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Greedy squirrels will climb higher for favourite food study reveals

University of Exeter
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Greedy squirrels will climb higher for favourite food study reveals

Squirrels are usually willing to climb higher to reach their favourite foods, new research shows.

Extensive lab studies have found that animals “devalue” rewards that cost extra time and effort – for example by choosing worse foods that are in easy reach.

But University of Exeter researchers suspected wild animals would behave differently.

They tested this by offering wild grey squirrels a preferred food (almond pieces) and a less-preferred food (pumpkin seeds), on poles of varying heights.

Even when almonds were raised higher off the ground – meaning a longer climb – squirrels’ preference for almonds only reduced slightly.

“The squirrels in our study were willing to work harder for the better food,” said lead author Yavanna Burnham, from Exeter’s Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour.

“This suggests that – in natural decision-making scenarios – it may sometimes be beneficial for animals to wait or work harder for a better outcome.

“This is what we would expect to find, and it shows the value of doing research on wild animal populations.”

The study also found that less dominant squirrels were more likely to choose easy-to-access food, potentially because they face a higher risk of losing the hard-to-reach reward if a rival appears.

Senior author Dr Lisa Leaver said: “This study helps us understand how animals decide how much time and effort to invest.

“It shows there isn’t always an ‘optimal’ decision, and – just as with humans – an animal’s social status affects the costs and benefits of particular choices.

“It’s rational for different squirrels to assess the situation and adjust the amount of time and energy they will expend accordingly, in order to get a reward.”

The study – funded by the Natural Environment Research Council – was carried out on the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus, with food preference tests based on 11 squirrels, making more than 4,000 choices in total.

The paper, published in the journal Animal Behaviour, is entitled: “Pole position: social influences on discounting behaviour in wild grey squirrels.”

Anger grows over Tiverton school delays as council faces criticism

Devon Today
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Anger grows over Tiverton school delays as council faces criticism

A long-promised school rebuild has become the centre of a growing political row, with fresh claims of inaction, missed opportunities and children left waiting in deteriorating classrooms.

A Freedom of Information request has revealed what critics describe as a lack of progress on plans to rebuild Tiverton High School, despite funding being secured in 2022 under the government’s School Rebuilding Programme.

The project had been expected to enter its “delivery phase” in April 2025, but nearly a year on, work has yet to begin.

According to the FOI, there were just two meetings between senior Devon County Council (DCC) officers and the Department for Education, Devon County Council has confirmed that numerous additional ‘keep in touch’ meetings were also held. 

Council records show that between April 1 and December 15, 2025, there were just two meetings between Devon County Council officers and the Department for Education regarding the rebuild. The same records confirm that no formal requests have been made by the department to access the site for ground surveys or borehole drilling, suggesting construction is not imminent.

The findings have prompted criticism from campaigners.

James Wright, a local farmer and Conservative campaigner said: “For years, the Liberal Democrats campaigned promising that this school was their absolute top priority.

“They aggressively attacked the previous administration.

“Yet this FOI shows that since taking the keys to County Hall last May, they have not even bothered to write a single formal letter to the government to fight for our kids’ future.

“It is a shocking betrayal of the parents who trusted them.”

The funding for the rebuild was secured in 2022 following lobbying by the previous Conservative administration, alongside former MPs and school leaders. High profile politicians to have visited the school include leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Ed Davey when Richard Foord was MP in 2023 and Eric Pickles with Neil Parish MP in 2013.

Cllr Andrew Leadbetter, who was cabinet member for children’s services and schools at the time, said: “Under the previous Conservative administration at Devon County Council, we worked tirelessly alongside the school to finally secure this vital funding.

“We made a firm pledge to deliver the state-of-the-art learning environment Tiverton desperately needs, and we successfully got the money allocated to make that happen.

“To see the current Liberal Democrat administration squander that momentum and leave the project to gather dust, without applying any formal pressure on the government, is incredibly disappointing.

“They are failing the children of Tiverton.”

A DCC spokesperson said “Devon County Council is fully engaged in this process, with officers in regular discussions with the Department for Education and having met with the Department on numerous occasions between April and December last year.

“The School Rebuilding Programme is a national scheme run by the DfE, and decisions sit with the Department. We are awaiting the outcome of its feasibility work and will continue to press for progress, working closely with the DfE to secure the improvements the school needs as quickly as possible.”

