Following the presentations, a lively debating session was held with questions from members. The subject for debate was: ‘Are we making the most of our resources?’ and the panel members were:- Chairman: Derek Phillips Professor Michael Winter OBE (Exeter University … Continue reading →

Since starting out as Devon Renaissance in 2005, our private sector not-for-profit company has grown in both reputation and experience.  Our original aim was to deliver Rural Renaissance funding successfully across rural Devon but the company has since developed other … Continue reading →

Phillip Smart, General Manager at Killerton Estate explained the work of the National Trust and how, since 2009, they have aspired through ‘Appetite for Change’ to make the food produced and served more enjoyable, sustainable and with better connection to … Continue reading →

Andy Bradford who owns and runs Brimpts Farm at Dartmeet on Dartmoor, gave an engaging down to earth presentation about the range of projects he is involved in to ensure the ongoing success of his own business, and also stressed … Continue reading →

Keith Webber, a physics teacher at Okehampton College, set himself a challenge; to stop teaching for one year during which he would research and implement enough energy saving measures to offset the cost of his salary. He not only achieved … Continue reading →

Kirsty Tooke talked about the high level of households in fuel poverty in Devon and outlined schemes and incentives that people can access to help to alleviate it.  Renewable Resource Efficiency opportunities for Devon Devon has significant renewable resources that … Continue reading →

Stewart Horne, the Managing Director of BIP, an organisation that provides business advice to farmers, and a farmer himself, discussed how the complicated conditions of the proposed CAP reform would affect farmers at a local level and how these conditions … Continue reading →

Following the successful debating session, delegates were invited to join a tour of Bicton’s EaRTH Centre project.  This project sees the conversion of two disused barns on Home Farm, part of Bicton College’s working farm, to create a renewable technologies … Continue reading →