The following links are to agencies of strategic importance for rural Devon, and our key partners. We cannot be responsible for the content of partners websites.
Action for Blind People
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Action for Blind People is a national charity that provides practical support to blind and partially sighted people through work, housing, leisure and support.
Our vision is quite simple. We believe in a world where people who are blind or partially sighted are enabled to actively participate in society and have equal access to the choices and opportunities that so many take for granted.
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Agriculture Business Information Point (WDBIP)
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The function of AgriBIP is to assist businesses with their development and sustainability, helping to improve their competitiveness, which, in turn, leads to increased profitability and employment.
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Bicton College
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| Access to details concerning vocation and further education courses, specialising in countryside matters. |
Blackdown Hills Business Association
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The Blackdown Hills Business Association is an independent organisation open to all businesses large or small, sole traders, individual crafts people, retailers, manufacturers, hoteliers, B&B operators or any other person interested in business within the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the Devon & Somerset border.
The Business Association have a business directory which holds details of all business in the Blackdown Hills. You can search this directory at www.blackdown-hills.biz |
Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership
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The Blackdown Hills Rural Partnership brings together local communities, local authorities, interest groups and national agencies to promote environmental, social and economic initiatives that will help ensure the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) remain a healthy, living landscape for future generations.
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Business Link
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| Business link provides practical advice for businesses from starting up guidance to consultations for existing practices. |
Cartwheel
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| Cartwheel’s primary aim is to offer visitors a true taste of rural life with the opportunity to enjoy the experience of a working farm or relax in beautiful and peaceful surroundings in the countryside. They select businesses that are family run and encourage the serving and sourcing of local food. Cartwheel actively supports the protection and conservation of our landscape and wildlife habitats. |
Centre for Rural Research (CRR)
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| The CRR undertakes research across a wide range of rural issues. It aims to conduct in-depth qualitative and quantitative research, provide advice to local, regional and national government and contribute to rural policy debates. |
Community Council of Devon
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| The Community Council of Devon is an independent charitable company and is the Rural Community Council for Devon. |
Community Supported Farming
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| South Devon Community Supported Farming group (CSF) is a community group based in South Devon which works with the local community to provide access to farms, small holdings and land projects through the hosting of vegetable planting and harvesting days and family-friendly guided walks, talks and rural activities and skills training. |
Countryside Agency
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The Countryside Agency brings together all the different countryside dimensions – economic, environmental, community and enjoyment into a single national body: to achieve sustainable development in the countryside.
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Dartmoor National Park
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| Dartmoor National Park serves to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Dartmoor. It promotes the opportunity for the understanding and enjoyment of the areas special qualities by the public. |
Dartmoor Tourist Association
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| The Dartmoor Tourist Association represents tourism businesses on Dartmoor. Its 200 plus members include accommodation establishments, activity centres, tourist attractions, pubs and retailers, in and around the Dartmoor area. |
DEFRA Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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Defra's core purpose is to improve the current and future quality of life.
For the first time one department has brought together the interests of farmers and the countryside; the environment and the rural economy; the food we eat, the air we breathe and the water we drink.
We do all this by integrating environmental, social and economic objectives - putting sustainable development into practice every day, and by championing sustainable development as the way forward for Government
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Devon and Cornwall Business Council (DCBC)
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The DCBC is a Private Sector-led "Sub-Regional Strategic Partnership" umbrella organisation, which facilitates quarterly General Meetings attended by accredited Devon & Cornwall Representatives of over 70 Constituent National, Regional and Local Private and Public Sector Bodies, to discuss and co-ordinate their mutual interests in enhancing the competitiveness and economic development of the two Peninsula Counties.
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Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service
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| The DSFRS vision is to help make Devon Safe. By its very nature, this vision is undertaken in partnership with other emergency services and agencies. As well as providing emergency response to incidents, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service also provides community fire safety, fire safety education, inspection of premises and an assortment of support functions. |
Devon Association for Renewable Energy
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| Access to information concerning renewable energy and ways in which your business can help. |
Devon Association of Councils for Voluntary Service (DACVS)
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The Devon Association of Councils for Voluntary Service formed as an organisation in 2004. It brings together the Councils for Voluntary Service which operate in the 8 districts of Devon.
Councils for Voluntary Service promote and develop local voluntary and community action and provide support for voluntary and community groups, individual volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations.
For further information about the specific work of the members of DACVS, please follow the website link.