However, Cllr Steve Lodge, Devon County Councillor for Tiverton West, rejected claims that no action has been taken.

Cllr Lodge said: “To suggest that no action is being taken by the council or Liberal Democrat administration is nothing more than political posturing.

“I have sat on two special schools panels where the rebuild of the school has been at the forefront.

“In the latter just a few weeks ago the DfE were present enabling me to speak directly about the pre-assessment phase and push for progress.

“For Cllr Leadbetter to suggest the Conservatives worked tirelessly to get funding for a rebuild disguises the fact that their own Conservative MP made zero progress with a new build when they were the party in Government for 15 years.

“The rebuild is closer than at any time in over a decade. We are now working to get it across the line and give the young people of Tiverton a school they need and deserve.”

More information can be found via the council’s published FOI response: https://www.devon.gov.uk/accesstoinformation/information_request/tiverton-high-school/

British wildlife prints bring privacy and light to modern home windows now

Devon Today
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British wildlife prints bring privacy and light to modern home windows now

A once-modernist design idea has been turned on its head, with illustrator Angela Harding and window-film studio Brume using frosted glass to bring birds, foxes and seals into the home.

The new Picture Window collection reworks the 1960s idea of large panes of glass framing the outdoors by instead turning the window itself into an artwork. Angela’s linocut designs, including Avocets at Blakeney, Seal Song, Night Fox, Blackbirds & Mulberry Tree and Swallows in Flight, have been printed onto Brume’s frosted film to create decorative panels that balance privacy, light and atmosphere.

Brume, which is based in South Brent, makes each piece to measure in its workshop using eco-friendly latex inks on premium white frosted film. The collection is available in soft grey for a subtler etched-glass effect, or in white for a brighter, more graphic finish.

Bev Mills, founder of Brume, said: “When I was a child, picture windows were about the view outside. This new incarnation turns that concept around, providing an interior view that improves ambience and is the perfect solution for screening out those less beautiful parts of modern life.

“Angela’s designs capture the beauty of British wildlife and to see them rendered in light, rather than on paper, feels really magical – like having a view of your own.”

Angela and Oaty

One design, Swallows in Flight, differs from the rest of the range because it is a removable and reusable cling. Brume said it is aimed at renters or those who want a less permanent decorative option, while also helping to prevent bird collisions with large areas of glass.

The collaboration marks a new way for Angela’s work to appear in domestic settings, particularly in urban homes where windows can overlook busy streets or neighbouring buildings and where householders may want both light and seclusion.

BLACKBIRDS & MULBERRYTREE

Angela Harding said: “Working with Brume has been a sheer delight. I love seeing my work translated into these picture windows. The high quality of printing and attention to detail adds a really special quality to them.

“This is the first project we have done together and already there are plans to extend the range.”

The full Picture Window collection can be viewed at www.brume.co.uk. More of Angela’s work can be seen at www.angelaharding.co.uk.

Hospice worker to run 256 miles after family’s heartbreaking loss

Rowcroft Hospice
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Hospice worker to run 256 miles after family’s heartbreaking loss

A dedicated Rowcroft Hospice healthcare assistant is taking “going the extra mile” to a whole new level this April – running an incredible 256 miles across Wales to support the patients and families at the heart of her work.

Heidi Treleaven, 51, who works in Rowcroft’s Inpatient Unit, will begin her epic race on Tuesday 14 April, taking on six back-to-back ultramarathons over six consecutive days, covering a staggering distance from Holyhead to Barry Island.

For Heidi, this challenge is about far more than endurance. It’s a deeply personal mission inspired by the care her own family received from Rowcroft during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

“I feel very lucky that I’m able to run,” said Heidi. “So for me, it’s about using that ability to give something back.”

Heidi’s father, Mike Steer, and her brother-in-law, Timothy Chant, were both cared for by Rowcroft Hospice before they died just 16 days apart in 2023.

“It was a horrendous time,” Heidi said. “But knowing the hospice team was there for us made all the difference. They helped me and my mum to care for my dad at home in the way he wanted, and it meant everything to know they were there supporting us.”

More recently, Heidi’s father-in-law was also supported by Rowcroft’s Hospice at Home Team.

Working as a healthcare assistant at the hospice, Heidi sees every day the difference that compassionate, individualised care can make.

