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Hundreds of trees planted as new woodland created at Stover Park

Devon County Council
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Hundreds of trees planted as new woodland created at Stover Park

A new woodland has been planted at Stover Country Park as part of the Restoring Stover Park project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The three-year project was recently completed, having restored historic features, improved Stover Lake, upgraded paths and trails, and delivered new and improved facilities. The biodiverse woodland, which has been established with the planting of mixed native trees, is another legacy of the initiative.

At the start of the Restoring Stover Park project, a micro-tree nursery was created at the Courtenay Centre in Newton Abbot and at Stover School, in partnership with Devon Wildlife Trust’s “Saving Devon’s Treescapes” project, and with help from the Stover Shed volunteers.

Children from Bearnes Voluntary Primary School and Stover Prep School helped gather tree seeds collected within the historic Stover Park grounds. They then worked with numerous Stover Country Park volunteers to help prepare, germinate and grow the tree seeds in the micro-tree nurseries.

The three-year old trees from these nurseries are among the trees to have been used to establish a new woodland between the Stover Centre and the lake.

Tree Planting Day at Stover Country Park

Two successful tree grants were also secured for 700 trees from “Saving Devon’s Treescapes” and 2,500 trees from The Tree Council as part of National Highways’ Community Trees programme.

Last month, 99 pupils from Bearnes Primary School helped plant some of the trees on the former de-silting site at the park, and 150 pupils from Stover Preparatory School planted a hedge along the fence line of the recently restored Serpentine Lake.

On Valentine’s Day, 100 people also turned out for the ‘Spread the love, plant a tree’ event. Those who took part commented that they loved planting the trees together as a family and they looked forward to seeing the trees flourish in years to come.

The final trees of the woodland were planted at last week’s celebration event which marked the end of the Restoring Stover Park project. Every guest who attended was invited to plant a tree – all supported by the dedicated volunteers at Stover.

Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said: “This mixed broadleaved woodland is another wonderful legacy of the Restoring Stover Park project. Everyone involved in this inspiring initiative should be extremely proud of what’s been achieved over the past three years. The new woodland will create an important habitat for wildlife and significantly improve the biodiversity, and at the same time help mop up carbon from the atmosphere at Stover Country Park over the long term. It’s a great addition to this incredible green space and there’s no doubt it will be an important asset for future generations.”

Eve Malster, Restoring Stover Park Community Engagement Officer, said: “This three year project has been a wonderful example of partnership working, community involvement, and volunteer support. Hundreds of schoolchildren have learned how to grow trees from seed to sapling and then plant them out. Numerous volunteers have gained new skills in tree growing and conservation, helping to bring the project together. There are now community tree nurseries in Heathfield and Newton Abbot, and Stover Country Park has an amazing new broadleaved woodland. We couldn’t be prouder of this piece of work, and it has all been made possible thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and our other funders.”

Jasmine Atkinson from the Saving Devon’s Treescapes project said: “It’s been brilliant working with the team at Stover Country Park to deliver some great joined up projects. Schools, volunteers and community groups have all worked together to grow trees from seeds collected at Stover, which will then be planted back into the park. A great story of bringing people together to make a real difference to wildlife and communities, and a fantastic way to use the skills and resources of two National Lottery Heritage Fund projects to make an even bigger impact.”

Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It’s wonderful to see schoolchildren, volunteers and the wider community come together to plant the trees that will shape Stover Park for generations to come. Restoring Stover Park’s legacy is not only through its fantastic transformation for nature but also through how its connected with the local community. Thanks to National Lottery players, Stover Park will continue to be a place people cherish long into the future.”

Sara Lom, Chief Executive at The Tree Council, said: “It’s uplifting to see Stover Park springing back to life – a reminder of what’s possible when a whole community comes together to get trees in the ground. We’re delighted to support the restoration through the National Highways Community Trees Programme, not just for the landscape it transforms but for the joy, pride and lifelong affection for trees that it will bring to the children and volunteers who’ve helped make it happen. We hope it will serve as an inspiration for others considering an application to the scheme in future.”

