East Devon District Council have organised a month-long event to celebrate the work of Devon's volunteers who go above and beyond to make a difference to the local environment.

There are many projects happening all over East Devon, including tree planting, repair cafes litter pickers and hedgehog protectors.

Here are some of the events planned in June, by East Devon's community groups:

EDDC's Plastic Free Challenge:

For the week of Monday 6 June to Sunday 12 June, EDDC are challenging people to make one change to their life to use less plastic. For example, you could buy condiments in refillable glass as opposed to plastic.

East Devon Repair Cafes at Axminster and Sidmouth

Why buy something new when you can try and get yours fixed, saving money and the environment?

11 June ­­– 10am until 1pm at the Guildhall in Axminster.

25 June ­– 10am until 1pm Sidmouth Youth Centre, Manstone Lane.

Sidmouth Beach Clean

Sunday 12 June – Meet the Sidmouth Plastic Warriors at the Esplanade opposite the Cricket Club at 10am to help clean up Sidmouth beach. 

Community Litter Pick by Plastic Free Axminster

Wednesday 15 June – Meet at 10am at Pippins Community Centre

Open Farm Sunday

Sunday 12 June - East Devon farmers will open their doors and give residents a chance to look behind the scenes. Find out more information here.

EDDC have been busy on their own projects, which include the £15million Lower Otter Restoration Project, creating wildflower meadows, exploring alternatives to harmful weed killers, perennial planting, installing electric car charging points and helping council staff to reduce their carbon footprint.

EDDC's Councillor Marianne Rixson, EDDC's portfolio holder for portfolio holder for climate action and emergency said:

"In 2019, as a council we declared a climate emergency with the aim of being carbon neutral by 2040. We set out how we intend to tackle this in EDDC's Climate Change Action Plan and Strategy.

"However, we can't do it alone. This is is why it is so important that our residents join in with initiatives like Plastic Free Week (6-12 June). We need everyone to get involved, every small step is a step in the right direction to lessen the impact on future generations.

"We can all take simple measures to help with regard to climate action: for example, collectively, we could help biodiversity by retaining hedgerows as wildlife corridors and habitat instead of putting up woven fencing.  

"Or stop mowing your lawn between May and September. Instead of being wildlife deserts, this would allow wildflowers to flourish, thereby providing food for insects. It is sobering to learn that, in the UK, we have lost 97 per cent of wildflower meadows. 

"As a council, we have reduced mowing in some areas to help redress the balance where we can and have put up Life on the Verge signs and Blue Hearts on designated sites. Unfortunately, some errors have been made but please bear with us as we are trying to get this right.

"Meanwhile, please support the events being showcased as part of East Devon Together. These range from energy advice clinics to repair café events, from nature walks to beach cleans and river monitoring. Why not get involved and form new friendships?"