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I hope you’ve been enjoying the sunshine and exploring the many scenic sites we’re blessed to have in Torridge! Weather like this is something many of us look forward to, but it’s worth remembering that sunny spells can pose health risks for some people. It’s important to protect yourself and others from too much sun or heat and to think of those, such as young children or older people, who may feel the heat more than others.

It’s great to read about Jack and Lola Heard and the Kenwith Valley Nature Reserve in Bideford. Jack and Lola recently joined the Burrows Rangers and Marion Fanning (Friends of Kenwith Valley group), to plant two trees they reared from acorns. It’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm and awareness that Jack and Lola have for nature and as a farmer, it’s a passion I share!

If you would like to get involved, the Burrows Rangers run volunteer events throughout the year to help take care of the nature reserve. You can contact the team on 01237 479708 or email: northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk.

With the summer holidays fast approaching it’s great to see a bumper list of events put together by our brilliant Rangers down on the Burrows. The events that run throughout the summer are important for our conservation work but great fun too! With its rich history, abundant wildlife, and fascinating fauna the Northam Burrows is truly a unique location to explore. The Visitor Centre and Café are also well worth a visit!

In 2021 Torridge published its first Carbon, Environment & Biodiversity Plan. As a Council we have now reviewed the plan and updated it for 2022. Since publishing our plan last year, we have completed a carbon audit of Torridge's buildings and operations. As a Council we have:

· Reduced carbon emissions by over 16.3% at the Council.

· Completed a carbon audit of all our buildings and operations.

· Refurbished the Northam Burrows Visitor Centre using materials from the old centre and improved the insulation of the buildings.

· Refurbished the Leisure Centres throughout Torridge; replacing old and less efficient heat recovery and air conditioning systems.

The Council’s Planning Department, along with colleagues from North Devon Council, recently welcomed the President of The Royal Town Planning Institution, Timothy Crawshaw to northern Devon for the day. The visit provided the team with the opportunity to showcase Torridge, share the team’s passion for planning and discuss topical issues. Many topics were discussed including the housing crisis, some of the innovative environmental work that we are involved in, along with local opportunities and challenges. I’d like to thank everyone involved in organising the visit and the Northam Burrows team for providing such a great venue.

The Housing Crisis is having a significant impact on residents and finding somewhere affordable to live is not easy both in Torridge and right across the South West. Affordable housing remains one of the key priorities for the Council and Officers are working hard on a range of projects to address the situation. While there are no quick fixes for the situation, we're hopeful that by approaching the problem through several different project streams, collectively this will have a meaningful impact for those seeking help.

The Council has received £173,574 funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to provide three modular homes. The modular homes are fully furnished and can be used to house an individual or small family in a temporary capacity whilst longer term accommodation is arranged. This is a critical piece of the housing jigsaw when so many families and individuals are facing immediate housing needs. Members at Full Council approved two sites, Windmill Lane and Springfield Car Park to advance such accommodation, Officers will now seek the necessary consents to implement these plans as quickly as possible.

Written by Torridge District Council Leader Ken James

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As if a weekend full of Jubilee festivities wasn’t enough, North Devon locals will also catch sight of the world-renowned RAF display team, the Red Arrows. After their Trooping the Colour flypast over Buckingham Palace, the Hawk fast-jet aerobatic team made their way up to the Midlands for a

Belle & Beau set to fly the flag for North Devon & England at the ISA Junior Surfing Championships

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