Ben Hewlett, National Highways Senior Environmental Adviser, said: “Our Community Trees Programme is delivering hundreds of thousands of trees to communities across England, helping local places thrive while strengthening nature. We’re working in partnership with both The Tree Council and Greenwood Plants to help charities, landowners and community groups source high-quality, UK-grown native species, and at Stover Country Park we’re delighted to have contributed to a project which will create benefits for the local community and wildlife for decades to come.”

To find out more about National Highways’ Community Trees Programme, log on to https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/environment/nature/our-community-trees-programme/ 

Olympic gold medallist Helen Glover set to inspire Exeter audience

University of Exeter
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Olympic gold medallist Helen Glover set to inspire Exeter audience

Double Olympic champion Helen Glover OBE will visit the University of Exeter Business School today as the latest guest in its Leading Edge speaker series – a programme of events that explores leadership, resilience and purpose through the experiences of influential figures.

Glover, one of Britain’s most successful rowers, will share the story behind a sporting career that has spanned more than a decade at the highest level, from her unlikely entry into rowing through a talent identification programme to Olympic gold medals, retirement, motherhood and an unexpected return to elite competition.

Her talk will take audience members on a journey through the defining moments of her career, reflecting on the role of teachers, coaches and teammates in shaping her leadership style and approach to performance.

Born and raised in Cornwall, Glover was not a rower growing up and only discovered the sport after being selected for the Sporting Giants talent programme in 2008, an initiative designed to identify athletes with the potential to succeed in Olympic sports ahead of the London 2012 Games. 

Four years later, she and rowing partner Heather Stanning delivered one of the defining moments of the Games, winning Team GB’s first gold medal of London 2012 in the women’s coxless pair.

The pair remained unbeaten for five years, collecting world and European titles before defending their Olympic crown at Rio 2016.

Glover retired after Rio and in the years that followed married the television presenter and naturalist Steve Backshall and had three children.

For many athletes that would mark the end of an elite sporting career, but for Glover it was the beginning of a new chapter.

In 2021 she made history by returning to the British rowing team after the birth of her children, competing at the delayed Tokyo Olympics. 

The comeback, conceived during lockdown training sessions at home, challenged long-held assumptions about motherhood and elite sport.

“I want to be an elite athlete and a mum, not an elite athlete despite being a mum,” Glover said in an interview reflecting on her return to competition. “I want to be able to do the two absolutely to the same ability as everybody else, without my being a mum being seen as a negative or leaving an asterisk beside my name.”

Glover returned to Olympic competition once again at Paris 2024, winning silver as part of the women’s four, a moment made more meaningful by competing in front of her children.

For those attending the Leading Edge event, Glover’s story offers insights that extend beyond sport. Her experiences navigating pressure, managing expectations and  balancing ambition with family life mirror the leadership challenges faced in many professional environments.

The Leading Edge series at the University of Exeter Business School brings together students, apprentices, alumni and business leaders to explore what it means to lead with purpose in complex and rapidly changing environments. 

Glover’s appearance continues that conversation through the lens of elite sport, where marginal gains, teamwork and mental resilience often determine the difference between success and failure.

Find out more about the Leading Edge speaker series here.

South West academy trust shortlisted for major national education award

Devon Today
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South West academy trust shortlisted for major national education award

A South West education trust aiming to become the region’s best place to work has been recognised nationally for the way it develops and supports its staff.

The Ted Wragg Multi-Academy Trust has been shortlisted for the Staff Development Award for trusts with 13 or more schools at the MAT Excellence Awards.

The award recognises academy trusts that demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting professional development for staff across their schools.

The Ted Wragg Trust says investing in people is central to its mission to transform lives, strengthen communities and improve outcomes for young people. One of its strategic priorities is “growing great people”, with professional development opportunities offered to staff at every stage of their careers.

Teachers across the trust benefit from fortnightly instructional coaching sessions, while more than 50 professional networks allow staff to collaborate and share expertise. Training programmes also include the SEND Level 5 teaching assistant apprenticeship delivered in partnership with Exeter College.