“At Rowcroft, we go above and beyond for every patient and family,” she said. “It’s the little things – the time we spend, the care we tailor to each individual – that really matter. We work so hard to make the difficult times the best they can possibly be.”

And while hospice staff are known for going the extra mile, Heidi is taking that quite literally.

Her six-day ultramarathon will include punishing distances of up to 50 miles a day, with mountainous terrain and self-navigation adding to the challenge.

Starting with a 37.5-mile run on day one, Heidi will then tackle distances of over 50 miles and back-to-back mountain stages before completing the final days on exhausted legs.

“If I’m going to do something, I want to make it count!” she said.

Despite balancing 12.5 hour shifts, night work and busy family life, Heidi has been training tirelessly – running solo along the South Devon coast or taking on long-distance routes from Exeter back home to Torquay.

“I’m not a super experienced runner,” she added. “I’ll just give it my best. That’s all I can do.”

Heidi admits her biggest fear is not finishing, having previously had to pull out of a long-distance challenge due to injury. But she’s determined to keep going, step by step.

“If you want to take on a challenge, I’d say ‘just go for it!’” she said. “And if you can raise money for a cause you’re passionate about, then so much the better!”

Heidi is aiming to raise £1,000 for Rowcroft Hospice, helping its teams continue to provide specialist end-of-life care and support to patients and families across South Devon.

“I am so proud to work alongside the hospice’s amazing team – such special, caring people who go that extra mile to ensure patients and families are well cared for and supported holistically,” said Heidi. “And I really want to raise some funds to help the team continue their crucial work.”

You can support Heidi’s ambitious challenge by making a donation via her JustGiving page at: www.justgiving.com/page/heidi-treleaven-3

Every pound raised helps Rowcroft be there for local people who need their expert care and support.

Or why not take on a challenge of your own? Visit Rowcroft Hospice’s website to find out more and get involved: rowcrofthospice.org.uk/challenges

Fury as huge Devon solar farm approved without public debate

CPRE Devon
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Fury as huge Devon solar farm approved without public debate

As Devon CPRE ramps up its campaign against the Alverdiscott solar cluster in Torridge, the charity is dismayed that neighbouring North Devon has permitted a 108-acre solar farm in Braunton without even a planning committee debate.

Exagen Development was granted planning permission by North Devon District Council yesterday for a solar array along with a substation, cabling, CCTV and fencing on farmland south of Buttercombe Lane, Braunton (Planning Application 80182).

The decision not only to grant permission but not to debate the matter at committee has been criticised by Devon CPRE, which opposed the application and said it was littered with errors, including figures for which the applicant had no evidence or calculations.

Devon CPRE map of North Devon and Torridge Solar and Battery Cluster

Devon CPRE Director Penny Mills says, “Not only are we utterly disappointed with the decision. We are also dismayed that it didn’t even go before the planning committee for discussion.  The council must be aware of how controversial these applications are. Yet they decided that losing another 100 acres of farmland didn’t warrant going before the committee, and they didn’t give the public the chance to put their views in person. Many of the objections weren’t considered relevant or sufficient to justify a refusal.”

She adds, “​​We are lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the country. What’s difficult to understand is why our councils aren’t standing up for the countryside here. Why don’t they want to protect it from creeping industrialisation?  Where do they think our food will come from if so much farmland is sacrificed in this way?  And what about visitors, who are so important for our economy? They come to Devon for its beautiful, undeveloped landscapes. Will they still come if they see glass and metal instead of green grass? Councils receive business rates for commercial schemes like this one. Is that one of the reasons why they are so keen to permit them?”

This latest solar farm approval comes as Devon CPRE ramps up its newest campaign to rally people power. Drawing inspiration from President Trump’s imperial ambitions, the campaign slogan is: “This Is Our Green Land – Mega Solar and Mega Batteries, KEEP OFF!“

Boards have gone up in the past fortnight in the area around the Alverdiscott grid node. The charity is supporting residents who are concerned about the next phase in the formation of a North Devon and Torridge Solar and Battery Cluster (see attached map), which Devon CPRE is calling the Alverdiscott Solar Cluster for campaign purposes.

