Codesign
Starting in 2024 and funded by the Climate Action Fund for four years, our team of four Community Animators will codesign programmes with the communities of Bideford, Appledore, South Molton, Ashreigney and Chulmleigh. We aim to develop:

• community-led climate action that is further reaching, better connected, better equipped and more resilient
• stronger green career pathways and a larger green economy with more opportunities for local young people
• communities that are increasingly nature-rich and better placed to tackle and mitigate the climate challenge
• community hubs which can access expert advice and cascade support and links out to the wider community

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Community leadership
Community-led activities are expected to involve habitat creation and wildlife conservation, with a particular focus on developing the green skills and knowledge of young people while also engaging some of the ‘quieter voices’ in our communities.

For more information or to see how you can get involved please keep an eye on the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Facebook page and blog, or contact the Biosphere Communities Lead directly on [email protected] or message on LinkedIn.

Project Coordinator
​Tom Humphreys

Meet our Partners

The Biosphere Communities Project is supported by a bank of experts with deep knowledge of the community, environmental issues and the green economy and careers in North Devon. We will work closely with them to ensure that community groups, local businesses and organisations, and young people, benefit from their insights, support and experience.

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361 Community Energy
Our focus is on providing energy advice to households and businesses in North Devon and Torridge. We provide free energy saving advice to vulnerable households. We also have Retrofit Coordinators who can advise on suitable ways to upgrade your home, making it more energy efficient and lowering its carbon emissions.

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Beaford
Beaford supports rural creative development and provides access to high-quality arts experiences across rural north Devon. We are innovators in rural community engagement, cultural education, and artistic leadership, always seeking entertaining and extraordinary ways to explore our land, lives and future.

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Exmoor National Park
Exmoor National Park aims to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park, and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park by the public. We have a duty to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the national park; this includes being the planning authority for all planning applications within the National Park.

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North Devon Voluntary Services
We champion the work of local voluntary and community organisations, working closely with the many groups which make life better for everyone who lives in North Devon. We aim to support volunteering, voluntary and community group development, communication, networks and capacity building.

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Earth Action North Devon
Earth Action North Devon is a local environmental charity that aims to inspire North Devon residents, tourists and businesses to drastically reduce their consumption of single-use plastic, remove it from the environment and dispose of it properly. We aim to connect people with their natural surroundings through conversations, education and events to ensure residents and visitors alike want to protect what our very existence depends on. We want to see radical transformation towards a healthier and more informed relationship with the environment.

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Westcountry Rivers Trust
Our Mission is to keep bringing rivers to life in the Westcountry to achieve our vision and benefit nature, people and local economies.  Our work is underpinned by science, evidence and experience and a commitment to the resilience of the region’s freshwater resources. Whether we are working with farming or fishing communities, improving river habitats, mapping landscapes or monitoring streams, it is all to bring our rivers to life and keep them healthy for wildlife and people, both now and in the future.