a real sense of calm. When people become immersed in the music, they enter a mindful space where worries can fade for a while and they’re free to simply experience the moment.”

Music therapy is just one of the many aspects of Rowcroft’s holistic care that supports patients and their families both emotionally, physically and spiritually. As a charity, the hospice relies on the generosity of the local community to fund its services, as only 24% of Rowcroft’s funding is derived from the NHS. Through fundraising, donations, and support from individuals, groups, and businesses across South Devon, Rowcroft can continue providing its vital care and bringing comfort and connection to patients and their families when they need it most.Bottom of Form

Millions up for grabs as Paignton residents urged to shape future

Torbay Council
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Millions up for grabs as Paignton residents urged to shape future

People living or working in parts of Paignton are being asked to come forward to help guide a fund that will shape their future.

Community leaders in the areas formerly known as Blagdon and Blatchcombe, including Kings Ash, Collaton St Mary and the western edge of Paignton, are being invited to shape how a multi-million-pound fund could improve their neighbourhoods.

The area, which covers around 7,000 people, is part of Phase Two of the Government’s Pride in Place programme. The initiative empowers local people, working with the MP, council, businesses and community groups, to shape their area, with up to £20 million available over the next decade to support community‑led projects to improve life chances.

The funding will be delivered in tranches over the next 10 years. An initial £150,000 has already been released to help kick-start early activity, support listening and engagement this summer. The next stage is the formation of a Paignton Place Leadership Board, half of which must be made up of people who live or work in the area. Once formed, the board will create a 10-year vision and business plan to spend the first £4 million of Pride in Place funding. It is expected that the group will initially meet monthly to deliver this vision, along with a four-year regeneration plan, by the end of November.

We, Torbay Council, are the accountable body with a supportive role and key responsibilities, but it is the board and people living and working in the area who will make decisions that are important to them.

The area is largely covered by MP Caroline Voaden, and it is her role to help select the chair or co-chairs who will together form the board. At least half of the board should be made up of people who live or work in the area and must include a ward councillor.

Caroline said: ‘‘This is a brilliant opportunity for communities that often feel overlooked and believe that things can’t or won’t change for the better. The Pride in Place programme is designed to give some key decision making back to communities, to decide what matters most to them. In Paignton, this early phase will focus on listening, building confidence and capacity locally, and turning community priorities into a clear plan for the future.

‘‘You don’t have to have prior experience to get involved – if there is something you’ve always wanted to change, improve or see in your local area then this is your chance to help make it happen. It’s a really exciting opportunity and I’d love to see community members get involved.”

Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council and member of the Torbay and Torquay Place Leadership Boards said: ‘‘This funding is a huge opportunity for Paignton, and we want local people to help shape what happens next. Pride in Place is about more than money — it’s about giving decision‑making back to the community and creating a long‑term plan based on what matters most to local people. We’re asking residents, businesses, and community groups in Blagdon and Blatchcombe to get involved, share their ideas, and help guide this £20 million programme over the next decade.’’

The work will connect with the Torbay Place Leadership Board, Torquay Place Leadership Board and Champions Network, ensuring Paignton’s community priorities are still independent but supported by wider place leadership across the Bay.

This announcement comes after Torquay received similar funding for the whole of the town. After having their 10-year vision approved by government in March, The Torquay Place Leadership Board is due to start funding its first activities at the end of the month.

If you are interested in being part of this exciting project, applications to join the board as a member and/or chairperson are open until 1 May with a simple form to apply here.
 

The map above shows the areas of Paignton that are eligible for the Pride in Place Funding.

Anger as cemetery ‘looked appalling’ with wood left near car park

Lewis Clarke
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Anger as cemetery ‘looked appalling’ with wood left near car park

Concerns have been raised over the condition of a cemetery after reports that piles of wood were left in a publicly accessible area, prompting questions over how the site was managed.

At a recent meeting of Cullompton Town Council , Councillor Mike Thompson said there had been “an issue at the cemetery” the previous week, which he said was addressed when staff returned.

Cllr Thompson said: “As most people are aware we’ve had an issue at the cemetery last week which was rectified on the Monday when the clerk returned from holiday.”

He asked for clarification on whether wooden cuttings that had been moved to the cemetery car park had since been removed.

Cllr Thompson said: “Can the clerk verify that the wooden cuttings which were moved down into the cemetery car park by the skip have now been cut up and removed off site.