Over the past few years, six projects have been given planning permission there, totalling 433 acres, including the hitherto largest solar farm in the county, at Litchardon Cross. Two new proposals at Bulworthy Farm (279 acres of solar) and West Webbery Farm (12 acres for battery containers) would increase the land grab to a total of 725 acres in an area of only 11 square miles.

Devon CPRE Green Land campaign board at Wood Town, Torridge (photo by Sharon Goble)

Devon CPRE Chairman Steve Crowther and Torridge and Tavistock MP Sir Geoffrey Cox recently attended a meeting with residents in Alverdiscott’s community hall. The aim of the This Is Our Green Land campaign is to demonstrate to politicians locally and nationally that Devon’s lush, productive farmland and iconic landscape are not to be colonised by offshore developers chasing government subsidies.

The dedicated petition site is DevonCPRE.org.uk

Tiverton Sea Cadets hailed as best of youth at formal inspection

Lewis Clarke
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Tiverton Sea Cadets hailed as best of youth at formal inspection

Smart uniforms, big ambitions and a looming national test set the tone as Tiverton Sea Cadets came under the spotlight during a formal Royal Navy inspection.

The inspection took place at the Tiverton Sea Cadets base at the Tiverton Canal Basin on Wednesday, March 19. The event formed part of the unit’s biannual inspection by the area officer. The weekday and date combination has been checked against the uploaded calendar.

Commander Gary Mills, area officer for the South West Sea Cadets, said the Royal Navy review process was designed to make sure training and support across the organisation remained at the required standard.

Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026
Tiverton Sea Cadets – March 2026

He said: “The Royal Navy invests in Sea Cadets, both in people and in finance.

“It’s my responsibility to ensure the training and support to the Sea Cadets is assured and I do that on behalf of the Royal Navy, so every year each unit has a unit review.

“Every two years they have a formal Royal Navy parade and so tonight it’s Tiverton’s turn to have that Royal Navy parade and it’s great to be here.”

Gary said Sea Cadets helped young people develop while providing an inclusive environment.

He said: “The cadets are representing the best in youth, in my opinion.

“In Sea Cadets they can be who they want to be, they can be themselves, they get a welcome and it’s all about inclusivity and challenging themselves to be the best they can be and to basically reach their potential because we can do that and support them as they reach adulthood and hopefully become rounded citizens.”

He also praised the adults who support units across the country.

Gary said: “The important resource behind that is the volunteers, both the uniform volunteers and the trustees who underpin every Sea Cadet unit in UK of which there’s 400.

“Each unit is a charity and that’s why they have a unit management team and they make sure the units is compliant with the charities commission, it’s safe and legal, their premises they reside in and that’s a really important part of what Sea Cadets offer.

“Without those uniformed and the non-uniform trustees, Sea Cadets would not be what it is today. It’s a wonderful organisation to be part of.”

Warrant Officer Andrew Middleton, from Tiverton Sea Cadets, said the inspection would help determine the unit’s grading for the year and what award it received.

Andrew said: “This evening is our biannual inspection by the area officer.

“This will be a formal inspection that will give us our grading for the year and that will also dictate what sort of award we get.”

He said the Tiverton unit currently had about 48 cadets, although more instructors were still needed.

Andrew said: “It’s all going well at the Tiverton Sea Cadets as you can see by the numbers of cadets here.

“So I think we’re running around our 48 cadets altogether, but we can always do with more instructors.

“They can get involved by coming up to the unit, or go online and the Sea Cadets will actually provide training.

“So if you want to get qualified in power boating, sailing, canoe, etcetera, that will be provided free of charge.”

He added that the unit’s Royal Marine Cadet detachment had already won the area drill competition and would now compete at national level.

Andrew said: “Next for us, our Royal Marine Cadet detachment, they’ve just won the area drill competition and they’re heading to the nationals competition.

“So we are up against the five other areas in the UK.”

Creative heroes honoured as Northern Devon culture awards wow crowds

Torridge District Council
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Creative heroes honoured as Northern Devon culture awards wow crowds

Northern Devon’s incredible creative sectors were celebrated on Friday 13 March at the Flourishing Culture Awards.

Nominees and guests attended the ceremony at The Barnstaple Hotel, which recognised the innovation, talent and hard work that drives culture across the region. The awards celebrate people, groups, and organisations who have made a significant impact on the cultural life of our communities in North Devon and Torridge.

