University of Exeter scientist Dr Fiona Mathews has discovered one of Britain’s rarest mammals living in East Devon. Members of the public were treated to a surprise close encounter with the Grey long-eared bat, believed to be one of only 1,000 individuals in the country, at an event organised by East Devon District Council’s Countryside Service at the Axe Estuary Wetlands.
The bat evening was part of a regular Wet and Wild Weekend – a celebration of the wildlife of the Axe Estuary Wetlands attracting nearly 500 people. Dr Mathews and fellow bat-enthusiast Adrian Bayley...
Exeter's Real Food Store and Cafe is celebrating on hearing the news that they have reached the final stages in this year's Food and Farming Awards in the Best Local Food Retailer category. This unusual project was started by a group of enthusiastic food lovers who upheld values of sustainability, locality and seasonality. This team also had a wealth of experience in bringing about enterprises that positively impact on both members within the immediate community and non-members alike. The nomination said, “Excellent customer service with knowledgeable staff, and high quality food which...
The Guildhall Shopping Centre is hosting the first markets in Exeter to truly celebrate the innovation and creativity of local designers and entrepreneurs – a concept which mirrors the findings of the Portas Review of the High Street published by Mary Portas late last year. Exeter Innovations Market launched in the shopping centre on Friday 27th April, where it will now be held every month for 3 days on the last weekend of the month. The market will focus on quality, choice and innovation and will be a showcase for creative people to bring new and exciting products, designs and food to the...
Exeter's new designer charity boutique on Paris Street, Sprout, which raises funds for homeless charity Emmaus, will be officially launched on Wednesday 6th October by Terry Waite, the charity's President and former special envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury who was taken captive in Lebanon in 1987 whilst negotiating the release of Western hostages. The shop was decorated by a team of former homeless people, who rolled up their sleeves for the charity that helped them to get their lives back on track.
Emmaus Exeter will use funds raised by Sprout Boutique to help combat the...
Why would you give up a well paid job and take on a full-on Farm Shop in a recession? Well it has become a family affair - and an obsession to create something special on a local basis - for Mandy Pitts, Shaun Ryder and daughter Ellena, with a little help from a staff of 20 local people. Ryders Bakery took the leap to move its HQ from Dawlish to their farm in Kenn, a purpose-built bakery, trebling its size and opening the door for expansion with access to a quicker road network for better distribution. Mandy, after 30 years in the Recruitment industry, was keen to take on a new challenge...
One of Britain's key marine clothing and footwear brands, Chatham Marine has announced the appointment of two key new members of staff and a considerable promotion. Joining Chatham is new sales director, Ian O’Connor, product and marketing assistant, Kathryn Lythgoe and Alex Peirce, former product and marketing assistant, has been promoted to regional sales manager.
The appointments follow a number of significant launches at Chatham this summer, including an exciting collaboration with leisure brand Raging Bull and the highly successful launch of Chatham’s innovative sail cloth...
Will the ways we produce and distribute our food in Devon continue into the future? This is a major question to be addressed at mid-Devon conference next month.
Food is a critical issue for Devon’s economy and environment. Farming, fishing and food production are essential components of our culture. In addition, there is traditional Devon fare, food festivals, meat, fruit and vegetable competitions and hundreds of restaurants or eating places.
Yet at the same time, food poverty is a growing reality for some local people. The growth in Food Banks in the...
Amicus Law announces the appointment of a new Head of Employment in a newly created role, strengthening the firm’s commercial law expertise and enabling the expansion of services to businesses across the South West.
In one of his first major initiatives, Slade De Lacey will lead a series of in-person and free employment law seminars designed to help local employers navigate the latest workplace regulations and best practice.
De Lacey joined Amicus Law, a progressive, client-focused legal firm with offices across Devon, Somerset and Dorset, in September 2025 as part of...
Rowcroft Hospice has unveiled its stunning new collection of Christmas cards, featuring bespoke illustrations of beloved South Devon scenes. The beautiful cards capture the charm and character of the local area – from snowy seaside towns to peaceful countryside views – celebrating the spirit of Christmas right here at home. Traditional festive favourites in a choice of themes are also available.
The cards can be purchased in Rowcroft’s shops across South Devon at just £2.95 and £3.95 per pack of 10, with all profits going directly to fund Rowcroft Hospice’s specialist care for...
Exeter YMCA has received £30,000 in unrestricted funding from Leeds Building Society to create supportive, inclusive and energising communities in which young people can truly belong.
Exeter YMCA is one of the oldest YMCA’s in the world. It believes everyone can experience fullness of life in body, mind, and spirit. The charity’s support is orientated around meeting young people’s needs, including helping them to find and maintain accommodation, as well as addressing their mental health needs and sense of identity.
Figures from the ONS reveal the southwest of England has...
