East Devon District Council’s Countryside Team has been overwhelmed by the commitment and generosity of local volunteers.
Throughout 2015, they dedicated an astonishing 4,500 hours of service to the East Devon Countryside team, maintaining and preserving important nature reserves.
Cllr Iain Chubb, the council’s portfolio holder for the Environment, said: “Volunteers offer a range of skills and experience and are an invaluable resource to the Countryside team.
“Without their work, the East Devon countryside and the abundance of wildlife we enjoy would be very...
A major local charity is marking a decade of environmental quality. Paignton Zoo Environmental Park has held the 14001 accreditation since 2005. Living Coasts in Torquay and Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, also parts of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, which runs Paignton Zoo, have held the standard nearly as long.
The Trust’s Environmental Officer Pete Morgan said: “The ten year anniversary of our 14001 accreditation is quite a landmark. You have to improve each year, so we have been moving forward all that time. ISO14001 is an international standard with an external audit system...
Everyday cosmetic and cleaning products contain huge quantities of plastic particles, which are released to the environment and could be harmful to marine life, according to a new study.
Research at Plymouth University has shown almost 100,000 tiny ‘microbeads’ – each a fraction of a millimetre in diameter – could be released in every single application of certain products, such as facial scrubs.
The particles are incorporated as bulking agents and abrasives, and because of their small size it is expected many will not be intercepted by conventional sewage treatment, and...
Marine litter can undermine the psychological benefits of coastal environments, a study has shown.
The beneficial effects of the blue environment to human health and well-being are well documented, but there has been little research into how the growing global issue of marine litter might negate them.
To measure this, Plymouth University secured funding from the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to assess public reaction to the differing conditions of coastlines.
How important is it to maintain an appropriate sleeping environment (your bedroom)?
Do we really need to give it much thought?
Don’t we just get tired and pass out?
If you think like this then good for you- it sounds like your sleep is great! But is it? It’s not uncommon for us to wake up feeling unrefreshed, or like we could do with a few more hours sleep despite seemingly sleeping soundly all night.
These feelings can affect our days, and feelings of sleepiness/lack of concentration can interfere at the most inappropriate of times - like in a meeting or...
Are there any connections between Easter and Ecology? Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth, was a key participant in a new Jewish reform movement. In the face of the political oppression, religious corruption and economic exploitation of his day, his short ministry focussed on the release of those with heavy burdens, the freeing of the stigmatised and the healing of brokenness. By including the excluded, breaking social barriers and sharing acts of human kindness, he reminded those around him of God’s call to Israel to be a people of compassion and mercy, justice and peace. He also...
You’ve met the Hotel Inspectors – now meet the Campsite Inspectors! The judges from the AA’s prestigious Caravan and Camping Awards are coming to stay at Britain’s top site.
Oakdown Touring and Holiday Park near Sidmouth is the reigning Campsite of the Year after beating more than 900 other entrants from across England, Scotland and Wales. And now the judges are back – this time to check out the competition for the 2016 awards.
David Hancock, co-ordinator of the AA Caravan and Camping Scheme, said: “Today’s campers expect so much more than previous generations. Just because...
The Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI) has a new chairperson for the start of its 23rd year.
Peter Morgan, Environmental Officer at Paignton Zoo, took over the reins at the most recent DEBI board meeting after Andy Vickery, who has held the position for 10 years, formally stood down.
“I’m delighted to take on the role – I hope to continue Andy’s achievements in keeping DEBI at the forefront of the green community,” said Peter.
“Andy has shown amazing commitment working on behalf of DEBI. He is a true environmental champion with a thorough knowledge of...
A natural desire to be part of the ‘in crowd’ could damage our ability to make the right decisions, a new study has shown.
Research led by the University of Exeter has shown that individuals have evolved to be overly influenced by their neighbours, rather than rely on their own instinct. As a result, groups become less responsive to changes in their natural environment.
The collaborative international study, which includes academics from Princeton University and both the Sorbonne Universites and Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation (INRIA) in France, is...
An energy efficient council has been recognised for its ambition, commitment and innovation at a national awards ceremony.
Exeter City Council won the Best Public Sector Energy Management Award at the Public Sector Sustainability Awards.
The award follows the success of a range of energy efficient and renewable initiatives and a further programme of ground-breaking renewable projects to be introduced by the City Council. The local authority has installed solar panels on top of the Civic Centre and other buildings, as well as fitting low energy LED lights throughout its...
