Staff at Torquay’s coastal zoo have spoken out about the amount of litter on the beaches and in the sea and highlighted the threat to marine life.
Clare Rugg, from Living Coasts, explained: “Beacon Cove is the beach on our doorstep. Some litter is brought in by the waves but much of it is left by beach users. The Council regularly cleans the beach – but it becomes littered again overnight! We think the problem is getting worse. Some people who volunteered at our recent big beach clean weekend were horrified by how much rubbish was picked up.
The shortlist for the 2014 Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI) Awards has been announced with a good showing from Exeter businesses.
A total of 55 entries were received, with judges implementing tough criteria to select the finalists in each category.
DEBI Chair Andy Vickery, said: “We’re delighted to have such a wide range of businesses and educational initiatives from all areas of Devon represented in the shortlist.
“The judges will be visiting all of them over the coming weeks in order to make an informed decision on the outright winners in each...
Exhibition runs Saturday 20 September – Sunday 9 November
Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9AF
The exhibition takes its direction from Common Ground, a Dorset charity who explored the relationship between nature and culture through areas such as music, sculpture, poetry and film. The Devon Guild is breaking new ground by using the media of craft to celebrate the charity’s idea of ‘local distinctiveness’ or ‘the unique characteristics such as customs, myths or plants’ - of a neighbourhood or small community.
Celebrating home-grown making with a showcase of 12 craftmakers who use materials which are locally distinct, natural or recycled. The show explores local heritage and environment using traditional skills and resources combined with contemporary approaches. Exhibits include organic sculpture, roadkill materials, installations and recycled jewellery. Open daily. Free. 10am-5.30pm
It is sometimes said that the environmental crisis is but a symptom of a deeper crisis, which is a spiritual one. I have a lot of sympathy with this suggestion, but what does it mean? Spirituality, in a general sense, has to do with what makes us tick. It draws on those aspects of life which we cannot measure such as beauty, joy, kindness, love, relatedness and purpose. Spirit in most traditions implies vigour and vitality - the very breath we inhale and the life-giving energy we find in our heart of hearts. It is thus both profound but also intangible. We may sense a deep spiritual aspect...
A new website has been created to help visitors and residents get out and explore Devon’s green spaces, promoting everything from a gentle woodland stroll to an invigorating bike ride, from spotting our celebrated wildlife to discovering ancient geology.
The new website, www.exploredevon.info , has been launched by Devon County Council to bring together ideas for things to do and places to go to be more naturally active outdoors while enjoying Devon’s fantastic natural environment.
The website also supports the ‘Naturally Healthy’ theme of the Devon Local Nature Partnership...
With almost half of the 5,000 people who visit East Devon’s Pebblebed Heaths every day walking their dogs on the Commons, landowner Clinton Devon Estates is taking steps to help people pick up after their pets.
One of the biggest complaints among visitors to the Heaths, which are one of the region’s most important wildlife sites, is dog fouling, so now Clinton Devon Estates is starting a trial of dog bins at a number of key car parks on the Commons.
The initiative is in collaboration with East Devon District Council, whose dog warden will be keeping an eye how the public...
The State of the Environment in Devon and Torbay is the focus of a new report.
The online report, produced by Devon County Council on behalf of Natural Devon, looks at the current condition of the local environment and explores the fundamental relationship with nature for economic prosperity, health and wellbeing.
The full report is split into 13 subject areas which have a key influence on the overall condition of Devon and Torbay’s environment. These include everything from people and economy, to historic environment and land use.
The Exe Estuary Partnership is inviting members of the public to lend a hand with a litter pick in Exmouth on Saturday 10 May.
Meeting at the Imperial Recreation Ground slipway in Exmouth at 10am, volunteers who help with a couple of hours of litter picking will be able to enjoy a relaxing cruise on the estuary with free buffet, although places are limited.
Over the past few years volunteers have had a substantial impact on the health of the globally important Exe Estuary by helping to clear large and often dangerous items of litter that accumulate in the estuary. There may...
A group of Exeter University students are taking part in the prestigious Npower’s future leaders challenge, which sees those teams involved setting up a project to promote sustainable living in their local community.
The successful team will win a trip to the Brazilian Amazon, spending 10 days helping tribes people set up solar panels. As part of the Npower’s future leaders challenge students Sophie Walton, Flo Taylor, Catriona Patterson, and Harriet Miller have created the Exeter Style Cycle, an online shopping clothes swapping forum.
