“the toll that the rise in staycations and the boom in rural living have had on tight-knit communities” . The ‘housing crisis’ in these parts… Read More »Renting in Devon: holiday lets vs rural communities

“The huge demand for reliable, high-speed internet connections as millions moved to home, remote and flexible working and schooling during the pandemic has increased pressure… Read More »Fast broadband failing to reach rural areas

 “With energy bills rising and concerns about climate change, no one wants to waste energy from their house.” “The Town Council is working to help… Read More »Is Your House Leaking Heat? – free thermal scans in Sidmouth

… whilst keeping it “distinctive”. “Currently greater weight is often given to the preservation of a listed building over sustainability, and this is an area… Read More »Making heritage greener

“The emphasis is ultimately on creating an ecosystem that will sustain itself over time, without the need for constant intervention.” . In the UK: There… Read More »Wetland restoration – the Continent, the UK and the Sid Valley

. Here’s an update on one of Exmouth’s most inspiring projects: Joanna Toole Foundation newsletter January ’22 Welcome, I’m sorry that there has been a… Read More »Joanna Toole Foundation newsletter January ’22

… one of the largest citizen science projects in the world. “What will you see?” . This is the “world’s largest garden wildlife survey” –… Read More »Big Garden Birdwatch: 28-30 January

“Looking to find the best ways to maximise ecological health in agricultural spaces.” . Agriculture is seeing huge changes – and will be seeing more… Read More »Transitioning to net-zero farming

“We need to be very careful about comparisons.” “While a new ice age may be expected in the next few thousand years, there is no… Read More »Sidmouth’s changing climate – part two

“Farmers and rural residents face being digitally excluded and locked out of key services as the nation builds back from the pandemic” . The last… Read More »The impact of the pandemic on rural life

Compared to a conventional lawn, rain gardens allow for 30% more water to soak into the ground. . Following on from a damning parliamentary report… Read More »Rain gardens: slowing water run-off

“The report clearly identifies the need for proactive education, citizen engagement, stronger regulations, greater enforcement and better government funding for investigations.” . The recently published Parliamentary… Read More »Water quality report: ‘routine pollution in our rivers’

“Looking at weather data from 1865-71 and 2017-20, very clear evidence of our climate now being milder in winter and warmer in summer.” “Only 18%… Read More »Sidmouth’s changing climate

New government proposals: “Nature, climate, people and places prioritised in the Government’s response to Julian Glover’s Landscapes Review” “It won’t be enough just to try… Read More »“Strengthening” our national parks and AONBs

“There isn’t one green new deal, there are many versions – and that’s a strength, not a weakness.” “The current cost-of-living crisis, largely driven by energy… Read More »Levelling up: a green new deal for the UK?