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Devon Celebration of Food
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Devon Celebration of Food is Devon 's own festival of food and drink. This exciting event gives food lovers a chance to sample some of the best produce from the Devon. The festival runs throughout October and comprises of gastro events such as food tastings, special ‘local food' restaurant menus, 'meet the producer' farm visits, specialist markets and events, to create a month long foodie experience.
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Devon Conservation Forum
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The Devon Conservation Forum is for all concerned about Devon’s landscape, resources and heritage. Their role is to
• Inform • Advise • Encourage • Persuade
Founded as a charity in 1972 the Forum aims to promote the wise sustainable use and enjoyment of Devon’s resources. As an action group the Forum monitors environmental issues affecting Devon bringing together under one umbrella organisation all who manage our natural and built landscape. The Forum is consulted on a wide range of local and national Government documents and those of other statutory authorities. |
Devon County Council
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| Access to current news and information concerning Devon County Council and its role within Devon |
Devon County Council
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| Separate link to site giving detailed information on over 30 market and coastal towns that has been researched by Devon county Council |
Devon Environmental Business Initiative (DEBI)
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DEBI is a non profit-making organisation and a registered charity. It was set up by business representatives to support other businesses in Devon. DEBI is run by a board of cross-sectoral, voluntary directors. It is supported financially and in-kind by its corporate supporters and by grants and membership charges.
Its aim is to inform, support and motivate businesses, of all sizes and from all sectors in Devon to adopt environmentally sound and profitable business policies and achieve environmental best practice.
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Devon Farms
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| If you wish to advertise your farm as accommodation, click on the link to access the Devon Farms Accommodation service |
Devon Federation of Young Farmers Club
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The Young Farmers Club is an organisation which offers the chance for young farmers to socialise with other farmers,learn and develop skills, help the community and travel abroad all while enjoying the benefits of a great social life in the countryside.
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Devon Heartlands Community Partnership
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'The Devon Heartlands Community Partnership is the continuation body for Okehampton Area MCTi it works closely with the community, local organisations and the agencies to help develop and deliver the local Community's Action Plan and Projects and actively supports ongoing Community Planning and Partnership Working.
Visit the Devon Heartlands website or contact the partnership by email at info@devonheartlands.co.uk or phone 01837 880119/01805 624874
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Devon Renaissance
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Devon Rural Renaissance exists to help businesses in rural Devon by improving skills and attracting high value business to the area. We provide training to improve basic, technical, and management skills, and mentoring programs that bring the benefits of wider experience to small businesses.
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Devon Rural Housing Partnership
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The Devon Rural Housing Partnership is made up of thirteen of the county’s largest housing associations, all of Devon’s district/borough councils apart from North Devon, Devon County Council, Dartmoor National Park, Community Council of Devon, Housing Corporation and the Government Office Of the South West. Its work is through the Rural Housing Enabler Programme which aims to improve the amount of affordable housing available for people living in rural areas of Devon by working in partnership with the agencies and communities concerned.
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Devon Rural Transport Network
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The Devon Rural Transport Partnership (DRTP) has been set up to strengthen rural and community transport by supporting new ideas/projects and helping develop existing initiatives such as Local Transport Partnerships.From this link
click the 'Rural and Community' followed by the Devon Rural Transport Partnership link.
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Devon Towns Forum
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| The Devon Towns Forum offers free membership to all Community Partnerships and Groups working in Devon at a Market Town level to produce Community Plans and Projects. The Devon Towns Forum exists to support the Partnerships as they develop their own ideas and plans by providing free access to its events, including specialist seminars, conferences and training. It also offers access to an excellent network of Groups, Organisations and Agencies. |
Devon Wildlife Trust
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The Devon Wildlife Trust is the only independent organisation exclusively concerned with all aspects of wildlife conservation in Devon and is part of the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts.
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Diocese of Exeter - The Church of England in Devon
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Council for Church and Society
(incorporating the Diocesan Board for Christian Care)
The council works ecumenically with the churches in Devon to encourage creative Christian engagement with issues which affect human living in the local community, civic society and the global environment – through awareness-raising, analysis and action. |
Direct Gov
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| An extensive range of government information and services. |
Duchy College - Rural Business School
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Duchy College 'Cornwall's College of the Countryside' prides itself on being one of the leading landbased colleges in the country, and has several campuses throughout Cornwall. The Rural Business School combines education, training, business support and applied research for rural industries. The Rural Business School is host to a number of Objective One and Defra funded initiatives such as Rural Progress, the Vocational Training Scheme, Grassland Challenge and the Organic Studies Centre.
