Upcoming Devon Council Event – Pasture to Plate

The Business Support and Innovation department of Devon County Council invite all Devon famers and producers to the South Devon Food Hub’s inaugural event on Tuesday, 09 July 2024!


This event is a collaboration between the Devon Agri-Tech Alliance, Devon Food Partnership, and South Devon Food Hub.

About South Devon Food Hub:

Nestled in the beautiful Longcombe Valley near the River Dart, the hub is dedicated to helping small food and drink producers grow and thrive, with a strong focus on sustainability and community.

Event Highlights:

This event is open to all Devon farmers and producers. We look forward to seeing you there!

  • 🗓️ Date & Time: Tuesday, 09 July 2024, 12:00 – 16:30
  • 📍 Location: South Devon Food Hub, Longcombe Valley, South Devon, TQ9 6PW

🎟️ Sign up for your ticket on Eventbrite.

#farming #LocalFood #Sustainability #DevonFood #DevonFoodPartnership #SupportLocal


Devon and Cornwall Police campaign to help prevent livestock attacks

On 28th March 2024, Devon and Cornwall Police released information about livestock attacks and a campaign to help prevent them.


Between 27 March and 2 April, Devon & Cornwall Police are supporting Op Recall – a national operation launched by Cheshire Police, the RSPCA, and Naturewatch Foundation which aims to raise awareness of the impact of livestock worrying, and prevent future livestock attacks.

During 2023, Devon & Cornwall police received 140 reports of attacks on livestock. As a result of these attacks hundreds of sheep were killed either during the attack or later, as a result of the extensive injuries they received.

A recent report from the National Farmers’ Union released in February 2024, confirmed that dog attacks on livestock throughout the UK were estimated to cost £2.4 million last year, up nearly 30% compared to the previous year. The report stated that South West region was the worst-hit region, with attacks estimated to have cost £359,000.

To raise awareness about the consequences of livestock attacks, Rural Affairs Officers and local policing teams will be supported by Special Constables and volunteers to engage with the public and provide advice on how to reduce livestock attacks across the counties.

Cornwall Rural Affairs Officer, Police Constable Julian Fry said: “We’re fortunate to have such fantastic countryside on our doorstep and we expect lots of people will be out over the Easter weekend but, with lambing season well underway, we need to work together to protect livestock.

“Whilst the vast majority of dog owners are responsible, sadly, accidents can happen and even the most obedient dogs can get distracted and excited by grazing animals, leading to an attack.

“Livestock worrying can have serious consequences so, if you’re walking your dog in an open space, make sure you dog is under effective control at all times; they should not be unaccompanied outside of the home and their behaviour should always be managed – especially around livestock.”

Livestock worrying is a criminal offence. It is also an offence if a dog is not on a lead or under close control in a field or enclosure of sheep.

Dog owners are reminded that farmers have the right to take appropriate action to protect their livestock from attacks, and the owner of dogs witnessed chasing or attacking livestock could receive six months’ imprisonment and/or a fine of up to £1,000.

If you witness an attack on livestock, please do not intervene; keep yourself safe and call 999. Information relating to attacks on livestock that are not currently happening should be reported to the police online or by calling 101. Anonymous information can also be provided to CrimeStoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Recycling and Waste over the Easter Holidays 2024

South Hams District Council have released details of the change to recycling and waste collection over the Easter Holidays:

Image including a table of day changes for collection

Notice of Election of the Police and Crime Commissioner

An election is to be held for the Police and Crime Commissioner for the Devon and Cornwall Police Area on 2nd May 2024.

Nomination papers can be obtained from the office of the Police Area Returning Officer on 3rd Floor, Plymouth City Council, Ballard House, West Hoe Road, Plymouth, PL1 3BJ

More information about the election of Police and Crime Commissioners may be found at the website: https://choosemypcc.org.uk/ which is maintained by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing & Communities.


Tracey Lee, the Police Area Returning Officer for Devon and Cornwall, released the following supplementary documents on 21st March 2024

Police & Crime Commissioner – Notice of election

Notice Of Candidates Election Address

 

Field of Light

FIELD OF LIGHT

Talk in East Portlemouth Village Hall
Wed 21st February 2024, starting at 7pm

Philip Ward from RNLI fundraising will explain the plans for the international artist Bruce Munro’s ‘Field of Light’ to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the RNLI. The display is planned for Oct 2024 to January 2025.

