“If the government really means to “Build Back Better” it must recognise that conservation of buildings is now a climate issue and introduce reforms to… Read More »RetroFirst: “the greenest building is the one that already exists”

… planting… webinars… photo competition… social media campaign… lots of tips… free guide… . It’s spring and our hedgerows are exploding – and a new… Read More »National Hedgerow Week: 29 May – 6 June

“The only prospective zero in Exeter’s decarbonisation plans … is the probability that it will achieve them by 2030.” . ‘Zero carbon’ might be a… Read More »The ‘Net Zero’ Exeter plan at risk

“The first community-led reintroduction of beavers on a landscape scale.” . We’ve had the ‘accidental’ reintroduction of beavers: On the River Otter: beavers here to… Read More »Natural flood management in North Devon

Building on green-belt, building in farmland: “Saying that the FT article on planning is an ‘intelligent’ take on things goes against all the other things… Read More »The new planning reform bill: further commentary

Designing Spaces for Creativity. Complex problem-solving, Critical thinking and Creativity are the top skills for today and tomorrow. . The current interest in Solarpunk is… Read More »The role of creativity in our future

“The opposition to any erosion of the greenbelt is also hysterical. These are not sacred oases: they are cordons sanitaires intended to keep hoi polloi… Read More »The new planning reform bill: commentary

Prices for solar panels have come down about 75% in the past decade. As new-generation technologies come onto the market. . Before the promise, there… Read More »The promise of solar panels

East Devon has seen the biggest rise in the South West after improvements in personal freedom and natural environment. However, the report warns that the… Read More »Levelling up in East Devon

Many consider the mass use of hydroponics as the future of agriculture. On a smaller scale, companies like IKEA and Amazon are selling hydroponic systems that can be installed… Read More »Urban farming

“One of the world’s most efficient carbon storage systems.” “It can now be safely substituted for traditional construction materials.” . It’s time to celebrate trees… Read More »Building with bamboo

A talk from Dr Debbie Hemming, Scientific Manager of the Vegetation-Climate Interactions group at the Met Office . Planting trees is clearly a good way… Read More »Climate change and biodiversity in the South West

How it can “promote activity, a strong sense of place, boost local economies and provide (almost) everything you need for life within walking distance.” Webinar:… Read More »The 20-minute neighbourhood

“PULLING THROUGH LOCKDOWN” Recognising great things happening over the last year in the Sid Valley . Today, the VGS launches its Sustainable Sidmouth Awards for… Read More »VGS announce Sustainable Sidmouth Champions Awards 2021

“The experience of the pandemic, and the accompanying explosion in social spending, have changed the tone of discussions about radical reforms to welfare states.” .… Read More »Universal Basic Income/Services in a time of crisis