“It looked absolutely appalling up there. It’s a public space with public access to the new cemetery and there’s loads of wood up by the skip.”

Town clerk Dan Ledger confirmed that staff had been instructed to move the material away from the cemetery grounds.

Mr Ledger said: “Initially my instruction to the staff was to remove from the cemetery grounds and get it down to the car park.

“From conversations with the outdoor supervisor that had occurred now.”

Hospital unveils cheeky named road sweeper after public vote success

Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust
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Hospital unveils cheeky named road sweeper after public vote success

The Torbay Hospital League of Friends has funded a new road sweeper to support the upkeep of the Torbay Hospital site, helping teams maintain clear roads and pathways for patients, visitors and staff.

The road sweeper, named The Manic Street Sweeper, is already in daily use across the site. Its name — a playful pun on the band Manic Street Preachers — was chosen following a public vote from a shortlist suggested by NHS colleagues with more than 500 people taking part, adding a bit of personality to a vehicle that plays an important behind the scenes role every day.

Funded entirely by the Torbay Hospital League of Friends, the new road sweeper supports the practical work of keeping roads and pathways clear across a large and busy hospital site, particularly during periods of high footfall and challenging weather.

Martin Tucker, Chair of Torbay Hospital League of Friends, said: “We’re pleased to have been able to fund something so useful and visible. This is a piece of equipment that will be used every day and that’s exactly the kind of difference our supporters want to make. It was also great to see colleagues and the public get involved in choosing the name — it really captured the spirit of the hospital community.”

Johnathan Hawkins, Environment and Waste Operations Manager, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Having this road sweeper on site is already making a real difference to how we manage the estate. It supports our teams to keep key routes clear and the hospital looking well cared for, which matters for everyone coming onto the site. We’re very grateful to Torbay Hospital League of Friends for their continued support.”

Torbay Hospital League of Friends has been supporting Torbay Hospital for more than 70 years and received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service in 2012. The League continues to fund equipment and improvements that go above and beyond NHS provision, always with the aim of enhancing patient care and experience.

For more information about the League of Friends and how you can support their work, Torbay Hospital League of Friends.

Devon cricket club hits funding boundary with boost for ground plans

Devon Today
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Devon cricket club hits funding boundary with boost for ground plans

A Devon cricket club is stepping up to the crease with plans to modernise its facilities, thanks to a sponsorship boost aimed at improving the matchday experience and supporting the next generation of players.

Heathcoat Cricket Club has received £1,000 from housebuilder Edenstone to support improvements at its ground at Whitnage Road in Sampford Peverell.

The club, which operates across two sites, has more than 325 playing members. This includes four Saturday league sides, women’s hardball and softball teams, a range of T20 and social teams, and a junior programme catering for children from the age of four.

Vice-chairman Chris Salter said: “Our vision is to be the best cricket club in Devon, while supporting cricketers of all ages and abilities to play to their full potential.

“We’re on a mission to promote, organise and foster amateur cricket of the highest standard in the Devon area. Central to our ethos is enjoyment of the game and the development of young cricketers.”

He said funding secured through the Devon Cricket Board and the England and Wales Cricket Board would support improvements focused on increasing participation among children, women and people with disabilities.

Chris added: “Heathcoat Cricket Club was successfully awarded funding towards the digitalisation of our Sampford Peverell ground at Whitnage Road.

“We’re using the grant funding for a new electronic scoreboard to replace the failing manual board; to upgrade the IT hardware to facilitate live scoring; build a score hut; to purchase camera equipment to live broadcast matches and update Wi-Fi facilities.

“The grant funding only covers 80% of this so we’re grateful to Edenstone for their sponsorship, which will help towards our ongoing fundraising for the improvements which will help future-proof the ground.”

Alongside the upgrades, the club aims to grow junior membership by five per cent each year and increase women’s membership by 50 per cent annually.

The ground is located around a mile from Edenstone’s nearby housing development, The Orchards.

Edenstone operations director Chris Edge said: “As good neighbours and proud supporters of grassroots sports, we were keen to help Heathcoat Cricket Club.

“Sport is a great way to meet people, stay fit and active and develop life skills such as teamwork and communication. We wish the club the best of luck with the works and for the cricket season and beyond.”

The latest phase of homes at The Orchards has now been released. More information is available at https://edenstonehomes.com/developments/the-orchards

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