Information
Education & Resource Centres
Renewable energy
East Devon AONB micro-hydropower survey
DARE undertook a desktop survey to identify potential site for micro-hydropower across te area. The East Devon area has several river valleys and a history of using hydropower for different rural industries aswell as community lighting! The report was also presented to a range of interested parties at an event at Kingfisher Gallery/Mill, Sidbury.
Download report published Feb 2006 (1.6mb)
Northleigh and Uplyme Village hall - renewable energy audits
In 2005/06 the Devon Association for Renewable Energy used the East Devon AONB Sustainable Development Fund to support 2 renewable energy audits for the above village halls. This was part of a wider project also linking into other community buildings such as schools- see below. Through undertaking this evaluation of the resources available, communities are able to start taking decisions looking at green energy production - which is good for on-site education, could reduce running costs, could provide income and is good for the environment.
Although the reports are location specific - they contain lots of useful information of a more general nature which is useful for other community groups.
Download the Uplyme Village Hall report (a more contemporay and modern design buidling)
Download the Northleigh Village Hall report (a more typical rural community building - but through this work they obtained a substantial energy efficiency grant to insulate the building, which provides the first steps to taking decisions on changes to heating and energy systems in the future).
Green schools
Exmouth Community College and St Peter's Primary, Budleigh Salterton - renewable energy audits
In 2005/06 the Devon Association for Renewable Energy used the East Devon AONB Sustainable Development Fund to support 2 renewable energy audits for the above schools. This was part of a wider project also linking into other community buildings such as village halls. Through undertaking this evaluation of the resources available, schools are able to start taking decisions looking at green energy production - which is good for on-site education, could reduce running costs and is good for the environment.
Although the reports are location specific - they contain lots of useful information of a more general nature which is useful for either school governors or head teachers alike.
Download the Exmouth Community College report (pdf 1.17 mb)
Download the St Peter's Primary, Budleigh Salterton report (pdf 1.14 mb)
Conservation & Wildlife
East Devon District Council - Education Ranger Service
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The council employs a full time Education Ranger to promote access to the Local Nature Reserves for school groups looking to use the available facilities. The Ranger is able to provide guided walks around the sites and draw up detailed programmes of events for whole and half day visits. The Ranger Service is offered to schools, colleges and local interest groups, free of charge from the District Council. Visits have included pond dipping and story telling at Seaton Marshes LNR with 48 reception aged children, sand sculpture and The Living Estuary with a class of Year 2 children. For further information visit www.eastdevon.gov.uk/index/visiting/countryside_index/education_opportunities.htm |
The East Devon AONB has supported a number of enhancements to the Local Nature Reserve assests including the addition of the Knapp Copse LNR near Sidbury or the access improvements at Colyford Common birdhide.
As part of the Year of Food and Farming 2007-2008, the AONB unit worked with Education Ranger James Chubb to produce a high profile educational DVD/film and resource pack to stimulate interest amongst Key Stage 3 students of issues surrounding local food and food miles. Check out the range of Youtube clips produced, which starred Exmouth Community College students and celebrity chef Michael Caines.
RSPB
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The RSPB has a Teacher Naturalist offering an education service for local school groups. For further information Tel: 01392 432691 |
Offwell Woodland Trust - Woodland Education Centre
The Offwell Woodland and Wildlife Trust is responsible for the restoration of a 50 acre Forestry Commission site in East Devon , which has now become the Woodland Education Centre. Much of the woodland has been restored and supports woodland plants and animals such as badgers, deer and woodpeckers. An area of heathland is also being restored and the Centre now has three ponds, a small lake as well as wetlands and marsh.
The Trust runs the Woodland Education Centre in partnership with the Forestry Commission. Trained staff are provided to lead structured activities at the Centre, or at your own location, if suitable habitats are available. The East Devon AONB has supported a range of education intiatives at the centre as well as enhancements to the lakeside area and classroom extensions. For further information visit www.offwell.info
The Axe Vale and District Conservation Society
exists to encourage an informed and active interest in the local environment and to work for the conservation of the area and the protection of its wildlife. For further information visit www.axevaleconservation.co.ukThe Sid Vale Association
The Sid Vale Association was formed to protect the beauty and amenities of the neighbourhood and to promote and aid its cultural development. For further information telephone 01395 516982The Otter Valley Association
The Otter Valley Association was formed as an amenity society to interest residents and visitors in the history, geography, natural history, present architecture and future planning of this area of Devon . For further information visit www.ova.org.ukMuseums
Fairlynch Museum
The displays illustrate aspects of Budleigh Salterton and the villages of the Lower Otter Valley - geology, archaeology, ecology and people. www.devonmuseums.net/fairlynch
Sidmouth Museum
The museum reflects the history of Sidmouth and the Sid Valley and is the starting point for regular Guided Strolls around this unique town. www.devonmuseums.netAxe Vale Heritage Museum
The museum concentrates on the lower Axe Valley and is well known for its excellent collection of old photographs of the area. www.seatonmuseum.co.uk