According to the trust, eight in ten staff members say they would recommend it as a place to work – a figure it says is significantly higher than national benchmarks.

Last year the trust also launched its festival of learning, known as tEdFest, designed to bring more choice and collaboration to staff training. The event saw more than 1,300 members of staff take part, with more than 200 courses available and around 5,000 hours of continuing professional development completed during the day.

The MAT Excellence Awards celebrate the work of academy trusts across the country and recognise their impact on pupils, staff and the wider community. Winners will be announced later this year.

Moira Marder, chief executive of the Ted Wragg Trust, said: “We are proud that our commitment to staff development has been recognised at a national level.

“Our colleagues are at the heart of everything we do, and investing in their growth and wellbeing is central to providing the best possible outcomes for our young people.

“Our flagship festival of learning – tEdFest – was a truly memorable day and this nomination is a testament to the dedication, enthusiasm and professionalism of staff members across our trust.”

Julie Fossey, director of the Ted Wragg Institute, added: “We’re thrilled to be shortlisted for this national staff development award which recognises our commitment to growing great people.

“Through our Ted Wragg Institute we offer rich opportunities for professional growth for colleagues at every stage of life and across every specialism, and tEdFest was the culmination of our ambition to bring more choice and joy to staff development.

“The professional learning completed through tEdFest is already having a tangible impact across our family of schools and we’re excited to make it even better this year.”

Charity drive by housebuilder raises more than £17k for hospice care

Devon Today
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Charity drive by housebuilder raises more than £17k for hospice care

A housebuilder has smashed its fundraising target after a year of community challenges, charity events and staff initiatives helped generate more than £17,000 for a local hospice.

Baker Estates organised the programme of fundraising activities throughout its tenth anniversary year in 2025, bringing together staff, partners and residents to support the work of Rowcroft Hospice. The company initially aimed to raise £10,000 but ultimately exceeded that target by more than £7,000.

The anniversary campaign featured a range of events including community gatherings, a workplace bake-off, charity running challenges and site-based fundraising organised by employees.

One of the standout events was the Baker Estates Anniversary Golf Day, which brought together staff, subcontractors and supporters. A Donald Trump impersonator hosted the charity auction during the event, encouraging competitive bidding and helping to boost the fundraising total.

Rowcroft Hospice provides specialist end-of-life care and support for patients and families across South Devon, with the funds raised helping the charity continue delivering its services.

Graham Hutton, deputy managing director of Baker Estates, said: “Reaching our tenth anniversary was a milestone we wanted to celebrate in a meaningful way. Rowcroft does incredible work for individuals and families across our region, and we are immensely proud to have raised over £17,000 to support their vital services.

“This achievement reflects the generosity and enthusiasm of our team, our partners and the wider community, and we would like to thank everyone who took part or donated throughout the year.”

Mark Hawkins, chief executive officer of Rowcroft Hospice, added: “What an amazing effort and our thanks goes to everyone who helped with this incredible fundraising challenge.

“Support from local businesses like Baker Estates makes a huge difference to the patients and families we care for. Their year-long commitment and the fantastic total raised will help us continue providing compassionate end-of-life care to people across South Devon.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved for their generosity and support.”

Baker Estates said supporting charities and community initiatives remains an important part of the company’s work alongside delivering new housing across the South West.

The business has sold more than 800 homes to date and currently has over 1,000 homes in its planning pipeline. It is selling properties on nine developments while a further eight schemes are in construction or planning.

More information is available at www.bakerestatesltd.co.uk

Fire safety concerns force closure of main building at community centre

Plymouth City Council
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Fire safety concerns force closure of main building at community centre

We are sorry for the inconvenience caused by the ongoing temporary closure of the main building at Tothill Community Centre as critical fire safety survey work is carried out.

The majority of the activities and events that usually take place in main building are being accommodated in the large hall, which is in a separate building, or at an alternative site.

Unfortunately, the café in the main building remains closed and we continue to work with the proprietor to explore potential alternative options.

The main building was closed last month after a routine inspection raised a number of fire safety issues that need to be resolved. Further detailed assessments are now being carried out and this means the main building is likely to remain closed until at least the end of April.

