ECO FRIENDLY

ECO FRIENDLY DEVON

credit: Higher Winscombe Holiday Cottages

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Come and visi t Great Torrington

© Dean Webber

Great Torrington is a friendly, welcoming, historical market town.

Built on the site of an ancient settlement and surrounded on three sides by 365 acres of varied and beautiful Common land. It enjoys spectacular views across unspoilt green countryside which offers plenty of walks and with links to the Tarka Trail, excellent cycling opportunities. The town centre is full of interesting independent shops, offering unique items, often made by local people and boasts a vibrant and unique multi-use arts centre, The Plough. Larger visitor attractions include Dartington Crystal and beautiful gardens at RHS Rosemoor. Great Torrington’s fascinating history dating back to the Bronze Age can be explored further through self-guided walking tours of the town centre: Learn about the town’s pivotal place in the English Civil War and follow in the footsteps of Henry VIII’s grandmother and Cardinal Wolsey, amongst others.

Being eco friendly doesn’t mean you need to compromise on the fun!

Whether you want something action packed or a relaxing weekend, there are plenty of ways you can enjoy yourselves without negatively impacting the environment. Here in Devon we have two national parks, several Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Sites of Scientific Interest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and miles of beautiful coastline and it’s important to preserve it all, so we can enjoy it for years to come!

This is why so many people are turning to eco tourism and why we have so many eco friendly places to stay, visit and eat all over the county, so you can enjoy yourself without feeling guilty.

Many businesses only use local, sustainable products, including locally sourced food and drink and have removed single use plastics from their sites. These are just a few of the innovative ways that businesses are cutting down their carbon footprints. Did you know?… Ancient elephant bones were discovered in Barnstaple.

While you might be led to believe that it isn’t easy being green, that’s just not true, here are a few ways you can lower your carbon footprint.

• Making sure to take all your litter with you • Recycle where you can • Use trains and buses where possible – you can find more information about travelling around Devon on our Travel pages. • Pick up any rubbish you might spot when at the beach • Only have BBQs in specially designated areas

JOIN A BEACH CLEAN

One way you can help reduce your carbon footprint while on holiday is joining in on a beach clean. There is a national Great British Beach Clean that takes place every September, but throughout the year you will find a host of smaller, local cleans taking place at beaches across Devon. These are usually organised by volunteer groups or by organisations like the National Trust and Surfers Against Sewage.

You can find regular beach cleans at places like Exmouth, Croyde, Saunton, Teignmouth and Westward Ho! among others.

Find out more and join a beach clean by visiting beachcleans.org.uk, mcsuk.org or by searching Facebook and looking out for local advertising.

RELAX, RECHARGE, REVIVE DIVE INTO ADVENTURE FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET, WATER-SPORTS, WALKING, CYCLING, SHOPPING OR SIMPLY RELAX ON THE BEACH - IT’S YOUR HOLIDAY. discover

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Devon has declared a climate emergency and aims to be net-zero by 2050 at the latest.

The plans to achieve this include substantial natural improvements to help absorb carbon and preparing the local communities across the county to adapt infrastructure. Together we can create a brighter future and enjoy Devon for years to come!

Find accommodation, attractions and eateries all over the county offering eco friendly alternatives: visitdevon.co.uk/explore/eco-friendly-devon

TRAIN RIDES & STUNNING SEA VIEWS • BEAUTIFUL AWARD-WINNING GARDENS CHILDREN’S OUTDOOR PLAY AREAS • DELICIOUS HOMEMADE PIZZAS MODEL RAILWAY SHOP & EXHIBITION • CAFÉ & GIFT SHOP

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