Musical performances on the evening were provided by Sorrelli Strings, The Voice Choir and Amena El-Kindy, appearing straight from London’s West End. The event also featured a special screening of Boundaries, the most recent project from SwitchFrame, filmed on location at North Devon Cricket Club in Instow.

The evening was brought to a close by Ian Roome MP, who congratulated the winners and highlighted the importance of Northern Devon’s local creative industries and cultural sector.

The award winners were:

  • Arts in education, sponsored by North Devon College: Magical Tots
  • Crafts: Jennie Lamb
  • Digital, film and moving image, sponsored by Devon Film Logistics: SwitchFrame
  • Diversity and inclusion: SEND The Help CIC
  • Heritage, sponsored by Pearce Construction: Bideford and River Torridge Heritage Harbour Project
  • Innovation, sponsored by Devon Film Logistics: Ecotribo
  • Sport: Skate Molton CIC
  • Literature: Barnstaple Library
  • Performing arts sponsored by Landmark Theatres: Kook Ensemble
  • Rural community engagement: Melissa Turnbull, hand:plant
  • Visual Arts: North Devon Arts
  • Special Recognition Award – sponsored by Dartington Crystal: Frances Bell

Councillor Mark Haworth-Booth, Cultural Partnership Board representative for North Devon Council, said:

“Huge congratulations to all the winners! The Northern Devon cultural sector plays a vital role in bringing people together and strengthening our sense of place. Winners and nominees alike should be incredibly proud of the creativity and commitment they show, and of the positive impact their work has across our communities.

“Northern Devon’s cultural scene continues to go from strength to strength, and these awards recognise the people and organisations who make that possible. We are grateful to everyone involved in delivering the event, and to our sponsors for helping us celebrate the very best of culture in our area.”

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Lead Member for Culture and Community Engagement, Torridge District Council, said:

“It was such an inspiring evening at the Northern Devon Flourishing Culture Awards, and huge congratulations to all the nominees and winners. The event showcased the incredible talent, creativity and community spirit across North Devon and Torridge. These organisations and individuals help make our area more colourful, both literally and metaphorically, and it is these elements that make life so special.

“A highlight was the outstanding performance by Amena El-Kindy, whose journey from North Devon to a leading role in the West End production of Les Misérables is truly inspiring.

“These awards not only celebrate those already making a difference, but also encourage and inspire others to help our communities flourish. Northern Devon really is a very special place, and I would like to thank the sponsors and District Councils for organising and supporting such a fantastic event.”

The event is part of North Devon Council and Torridge District Council’s Flourishing Culture Strategy, which was adopted and launched by North Devon and Torridge District Councils in October 2022. It aims to improve people’s access to arts, support local economic growth through culture and safeguard vital local collections for future generations. The strategy sets out the value that culture brings to northern Devon, the aspiration for what it could be, and some suggested actions for raising the ambition, sustainability and impact of culture in all its forms across the region.

The event was funded by North Devon Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and supported by award sponsors: Devon Film Logistics, Pearce Construction, Dartington Crystal, Landmark Theatres and North Devon College.

Businesses interested in sponsoring future events to receive an award in the company’s name should contact culture@northdevon.gov.uk.

New housing bid for village ignites debate over roads and green land

Lewis Clarke
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New housing bid for village ignites debate over roads and green land

A plan to build dozens of new homes on the edge of a village has been unveiled, promising affordable housing and infrastructure improvements while prompting concerns over traffic, flooding and green space loss.

Developers are preparing to submit a full planning application for around 57 homes on land on the outskirts of Sampford Peverell. The scheme would include a mix of one, two, three and four-bedroom properties, alongside at least 16 affordable homes in line with Mid Devon Local Plan requirements.

The proposals also feature new vehicle and pedestrian access from Lower Town, including a pedestrian crossing and links to existing pavements to improve connections to village facilities and Tiverton Parkway railway station. Plans include retaining existing boundary hedgerows, additional planting, and the introduction of balancing ponds and sustainable drainage systems to manage surface water and reduce flood risk.

Developers say the scheme aims to maximise biodiversity net gain, while also contributing towards public open space, healthcare, education and active travel improvements.

A public drop-in session was held on Tuesday, March 17, giving residents the chance to review early plans and share feedback.

Chris Winter, a director of West of England Developments, said: “We are showing off a proposed development on the outskirts of the village, and giving the local public the opportunity to come and question, challenge, comment, support as they see fit.

