countryside

The development site for 59 new homes at Chivenor Cross, for which permission was granted on appeal

Dismay after housing application in North Devon refused by the Council is allowed on appeal

Devon CPRE has voiced its utter dismay that a planning application for 59 new houses near Braunton, which North Devon District Council refused earlier this year, has now been allowed on appeal.

In February, the Devon branch of the countryside charity was pleased that North Devon’s planning committee had emphatically refused permission for more new homes at Chivenor Cross. Councillors...

Devon CPRE 'My Outdoors' art competition

Devon CPRE launches competition to find Devon’s Best Young Landscape Artist

Young artists aged 18 and under can now compete for the prestigious title of ‘Devon’s Best Young Landscape Artist’ following a rebrand of Devon CPRE’s traditional painting competition for children.

The local branch of the countryside charity has decided to open up its annual art competition to under 18s, with new categories for older age groups. It’s a chance for Devon’s young people...

Photovoltaic solar panels against the sky

Devon's countryside charity dismayed at approval for the county's biggest solar farm to date

Devon CPRE is dismayed that plans for yet another massive solar farm - the largest so far in Devon - were today unanimously approved by North Devon's planning committee.

An application submitted by ND Solar Enterprises Ltd, a shell company based in Bristol, has been given the go-ahead despite impassioned speeches from members of the local independent charity which fights to protect...

Wild Exmouth is now on the map

Households in Exmouth will receive their own map of the town that showcases the best of the outdoors. The maps will be delivered by Royal Mail by 24th April.

Wild Exmouth , a three year community nature project, has produced a wonderful map to highlight trails and cycle paths along with parks, nature reserves, play areas and community orchards.

Working with local designer,...

Thank you for giving nature space says Dartmoor National Park

Thank you for giving nature space says Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor says big thank you to everyone for ‘giving nature space’ after a busy weekend. Places across the National Park were busy throughout the long weekend with lots of people taking advantage of the good weather to enjoy picnics, walks and the health benefits of being in an iconic landscape. Dartmoor National Park launched its 'Leave no trace, give nature space' campaign ahead of the...

How watching your step can help rare breeding birds as we return to the countryside

People have been noticing nature much more during lockdown, as garden birds and other wildlife have helped lift spirits and connect us to the world outside. A recent YouGov survey, commissioned by the RSPB, showed that 41% of participants reported seeing wildlife near their homes that they had never noticed before over the last 12 months.

Almost half of the UK population (44%) have...

Buttercups at Ide by Joe Webster

Marks of Nature Exhibition

Our first Exhibition of the year brings together three very different artists from the south west, John Grice , Joe Webster and Ellie Verrecchia , who each have a true love of the natural world which they celebrate in their paintings. Their landscapes and seascapes of the local coastline and countryside are exceptional. John has produced some fantastic new work. Joe likes to mix things up with a bit of street art giving an edge to his paintings, and Ellie's gentle works on paper are breathtakingly beautiful.

You can browse the exhibition here and if you would like to see more...

Aerial view of Green Belt land, UK

Demand for homes in the countryside rise as COVID-19 sparks rural relocation

London firm Urbanist Architecture sees 65 per cent increase in demand for homes in rural areas due to pandemic.

Multidisciplinary architecture and planning firm Urbanist Architecture has reported a surge in enquiries for homes in the countryside, a trend seen as a direct result of the COVID-19 crisis, with the practice seeing a 65 per cent increase compared to Q4 of 2019.

The...

A view of open countryside beside the A30 where a retail development has been refused consent

Campaigners jubilant as Planning Inspectorate dismisses appeal for controversial Whiddon Down ‘farm shop’ development

Countryside campaigners Devon CPRE are celebrating along with local residents after they joined forces to oppose a controversial retail development on greenfield land next to the A30 near Okehampton.

In the final twist in a long-running saga, the Planning Inspectorate today announced that an appeal by the applicant Jack Mann against West Devon Borough Council’s refusal to grant...

Devon's Best Churchyard 2020 winner's plaque in the churchyard at Northam

Northam named Devon’s Best Churchyard of 2020

Local countryside and conservation charity Devon CPRE is delighted to announce that St Margaret’s Church at Northam is the Winner of this year’s Devon’s Best Churchyard Competition. At the weekend a sustainable oak plaque and a cheque for £200 was awarded to representatives of the community of volunteers who help maintain this beautifully biodiverse churchyard on the north Devon coast....

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