Information

2007 Sustainable Development Fund outputs

This page has links to reports and other outputs from the Sustainable Development Fund supported projects in 2006-2007.

 

Project Title
Aim and Summary
Project Output
Organisation Link

Farm Plastics Recycling

 Collection of farm plastics and development of new storage system Round 1 collections (April to May 2005) involved 269 farmers delivering 288 loads to 13 collection sites. Avg load weight 1.10 tonnes.. Round 2 collections (Jan to Feb 2006) involved 226 farmers delivering 237 loads to 14 collection sites. Avg load rate 0.84 tonnes.
Bechstein Bats

Understanding the conservation requirements of internationally important bat species within the East Devon AONB
The project achieved its objectives and Bechstein Bats were tracked from Beer Quarry to an area 11km to the north and number of roosts were identified. Through local and national publicity, several landowners have come forward and offered their woodlands to be included in the study, which is an ongoing project.
South West Co-Ordinated Woodfuels Initiative

Increasing installation capacity within each of the participating AONB / National Park according to researched potential

 4 potential projects were identified and 21 enquiries were made on the advice line. 1 installation, based on a Biomass Boiler System with a 55kW output, was approved and will take place later on this year.

Environmental Stewardship Survey

Market research to establish reasons for the low uptake of DEFRA’s Entry Level Stewardship across the East Devon AONB

Report showing anaylsis of market research (pdf 350kB).

 
Sidmouth Shuttle Bus Project
Providing a bus service linking car parks and principal activity centres and adjacent countryside in order to improve access and thus reducing the use of cars Surveys confirmed that twice as many passengers as in 2005 used the service and over 40% of Hill Hopper users took a walk back into town from the bus . There was a high level of appreciation by users with much positive feedback
Living Landscapes

The project aims to engage the local community and schools with how farms, in particular Blacklake Farm, conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the area. It will show how traditional, sustainable farming can also provide wonderful local food and help the local economy.

 

The number of schools visited was double the original aims (as the 5 day workshops involved 10 schools), suggesting strong interest and support for such educational programmes in the area’s schools. Well known artist Tony Beaver encouraged the students and was said to have been inspirational - an exhibition of some of the works produced by the various schools and colleges will take place on 19th November at the farm.

 Blacklake Farm
Dorset Down Sheep
The purchase of a graphic pop up system for use at Agricultural Events and Farmer's Markets to increase awareness of the plight of this traditional breed which is an ideal grazer for conservation and low input farming systems.
The new graphics are a huge improvement and have brought the Society's previous promotional material up to date.
Community Arts Events
Linking the community to the environment throug the medium of art in a series of exhibitions and workshops.
The workshops and activities were a huge success with visitors far exceeding expectations.The project brought increased public involvement as well a raising awareness of a number of environmental issues. Additional funding has been secured to continue work with the Youth Panel.