We are grateful for the patience and understanding of the centre’s users and will provide further updates when we have them.

Mother’s Day reminder for families to start vital care conversations

Devon Today
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Mother’s Day reminder for families to start vital care conversations

Families are being urged to have an often difficult but important conversation before it becomes unavoidable — talking about future care for loved ones.

A home care provider is encouraging people to use Mother’s Day as an opportunity to check in with older relatives and start discussing support earlier, rather than waiting until circumstances force urgent decisions.

Helping Hands Home Care, which operates four branches across Devon in Exeter, Plymouth, Topsham and Torquay, provides in-home care to more than 15,000 people across England and Wales. The organisation says families frequently delay discussions about care until support becomes urgently needed.

To coincide with Mother’s Day on Sunday, March 15, the provider has produced a practical guide titled “Starting the care conversation”. The guide aims to help families feel more confident about raising the topic of additional support and encourages people to begin thinking about care earlier, rather than waiting until a crisis point.

With many families gathering to celebrate Mother’s Day, the occasion can also offer an opportunity to notice how relatives are coping at home.

Common signs that someone may benefit from extra help include struggling with everyday tasks such as cooking meals, keeping the house tidy or attending appointments. Other indicators may include missed medication, increasing isolation, or changes in appetite, mood or confidence.

The guide also includes advice from the organisation’s care team on how families can approach the subject. Recommendations include choosing a calm and private moment to talk, keeping discussions open and collaborative, and focusing on maintaining independence.

Cheryl Douglas, head of quality at Helping Hands Home Care, said:

“Mother’s Day is a time to celebrate the important role mums, grandmothers, and guardians play in our lives, but it can also be an opportunity to pause and check in on how they are really doing day to day.

“Conversations about support are rarely easy, particularly when someone has always been independent.

“However, starting those discussions early can help families feel more prepared and ensure loved ones remain living well at home for longer.”

Cheryl added that many families later say they wished they had raised the subject sooner.

“We often speak to families who say they wish they had talked about care sooner.

“Planning ahead allows everyone to explore options calmly, understand what support might look like, and make decisions together rather than during a stressful situation.

“Our guide provides clear advice on how to go about doing that, and we would encourage people this Mother’s Day to think about starting that conversation in plenty of time so that everyone is prepared when any important decisions need to be made.”

The full guide is available at Difficult Conversations: Talking About Care | Helping Hands Home Care.

Another version of the guide can also be viewed at https://online.flippingbook.com/view/9712704/

Helping Hands Home Care supports families in more than 150 communities across the UK, offering services ranging from assistance with daily routines and medication to companionship and live-in care.

Live At Powderham reveals extra trains coaches and new fan travel plans

Devon Today
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Live At Powderham reveals extra trains coaches and new fan travel plans

Music fans heading to one of Devon’s biggest summer concert events are being offered more ways to get in and out, as organisers unveil extra trains, coach links and taxi shuttle plans ahead of four major shows.

TK Maxx presents Live At Powderham will run from Thursday, June 25 to Sunday, June 28 at the Powderham Castle estate, with Teddy Swims, Alanis Morissette and Lewis Capaldi topping the bill. Organisers have now announced further audience experience measures, including additional public transport options and new camping and VIP updates.

Among the latest changes, Big Green Coach will run return services from towns including Torquay, Okehampton, Newton Abbot and Plymouth, with multiple pick-up and drop-off points. Great Western Railway will also run additional services before and after the shows to Starcross station, which is around a 15-minute walk from the arena.

Dedicated drop-off and pick-up locations for private cars, along with the event’s official taxi partner Apple Taxis, will operate from Exeter Racecourse and Winslade Manor. Eventgoers will be able to pre-purchase tickets for shuttle buses travelling to and from the site. A free bike lock-up will also be available just outside the arena.

These measures add to previously announced shuttle buses from Exeter city centre and the official park-and-ride service from Exeter Racecourse.

Organisers said the aim is for most concertgoers to travel by public transport. More information is available at liveatpowderham.com, while fans are also being advised to follow the event’s social media channels for transport and travel updates.