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East Devon AONB
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| The East Devon AONB Partnership is a joint initiative funded by East Devon District Council, Devon County Council and the Countryside Agency, working to help conserve and manage the East Devon AONB. |
East Devon District Council
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| Access this link for information and current news on East Devon District Council and its role in improving the quality of the area. |
Education, Arts and Libraries Directorate(EAL)
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| The Education, Arts and Libraries Directorate is committed to promoting learning and the enjoyment of learning across Devon. They provide a wide range of high quality services for learners of all ages. This site carries a wealth of information about the learning services in Devon and beyond. |
Enterprise South Devon
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Enterprise South Devon’s primary role is to assist with the establishment of small to medium sized businesses throughout the Teignbridge, South Hams and Torbay areas of South Devon.
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Environment Agency
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| The Environment Agency provides high quality environmental protection and improvement in England and Wales. They work with businesses and other organisations to prevent damage to the environment by providing education and guidance. |
Exeter City Council
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| Providing a range of information about the services of Exeter City Council, including a link to current news and developments in the area |
Exmoor National Park Authority
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Exmoor National Park aim to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park and promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park by the public.
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Farm Crisis Network
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The Farm Crisis Network has been developed since 1993 to help families in farming and related activities who are experiencing problems.It is based on local groups whose members have a combination of technical and pastoral understanding and are able to respond quickly and confidentially to requests for help.
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Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG)
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| FWAG exists to provide farmers, landowners and other clients with the best opportunity for environmental gain through cost effective, quality solutions. |
Fata He
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FATA HE is a West African word which means ‘Inclusion’ and was established in 2001 to redress social and economic inequalities relating to Black and Minority Ethnic (B&ME) individuals, families and groups within the city of Plymouth. Since becoming incorporated as a Limited Company (Social Enterprise) in 2003, Fata He has become an umbrella organisation for other B&ME individuals and groups, and works closely with other local, sub-regional and regional organisations.
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Federation of Small Businesses
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| The UK's largest small business support organisation providing a range of services as well as lobbying, support and pressure on national and local issues. |
Forestlore UK
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ForestLore UK is a Devon based Bushcraft School founded by Ben Langler in 2006 to provide environmental education through Native Bushcraft, Lore and Philosophy.
Our professional, and dedicated team aim to inspire and re-connect people to the natural world in a deep and meaningful way. |
Forestry Commission
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The Forestry Commission is the Government Department responsible for forestry policy throughout Great Britain.The mission of the Forestry Commission is to protect and expand Britain's forests and woodlands and increase their value to society and the environment.
The objective of the Forestry Commission GB is to take the lead in the development and promotion of sustainable forest management and to support its achievement nationally.
Each of the countries has its own strategy and mission, and delivers the forestry policy of each country through specific objectives drawn from the country strategies.
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Government Office for the South West
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| GOSW is an outpost of central government. From our offices in Bristol, Plymouth and Truro we represent the work and interests of several Government departments. |
Great Torrington & District Community Development Trust
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The Great Torrington & District Community Development Trust in North Devon is a community enterprise working in partnership with many local, regional and national organisations.
Click on the South West Region to select the Case Study. |
Heart of Devon Enterprise Agency (Hodea)
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| The Hodea offers free help, advice and information on a one to one basis for existing and new businesses in the Exeter, East and Mid Devon Areas. |
International Rural Network
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| International Rural Network - The IRN is an inclusive and interdisciplinary network of academics, rural community practitioners and activists, and policy makers who are engaged in rural community development, health and education in any country of the world. |
Kingsbridge Town Council
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| Access to information regarding the news and services of the Town Council in Kingsbridge |
Land Between the Moors 2 Project
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| This project will test and develop the Countryside Agency’s concept of Local Land Management Frameworks (LLMF) within the Culm Joint Character Area. Engaging stakeholders, to inform development of a detailed and mapped vision for the area, backed up with GIS to help land use decisions by landowners and professionals, the project builds upon the work carried out by the Sustainable Land Management Strategy for the Culm. |
Land Heritage Trust
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| Land Heritage Trust is a national Charity that works to protect and sustain the countryside by promoting organic farming and growing with a special interest in the protection of the small family farm. Uniquely, Land Heritage owns land and acquires farms to secure their organic status and is committed to the conservation of our native wildlife, flora and fauna. |
Leader + Blackdown Hills Local Products Strategy
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| The Blackdown Hills Local Products Strategy funded from the LEADER+ programme aims to improve the long term integrated sustainability of the area in economic, social and environmental terms. It also aims to stimulate new economic activity and product sector growth. |
Leader + North West Devon
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The North West Devon LEADER+ programme was established to assist rural communities in Torridge and North Devon to improve their economic prosperity and quality of life. It can support innovative and sustainable community-led solutions to local issues.
