Local News

Torquay’s Living Coasts is part of a new global movement to raise awareness about plastic pollution. The coalition goes under the banner of "World aquariums #ReadyToChange to #BeatPlasticPollution". The aim is to set a good example over the use of plastics and to encourage changes in behaviour. Living Coasts was the first aquarium in the UK to sign up and is one of seven in this country supporting the initiative. The coastal zoo and aquarium stopped selling single-use plastic drinks bottles in 2017. The new movement, launched at the fifth #OurOcean conference, held in Bali, has signed up...

This month, Exeter Chamber subgroup, Exeter Initiative for Science and Technology (ExIST) held its latest event which focused on the extremely relevant topic of plastics and what impact plastic is having on the planet combined with the science, research and development of alternative materials and technology.

Speakers for the event included Dr Mark Hennen of ARGANS Ltd who are using novel techniques to establish the feasibility of observing floating plastic litter from orbit. The results of their research in this area will aid in the locating and tracking of marine plastics. Also...

Staff and volunteers at Paignton Zoo Environmental Park have been left shocked by the sudden death of male giraffe Yoda. The 14-year-old northern giraffe was found collapsed in the giraffe house early this morning.

Zoo spokesperson Phil Knowling said: “This has come as a huge shock. He was a noble animal, one of the best-known and best-loved characters in the Zoo. There was no warning. People are in tears.

“It’s a big blow, but when you work with animals you have to deal with the low points as well as the highs.” A post-mortem examination will be carried out by the Zoo’s...

Urban designers David Birkbeck and Stefan Kruczkowski joined Barratt Homes at Minerva in Exeter to celebrate the five star housebuilder’s 60th anniversary.

David has been CEO of Design for Homes since 2000 and he wrote the Building for Life matrix which is tool used to assess new build applications and is currently working on an updated version to support the National Planning Policy Framework.

Stefan is an urban designer specialising in design within residential developments and works to support Building for life.

On a recent visit to the Minerva development they...