“At least to hopefully gain more information about what we are proposing and to air their concerns.”

Explaining the scheme, Chris said: “It is a mixed residential development. We have got up to just under 60 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable homes.

“They will be a mix of social affordable rent and some discounted sale homes and the remainder of the open market homes will be a mix of two, three, four beds and a proportion of those will be bungalows as well.”

Concerns raised by residents have largely centred on traffic and parking, particularly around the nearby railway station, as well as the loss of green fields, provision of play space, and drainage.

Chris said: “The feedback we get at just about every event is highways are always the biggest concern.

“The specific issues with this, with Sampford Peverell, are parking for the railway station, which is an historic problem, which we cannot fix.

“Loss of green fields, contributions or provision for children’s play space, that sort of thing, and concerns over flooding and foul water treatment.”

Addressing those concerns, he added: “We will make contributions to the play space for all ages and being asked to by the council.

“We cannot do anything about the car parking issue from the station and that is an ongoing problem.

“Things like foul water treatment is a South West Water issue. They will put in a holding objection to the application until they are satisfied they have got capacity to deal with it.

“Surface water is dealt with on site with attenuation so that whatever the water that is generated by the development runs off at a slower rate than the existing green field.”

Residents who were unable to attend the event are encouraged to view the proposals online and submit feedback.

He added: “We are here to listen, we have got something we have put forward.

“We will listen to their concerns and adopt change where we can.

“But we are in desperate need of housing. Mid Devon want more housing because they are not delivering enough.

“Sampford Peverell is a sustainable location and our pre-app advice has confirmed that.”

Technical assessments covering highways, heritage, drainage and ecology are ongoing, meaning the final layout and number of homes could still change.

Plymouth plants thousands of trees in huge green push across the city

Plymouth City Council
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Plymouth plants thousands of trees in huge green push across the city

More than 5,000 trees have been planted across Plymouth this winter, with even more to come in the next few weeks.

Since November, Council teams have helped to plant over 650 new trees of all shapes, species and sizes all over the city as part of the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, with a further 100 to go in before the season is out.

In addition, a further 4,650 whips have been planted as hedgerows and high-density areas in collaboration with partners and communities.

This year has been a focus on the planting of standard trees, with a total of 505 put in the ground so far. Standards are large trees that at the time of planting are already six to ten feet tall with this year’s number nearly double that of 2024.

Taunton Avenue Planting-1009 CREDIT CHRIS PARKES

As with all community forest activity, community has very much been at the heart of the work, with hundreds of people of all ages involved in events.

Particular highlights included working with third party landowners to plant 43 trees in St Pancras Avenue and Antony Gardens. These trees will act as wildlife corridors and stepping stone habitats between isolated pockets of woodland including Bluebell woods, Marazion Park, Trench Way, and Ham Brook.

We have also completed a scheme in Taunton Avenue where a large variety of planting types and high impact engagement with the community and partnered with Societree for a number of new micro-forests in schools across the city.

Councillor Tom Briars-Delve, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, pictured right, said: “I am so pleased to see yet another bumper tree planting season complete.

“The thing that pleases me most this year is the amount of standards that the team have managed to put in at various locations across the city giving immediate benefit for both people and nature.

“I’d like to thanks all of the residents and community groups who helped support us this year, whether through suggesting location for planting or getting their hands grubby planting in the ground.”

Since the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest was first launched in 2021, around half a million trees have been planted across more than 190 sites in the project area.

Its 25 year strategy, formally adopted last week, seeks to improve the health of existing woodland by supporting all woods being brought into sustainable management by 2050.

This includes restoring ancient woodlands that have been damaged in the past, improving planted ancient woodlands so they once again support richer wildlife, and managing public access so people can enjoy woodlands safely and responsibly.

Communities will be at the heart of this work. At least 3,000 people each year will take part in planting days, woodland care, training, events and local green space projects.

Young people will have key roles through the Forest Rising programme, which offers skills training, hands-on experience and a say in shaping local tree planting.

The Community Forest stretches from the South Devon coast, across Plymouth and onto to the rolling landscape of Dartmoor National.

Unlike traditional forests, the Community Forest isn’t geographically restricted to one place. Instead, it encompasses a mix of community woodland, private woodland, street trees, urban woodland, wooded habitat corridors and hedgerows.