Also new for 2026 is a Live At Powderham campsite, where visitors can bring their own tent or campervan, or book pre-pitched glamping. Organisers said only a limited number of spots remain across the weekend.

VIP ticket upgrades have also been released for the opening night headlined by Teddy Swims on Thursday, June 25, and for Alanis Morissette’s show on Friday, June 26. They are available only to people who have already bought general admission tickets.

Organisers said VIP tickets for both Lewis Capaldi shows on Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 have almost sold out. They added that only a limited number of general admission tickets remain for the Saturday night performance.

The latest announcement follows a search launched by organisers for charities across Devon to benefit from the event. One charity will be selected for each show and will be given the chance to have fundraisers on site collecting donations and raising awareness.

The event at Powderham Castle estate is being organised by Live Nation promoters Cuffe and Taylor.

Cuffe and Taylor co-founder Peter Taylor said: “We are seriously counting down to TK Maxx presents Live At Powderham now – and have been working very hard to make it the best experience for fans.

“The new added travel and transport arrangements, with special coaches from across the South West and added train journeys taking you within a short walk of the arena, mean there are options to suit everyone to make their trip to Powderham even better.

“It’s exciting to see so many ticket options sold or selling out now – with just limited camping spots available, and new VIP options added.

“We cannot wait to bring Teddy Swims, Alanis Morissette and Lewis Capaldi to the beautiful Devon countryside – and to see so many huge music fans at this stunning venue. Don’t miss out!”

Tickets and further information are available from liveatpowderham.com.

Friends in Harmony gig to honour Totnes singer and aid Rowcroft care

Devon Today
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Friends in Harmony gig to honour Totnes singer and aid Rowcroft care

A night of music and remembrance will bring South Devon performers together as friends, family and fans pay tribute to a singer who left a lasting mark on the local scene.

Well-known musicians from across South Devon are set to perform at a fundraising concert in memory of Sue Bradshaw, a familiar figure in Totnes music circles who died from pancreatic cancer in 2023. The event, titled Friends in Harmony, will raise money for Rowcroft Hospice, which cared for Sue during her final months.

The concert will be held at the Barrel House Ballroom in Totnes on Wednesday, March 25. Organisers say the aim is to give audiences an enjoyable evening while supporting the hospice.

Sue Bradshaw was a regular at open mic nights in Totnes and often performed with accordionist Martyn Warren. She was known locally for her singing voice and vibrant personality.

Martyn Warren said: “Sue was such a wonderful personality: kind, funny and full of life. She had nothing but praise for the care she received from the NHS and from Rowcroft during her final months. We wanted to create an evening of music that Sue would have loved while raising money for such a vital local service.”

Three South Devon acts are due to appear. Ain’t Misbehavin’ will perform swing music from the 1930s and 40s. Parting Gesture, a seven-person a cappella group, is also on the bill, alongside Rhythm & Shoes, known for vocal harmonies and rhythm guitar.

Special guests will include Totnes singer-songwriter Mae Karthauser, who has released several albums. Her 2023 album August was launched with a sold-out concert at Dartington’s Great Hall, which Sue attended shortly before her death.

Also appearing will be Tracie Gillies, events and programming director at the Barrel House Ballroom, who will make her public singing debut as a tribute to Sue. Organisers thanked Tracie and the venue for supporting the event and helping with ticketing, promotion and event management.

All proceeds from the evening will go to Rowcroft Hospice, which supports adults across South Devon living with life-limiting illnesses.

Tickets are available from www.universe.com/events/friends-in-harmony-fundraiser-for-rowcroft-in-memory-of-sue-bradshaw-tickets-5W1NTV

Exeter alcohol safety scheme wins award for protecting young nights out

Devon Today
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Exeter alcohol safety scheme wins award for protecting young nights out

A ground-breaking Exeter scheme aimed at making nights out safer for young adults has won national recognition after judges praised its work tackling alcohol harm among 18 to 25-year-olds.

