Projects in 
South Devon

The Pesticide Free Bishopsteignton Initiative

In September 2025 the Climate Impact Action Group in Bishopsteignton proposed to the Parish Council that they declare themselves "Pesticide-Free". The Parish Council decided that they needed more information, so other local environmental organisations were asked to help including Teignbridge Wildlife Wardens, Green Futures Newton Abbot, Action Climate Teignbridge and Newton Abbot Town Council (who had voted to go Pesticide -Free in 2024).

​

The outcome of several months of research and meetings came to fruition at the next full Bishopsteignton Parish Council meeting on 3rd of November 2025, where the Council voted unanimuously to become Pesticide-Free. The Chair Clr Henry Merritt said "The Parish Council is pleased to have agreed that the Parish becomes 'Pesticide Free' for all
work undertaken for the Council. We are very appreciative of all the time and effort freely given by all members of Climate Impact Action - community volunteers working with Parish Councillors and the Parish Clerk."

We believe that Bishopsteignton could be the first Parish Council in the whole of Devon to have declared themselves Pesticide-Free, so this is a very significant step forward in the work to reduce pesticide use across the County. Congratulations to all who helped this decision to be made.

For more information , please see the Climate Impact Action group's press release  by clicking the image below. 

The Pesticide Free Bradley Initiative

​The Pesticide Free Bradley Initiative, supported by several local councils and organizations, began with a pilot "Pesticide Amnesty" by Green Futures in Bradley Barton (October 2022). Green Futures aims to promote chemical-free gardening and growing for a healthier environment. Newton Abbot Town Council has since declared itself a "pesticide-free Council" (November 2023). With a grant funding from Devon Environment Foundation, Newton Abbot Town Council, Devon County Council and support from Teignbridge District Council and SUEZ, Green Futures was then able to carry out the first ever kerbside pesticide collection in the UK in Bradley ward in October 2024 and April 2025), engaging with 5500 households, farmers, businesses, and community groups through outreach and publicity. A wider community pesticide collection is planned for the whole of Newton Abbot in 2026.

The Bradley Bug Recovery Network

The Bradley Bug Recovery Network is a community project coordinated by Green Futures Newton Abbot. Launched in 2022, its initial phase focused on measuring pollinator levels and restoring pollinator-friendly habitats within the Bradley area. This work highlighted the need to address pesticide use, leading to the subsequent Pesticide Free Bradley Initiative. The Bug Recovery Network collaborates with local organizations and residents to monitor insect populations and implement bio-restoration projects to reverse the decline of pollinators.