Find out more about Community Forest and how to get involved at https://psdcf.com

2026 in numbers

5,194 total trees planted by, or through grants facilitated by, PSDCF in the city this year
544 larger trees were planted, including fruit trees and standards
4,650 whips were planted as hedgerows and in high‑density areas
28 sites had trees planted this year
13 sites, totalling 653 trees, were planted via PSDCF’s Direct Delivery Model, designed, delivered and maintained entirely by the Council
100s of active community volunteers took part in planting days across 17 sites.
80+ species of tree were planted.
45+ of these species are native or naturalised.
13 varieties of fruit tree were planted across 6 new community orchards.

Inside £47m Civic Centre makeover set to reshape Plymouth city living

Plymouth City Council
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Inside £47m Civic Centre makeover set to reshape Plymouth city living

Plymouth’s bold vision to reinvigorate the Civic Centre has reached a crucial milestone with the full planning application now submitted.

The landmark looks set to play a crucial role in the regeneration of the city centre, introducing city centre living in an iconic building within its tower as well as create a new city centre campus for City College Plymouth to prepare the city’s workforce for the jobs of the future.

City College Plymouth will transform the lower floors and basement into a Blue-Green Skills Hub that will train up to 2,000 students every year across 60 different courses, ranging from apprenticeships to higher education and adult skills programmes.

Crucially it will be a vibrant, visible presence in the heart of the city centre encouraging people to explore, learn and connect.

The main focus will be delivering skilled people of all ages to serve industries such as marine engineering, renewable energy, and sustainable construction. The lower floors and podium will have a mix of educational and open space to inspire learners.

  • Ground floor – the former reception – will be a public-facing space that is open, welcoming and connected to the city. It will have a careers hub, a sustainable bistro and restaurant, a wellness spa and a digital space with AR and VR facilities
  • Lower ground floor – the former basement – transformed into a lively education space with six workshops for technical curriculum teaching
  • First floor – classrooms for formal teaching.

Above the campus will be 144 apartments designed for a new style of city living that has not been available in Plymouth before.

The compact one or two bedroom flats strike a balance between respecting the building’s structure and heritage and modern living that is compliant with all the latest tall buildings legislation. The concrete ‘waffle’ ceilings, which have been revealed as part of the strip out, will be retained to create a stylish modern interior.

Other key changes from the original planning consent include:

  • A new stair and lift to comply with latest fire regulations
  • Replanning apartments to comply with national space and accessibility standards and a change to the mix of homes
  • Greater retention of existing building to allow college to occupy podium levels and a clear subdivision of uses
  • Active uses of lower ground and façade
  • Mechanical ventilation of new homes
  • Heritage sensitive design response to east and west façade replacement
  • New stair and lift to bridge podium
  • Investigate full public access approach to rooftop.

The whole area around the Civic will be re-landscaped to create welcoming, accessible public spaces, with new planting and seating –  the pond beneath the link that connects the tower with the Council House will also be refurbished.

Councillor Mark Lowry, city centre champion, said: “I am so excited to get to this point. It’s a huge undertaking, but we believe it is worth it. The Civic was symbolic of the city’s post war regeneration and it is playing a leading part in our new vision for the city centre.”

Jackie Grubb, Chief Executive of City College Plymouth, said: “Submitting the planning application for the Civic Centre is a huge step forward for Plymouth and for the College. Our Blue-Green Skills Hub will transform the lower floors into a city centre learning space that prepares thousands of students for the jobs of tomorrow.

“This milestone brings us closer to creating a vibrant, visible presence in the heart of the city where people can explore, learn, and connect, while supporting industries that are central to Plymouth’s future growth.”

Planners will now consider in detail the application – which runs to around 1000 pages –  and put together a report with their recommendations.

The project is currently funded to the tune of £47, 486, 361 with grants from several public sector pots, including Future High Streets Fund, corporate borrowing allocated in the Council’s Capital budget, Levelling Up Fund (LUF) Round 3 and Homes England Brownfield Infrastructure and Land Fund of £18,386,278.

This will see the completion of the shell and core works. City College Plymouth and a residential developer will further fund the project for the fit-out of the college and the residential space respectively.

The full planning application has been submitted and subject to validation will appear on the planning portal shortly.

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