The quality of our natural environment has long been a factor which contributes towards community well-being.

Restoring nature offers a range of benefits to communities through nature-based solutions, opportunities to improve well-being through nature connection, healthier living, boosting recreation and tourism, social cohesion through nature based projects, and contributing to a communities identify.

The quality of our natural environment has long been a factor which contributes towards community well-being.  Restoring nature offers a range of benefits to communities through nature-based solutions, opportunities to improve well-being through nature connection, healthier living, boosting recreation and tourism, social cohesion through nature based projects, and contributing to a communities identify.

Local Nature Recovery Strategies (LNRS) were introduced in the Environment Act 2021.  They are strategic plans which guide and co-ordinate actions for nature recovery, aiming to address the decline of biodiversity, promote ecological resilience and create healthier and more sustainable environments.  Devon County Council  is the responsible body for Devon’s LNRS. However, the success of the LNRS requires support from a wide range of partners and stakeholders, including parish and town councils.

Parish and town councils are actively involved in the management of numerous greenspaces in their communities, such as recreation grounds and parks, burial grounds, village greens, flowers beds, verges and more. Many will already be managing at least part of these areas to benefit nature, which will contribute to achieving the objectives of the LNRS. This event aims to introduce the LNRS, explaining what it is about, what it is trying to achieve, the timeframe and opportunities for you to engage and contribute. The second part of the session will explore how we could adjust management of greenspaces to help nature recovery and identify opportunities for collaboration.

We are delighted to be welcoming Damian, Bridie and Jo, who are working with Devon County Council’s Environment Team to develop the LNRS. Bridie and Jo will brief participants on Devon’s LNRS and Damian will lead a workshop to explore opportunities for delivering nature benefits through the management of our greenspace.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of nature recovery initiatives, to engage with the LNRS, and network with fellow councils.  Let’s explore together any untapped potential of our greenspaces for a greener, healthier future.

This event is a free online event and open to councillors or officers from our member councils.

What is in the Devolution Deal, and why will it benefit Devon’s Communities?

Devolution is a transfer of powers and funding from national to local government.  They are important because they facilitate decision-making closer to people, communities, and businesses.  Without them, decisions continue to be made in Westminster. 

In 2022, Devon was one of nine areas invited to take part in the governments ‘levelling up’ programme, and outline approval was given for a Devon-wide devolution deal.  A deal would not change democratic structures across the area, or require an elected Mayor, but would provide new powers providing flexibility and freedom to serve our communities more effectively.  

Since then, local authority partners and government officers have been working to prepare a final deal.  But what does the deal contain?  How will it benefit our communities?  

We’ll be hearing from Phill Adams, Programme Lead for the Devolution Deal, who will update us on the current status of the deal, what powers and funding will be included, and proposals for how the deal will be governed locally*.  

You will have opportunities to ask questions and share your views.  

This is a free online event, open to councillors and officers. To join, please register here:  

*The final deal, once agreed with government, will be subject to a public consultation period.  A final deal is expected soon.  Depending on the status of the deal at the time of this event, we may be able to explore some of the consultation questions. 

Join the first of our Connect Events to learn more about the Devon Housing Commission and its work on tackling the Devon housing crisis which impacts so many of our communities.

It is no secret that Devon is in the grip of a housing crisis.  DALC has heard from numerous parishes about the rise of second home ownership, increasing short-term rental accommodation, and the lack of social and affordable housing in communities.  

Our broken housing market has resulted in a shortage of appropriate and affordable homes which is having an impact on people’s health, the economy, and social cohesion.  

Earlier this year, a new Housing Commission was established by the Devon Housing Task Force – a partnership of Devon’s local authorities and supported by the University of Exeter.  The Commission will be developing recommendations to address the broken housing market – working with politicians and housing experts to represent the housing challenges and opportunities that our county experiences.  The commission will be taking evidence from communities across Devon. 

At this event you will be hear from Lord Richard Best, Chairman of the Housing Commission and widely experienced expert in housing issues. You will gain insight into the work of the commission and have opportunities to ask questions and share your views. 

This event is a free online event and open to councillors or officers from our member councils.  To join please register here*

*Joining details will be sent directly to you when you register, please keep hold of them to join the event!

About our speaker: Lord Richard Best

Richard Best was President of the LGA 2006-2015 and is a Vice president today. He is an Independent ‘crossbencher’ in the House of Lords specialising in housing. He has successfully sponsored six Private Members Bills. He has chaired commissions on rural housing, affordable housing, healthy cities and housing for Northern Ireland. Richard is also currently Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on housing and care for older people.