Multiple low level LED lights which change hue are planned for fields in East Portlemouth, designed to be seen from Salcombe.

Come and find out more about it with an opportunity to ask questions.


There is an associated planning application 4213/23/FUL which gives more details and is open for comments until the 29 February

Composting Pilots

As part of South Hams District Council’s commitment to address the climate and nature crisis, Sustainable South Hams is undertaking a series of composting pilots.  For further information and to express interest, please see attached. NB spaces on the courses are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis.

If you are interested, let John Miller know on 07710 027246 or any parish councillor if you want to register to find out more or participate.

Compost Pilots – Briefing Notes for SHDC Councillors Jan 2024 (1)

Temporary Changes to Dartmouth’s Ferry Services

On 22nd January 2024, SHDC released a notice about the Dartmouth Ferry Services:

Those in Dartmouth looking to travel across the River Dart by car are being asked to plan ahead as there will only be a single car ferry service in operation from Monday 29 January.

Due to unexpected, but essential maintenance work, the Dartmouth Lower Ferry will need to continue to run a single ferry service until Monday 12 February 2024.

Unfortunately, during this time, the Dartmouth Higher Ferry also enters its own maintenance period and they will not be running their usual service.

This means there will be one car ferry crossing the River Dart during this period.

South Hams District Council’s Executive Member for Community Services; Operations and Leisure, Cllr Victor Abbott, said: “We know this is going to be a busy time to travel across the Dart and we urge you to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time for your journey.

“Every year we do essential maintenance on both of our vessels, Tom Casey and Tom Avis as they are over 30 years old. It is very important that we continue to maintain them for the safety of our passengers. That is always, and will always be our top priority, as well as providing an efficient service to all who use the Lower Ferry.

“On our recent inspection, it was found that some essential work needed to happen. Although we are aware this will cause some disruption for our customers, we are relieved to have found the issue early before it became a major problem for the future.

“Be assured that we will do all we can to make journeys as smooth as possible, including extra staff working on our ferry and help to control traffic during peak times.

“This will be a very busy time for our friendly team, please be kind and respectful to them while using our service.”

For more information on the ferry, please visit: http://www.southhams.gov.uk/dartmouth-lower-ferry

Slapton Tree Hub – Free Trees

SLAPTON TREE HUB 

From James Curtis, Slapton Tree Warden:

I’m delighted to announce that we’ve had the support and go ahead from the Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) to host our third annual Tree Hub.

Put it in your diary: Saturday 20th January 10am-2pm at our Slapton village hall.

We will once again have our ‘cuppa & cake’ cafe for all those who come to take away native whips (young trees) to use on their projects — whether it’s a single tree you’re after, or you’re planting a copse, woodland, hedge etc.

Do contact us ahead of the event if you have any specific projects/questions or requests.

The project is part of the DWT scheme to replant native trees to replace those lost to ash dieback. Stalls include the DWT, Field Studies Council plus a wood turning stall & willow weaving. This year there will also be a kids’ corner, with drawing and tree education.

Last year we gave away around 300 whips, to visitors from East Prawle, South Brent, Dartmoor, East Allington, Dittisham, and more — which was amazing! If anyone has excess home-grown saplings to donate do let me know. And if you’d like to volunteer for a few hours on the day please get in touch.

See the Tree Hub 2024 Poster for more information.

1-2-1 Swimming Lessons for SEND children

Karen Dent, the Sport and Community Development Officer for South Hams Devon Outreach recently released details of the Swim School New SEND 1-2-1 Swimming Lessons.

She said:

“We are excited to launch specialist individual swimming lessons for children with specialist educational needs and disabilities. Working in partnership with Devon County Council.”

The courses have limited availability, so book your place now. See the poster for more information.

More information including FAQs may also be found at the SwimSchool part of the Fusion Lifestyle web site at: fusion-lifestyle.com/swimschool

Devon County Council Yule-tide roundup

Devon County Council’s seasonal news update was released on 20th December.

It is available online here.

It contains items about:

  • if you need help over the festive period
  • are you struggling with the cost of living?
  • we’re dreaming of a green Christmas
  • when is my bin being collected?
  • stay up-to-date with the latest travel information from Devon Alert
  • Christmas is even more special when it’s Made in Devon
  • can you be a “Lift Legend” this Christmas?
  • make Christmas fire-safe
  • get out and explore Devon this Christmas