Chloe Parkman BBC News, South West Iain H Leach Pete Hurst produced a snapshot of the local picture by extracting figures for 10 local species of butterfly The number of four species of butterfly in Devon were at their lowest for at least a decade in 2024, new figures show. Butterfly Conservation said the number...
Chloe Parkman BBC News, South West Paignton Zoo Southern cassowaries are said to be more like dinosaurs than most other birds A zoo has been attempting to breed a pair of “enormous” southern cassowaries. Paignton Zoo in Devon said the birds –16-year-old male Madrid and 11-year-old female Twiggy – met for the first time this...
Hattie McCann BBC News, Devon BBC Tony Jackson was an apprentice thatcher when this property was last re-thatched in 1992 Roof thatchers in the South West have said they have a backlog of at least two years’ work, partly due to a shortage of people wanting to work in the trade. They say the short-supply...
Police are investigating an incident of illegal metal detecting at the historic Lydford Castle and Saxon Town site in Devon. The unauthorised activity, known as nighthawking, involved the digging of multiple holes at the protected 13th Century site, a scheduled monument managed by English Heritage. The site features a 13th Century tower on a mound,...
Miles Davis BBC Devon political reporter BBC Liberal Democrat Julian Brazil has been voted in as the new leader of Devon County Council Improving services for children and fixing roads are the top two priorities for the new leader of Devon County Council. Liberal Democrat Julian Brazil will lead a minority administration and has included...
An investigation is under way after suspected human remains washed up at two locations on the North Devon coastline. Devon and Cornwall Police officers were informed initially of what appeared to be human remains on Westward Ho! beach in Bideford at about 09:30 BST on Thursday. Officers were then notified of further suspected remains being...
Briana Millett BBC News, West of England BBC A fire service has been criticised after a resident died in a house blaze while waiting for a safety visit, a watchdog has said. Poor prevention work was one of “many issues” uncovered during a recent inspection of Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service (DSFRS), which...
A record number of visitors attended the Devon County Show (DCS) this year, organisers have said. DCS said 101,500 visitors attended the event over the course of the weekend, surpassing 2023, which drew 97,000 visitors. The 129th show ran from Thursday 15 until Saturday 17 May at Westpoint Arena, near Exeter. Show manager Lisa Moore...
A 37-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of child abduction after a police search in Devon and Cornwall. Devon and Cornwall Police issued an appeal on Tuesday for information to help locate the man, from West Yorkshire, and two children, who are known to each other, following concerns for their welfare. The force said the...
People living in Exeter are being reminded about changes to bin collection dates after the Bank Holiday weekend. Due to the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 26 May, City Council bin collections for refuse, recycling, food, and garden waste in Exeter will be delayed by one day. Bin collection will resume on their normal days...
Police are appealing for witnesses after a man died in a car crash in North Devon. The collision between a VW Golf and a white VW Crafter van happened on the A361 North Devon Link Road near the Landkey Junction at about 11:40 BST on 19 May. Devon and Cornwall Police said the driver of...
A Grade II-listed windmill in Devon is to be transformed into a home despite fears the “special architectural” building could be lost. Fernicombe Windmill at Windmill Lane, Paignton, is to be turned into a single house, with a new roof structure, a two-storey extension and a garage. Nine people objected to the plan over concerns...
Jonathan Morris BBC News, South West Getty Images Octopus vulgaris is possibly drawn to the area by rising sea temperatures Fishers are observing a notable rise in octopus sightings along England’s south-west coast. Some say an “invasion” of octopus and a local bylaw are “decimating” the Devon shellfish industry. We asked experts what is happening...
Jonathan Morris BBC News, South West PA Media The council is looking after 848 children with just 208 fostering families Devon County Council is to vote on a new support package for foster carers amid a growing shortage of families. The proposals, due to be discussed on 23 May, include council tax relief, increased allowances,...
BBC Five other beaches in Torbay also earned the award for 2025, including Broadsands Beach and Torre Abbey Sands A popular shingle beach has won an internationally recognised Blue Flag award for the 38th year in a row. Oddicombe Beach in Torquay has been featured by the programme, which recognises well-managed beaches with excellent water...