Wild About Devon

Devon Communities Together (DCT) is happy to announce the relaunch of the Wild About Devon – Community Wildlife Grant Scheme. The Devon Environment Foundation (DEF), Devon Communities Together (DCT), and Devon County Council (DCC), as part of the commitment to help tackle the Ecological Emergency, finance this fund.

The aim of this grant scheme is to provide an easy way for community groups to access small amounts of funding to start a wildlife group or carry out activities that promote wildlife. Funds can be used for advice, equipment and other resources.

Whilst Devon is green and beautiful, we have lost vast areas of habitat and species over the last 50 + years. The project recognises the vital role community action can play in tackling the ecological emergency through diverse, environmentally sustainable interventions that will provide long-term benefits for wildlife.

This could include creating new wildlife sites or changing the management of gardens, parks, green spaces, churchyards, orchards, ponds, ditches and buildings, in a way, which will benefit wildlife.

Community Wildlife Groups, Town / Parish Councils, Schools and Multi-Academy Trusts and other not-for-profit organisations can apply for the fund. Collaborative partnership amongst groups are welcomed, however, the application will have to be made by a lead partner.  For full guidance, information and a link to the online application form visit the Devon Communities website.

Football Foundation: Energy Support Programme

A new funding programme has been launched to help grassroots football clubs with rising energy costs.

The Energy Support Programme has a total of £6 million to help small football clubs to save money on their energy bills and reduce their impact on the environment by putting in place energy saving measures.

The programme has two funds:

• Energy Fund – 75% of costs (up to £25,000) on energy-saving measures for clubhouses. All eligible football clubs, charities and community organisations operating affiliated football on their sites can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Energy Fund.
• Floodlight Fund – up to 70% of costs of replacing metal halide (halogen) floodlights with LED floodlights. The Floodlight Fund is specifically for clubs and organisations that have received funding from the Football Foundation for floodlit 3G football turf pitches: they will be invited directly via email to submit an Expression Of Interest (EOI).

The Energy Support Programme is a partnership between the FA, the Premier League and the Football Foundation.  The deadline for applications to both funds is 13 April 2023.  Note that you can only apply to the Floodlight Fund if invited to do so.

The Football Foundation website has more information about energy saving as well as a link to the EOI.

Don’t forget the clocks go forward this Sunday 26 March as British Summer Time begins!

RHS Garden Rosemoor, EX38 8PH – Open Weekend

Visit for just £1 and experience Spring in this special place.  At this time of year our beautiful garden is literally bursting into life…
Relax on a peaceful lakeside stroll and admire the sunny swathes of daffodils as you go. Marvel at our magnificent magnolias and smell the subtle scent of wisteria blooms opening.

Take in the first burst of blossom in our cherry garden and follow our woodland walk to see an amazing variety of rhododendrons and camellias.

Catch some colour as our tulip season starts in our different 'garden' rooms - we've planted over 13,300 bulbs this year!Families can follow our fun leaf rubbing trail and let their imaginations run wild in our dedicated adventure play and den building areas.Plus you have the opportunity to see an art exhibition by Cathryn Nettles and the Alpine Garden Society Show.

 

Entry is just £1, which will be returned as a catering voucher on arrival. Free to members.
Book now for Saturday 25 or Sunday 26 March 2023 10 am to 5 pm.