Exeter Community Alcohol Partnership has won a national Reaching 18–25s Award for its work supporting young adults and improving safety across the city’s evening and night-time economy.

Community Alcohol Partnerships are community-led schemes bringing together police, councils, schools, retailers and community groups to reduce underage drinking and related harm, while improving health, wellbeing and public safety.

Exeter CAP is the first partnership in the South West to focus specifically on the 18 to 25 age group. The scheme was developed in response to the different risks and pressures faced by young adults, rather than by adapting existing under-18 prevention programmes.

Partners behind the project consulted hundreds of young people to better understand the challenges they face while studying and socialising in the city. Concerns about safety on nights out emerged as a key issue.

In response, the partnership introduced extra taxi marshals to help people get home safely and rolled out anti-spiking training for security staff. The partnership has also been awarded Purple Flag status, recognising standards in managing the evening and night-time economy.

Exeter CAP has also promoted alcohol-free social options, including an event featuring music, craft activities and a silent disco. Organisers said the event proved popular, with more alcohol-free nights planned during higher-risk periods such as January.

The partnership’s work is already attracting interest elsewhere, with areas including Torquay exploring whether a similar model could be introduced locally.

A spokesperson for Exeter CAP said: “Exeter is a youthful, student-friendly city, welcoming tens of thousands of young people who attend our Russell Group University and outstanding Exeter College.

“Their presence brings energy and vibrancy to the city centre, and it is incumbent on all of us as city partners to ensure they can enjoy safe, positive nights out.

“This award reflects the strength of that shared commitment, and I am proud of the collaborative work taking place to support and protect our young people.”

Exeter MP Steve Race said: “As a busy University city with a growing and dynamic economy, Exeter is at the centre of the region’s nighttime economy attracting many people every day to our bars, clubs and cultural venues.

“That means lots of young people, and so Exeter CAP’s work to design a new model of service tailored specifically to the 18-25 age group is very welcome.

“The decision to prioritise safety reflects the concerns I hear from young people across the city.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and innovation of the Exeter CAP team, and along with our recent Purple Flag status, is more important recognition of the work being done in Exeter to make sure everyone can enjoy a safe night out.”

Commenting on the award, CAP director Kate Winstanley said: “Exeter CAP has shown real leadership in recognising that young adults need a different approach and then building a partnership that listens to them and acts on what they say.

“By improving safety in the evening economy while also creating attractive alcohol-free social options, the partnership is helping young people enjoy their city more safely.

“Their work sets an excellent example for other areas and makes them very worthy winners of the Reaching 18–25s Award.”

For more information, visit www.communityalcoholpartnerships.co.uk.

Charity car tour to take drivers on mystery route through North Devon

Devon Today
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Automobiles of all types are welcome to join the annual Charity Car Tour hosted by Braunton Caen Rotary this April.

The event will take drivers and their navigators on a mystery tour around some of North Devon’s more scenic byways and back roads while raising money for Children’s Hospice South West.

Cars of all types can join in the fun, setting off from the Williams Arms in Braunton on Sunday, April 19 at 10am following an 8.30am snack for an 80-mile tour around some of the Region’s less well-known roads.

The day will start with a breakfast roll and coffee, finishing at an as-yet-undisclosed location with a cream tea for driver and navigator.

The popular event always attracts a range of cars from the latest electric vehicles to vintage models and everything in between.

A detailed route and rally plaque are provided along with quiz questions about things that can be seen along the way. A prize will be given to the crew with the most correct answers and a raffle will be drawn at the end to raise more funds for the hospice.

Drivers and navigators can expect plenty of camaraderie and laughs, plus the opportunity to discover country roads and hidden areas of North Devon they have never seen before!

While some will be ‘off the beaten track’, it is not an off-road event and will suit any type of car – but please do arrive at the start with a full tank of fuel or fully charged battery!

Cream teas will be provided at the finish line from 3pm at a North Devon location revealed on the day. The prize giving and raffle are at approximately 3.45 to 4pm.

Places must be booked in advance and numbers are limited, so to take part, please visit https://brauntoncaenrotary.co.uk/car-tour and book your place now.

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