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Leader + Teignbridge
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LEADER + is a European Union Programme for community led regeneration in rural areas.
The LEADER + programme in Teignbridge is managed by the Teignbridge Rural Regeneration Partnership.
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Learning and Skills Council
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The LSC exists to make England better skilled and more competitive. We have a
single goal: to improve the skills of England's young people and adults to make sure we have a workforce that is of world-class standards.
We are responsible for planning and funding high-quality vocational education and training for everyone. Our vision is that by 2010, young people and adults in England have the knowledge and skills matching the best in the world and are part of a fiercely competitive workforce.
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Leicestershire Rural Partnership
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| The Leicestershire Rural Partnership comprises of 19 diverse organisations who work together aiming to delivier a better quality of service to rural areas and to use public money and other resources more effectively |
Local Government Association
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| The Local Government Association represents the local authorities of England and Wales - existing to promote a better local government for your area.Click here for more information on thier role across the country |
Market and Coastal Towns Association
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| The Market and Coastal Towns Association (MCTA) is a new and independent organisation which supports the development of vibrant, healthy and sustainable market and coastal towns across the south west. Established in October 2004 and supported by a range of regional organisations including the South West of England Regional Development Agency and English Heritage, the Association is charged with delivering the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative throughout the region |
Mid Devon District Council
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| Access to information and news regarding the services provided by Mid Devon District Council to the local area. |
National Farmers Union
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The National Farmers' Union is the democratic organisation for farmers and growers in England and Wales. Its central objective is to promote successful and socially responsible agriculture and horticulture, while ensuring the long term viability of rural communities.
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Natural England
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Natural England brings together English Nature, the Countryside Agency and the Rural Development Service.
Natural England is there to conserve and enhance the natural environment, for its intrinsic value, the well-being and enjoyment of people and the economic prosperity that it brings.
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North Devon and Exmoor Regeneration Company
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The "Reg Co" seeks to promote and co-ordinate sustainable, economic and social regeneration in North Devon and Exmoor to maximise local benefits for communities and make the most effective use of all resources available.
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North Devon District Council
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| Link to the information of services provided by North Devon District council, including current news and events in the area |
North Devon Enterprise Agency (NDEA)
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The NDEA offer free help, advice and information on a one-to-one basis, for both existing Businesses and Business Start-Ups.
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Plymouth City Council
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| Link to Plymouth City Council providing information on thier services within the city, current updates on development and news items. |
Royal Society for the Protection of Birds
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The RSPB is the UK charity working to secure a healthy environment for birds and wildlife, helping to create a better world for us all.
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Rural Futures Unit, University of Plymouth
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| Rural Futures is a 'community of practise' within the University of Plymouth, linking academics with each other and with practioners, to the benefit of those living and working in rural areas. |
Rural Stress Information Network
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| The Rural Stress Information Network is a national 'umbrella' charity, working with a range of partners in England and Wales and at the local level with farming and rural support groups. |
Seaton Business Forum
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A local pressure group supporting the needs of the local community through development and management of new and ongoing projects that enhance the economic and residential development of the area.
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Silvanus Trust
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| The Silvanus Trust is working through partnerships to regenerate the woodlands in the South West for economic, social and environmental benefits. |
Small Farms Association
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The Small Farms Association (SFA) is a not-for-profit organisation representing small farmers across the UK.
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Soil Association
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| The Soil Association is the UK's leading campaigning and certification organisation for organic food and farming. |
South Devon AONB Partnership
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| The partnership exists to provide a strategic lead in the protection and enhancement of the South Devon ANOB. |
South Devon Community Supported Farming Group
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| South Devon Community Supported Farming group (CSF) is a community group based in South Devon which works with the local community to provide access to farms, small holdings and land projects through the hosting of vegetable planting and harvesting days and family-friendly guided walks, talks and rural activities and skills training. |
South Hams District Council
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| Access to information and news regarding the services the District Council provide to the area. |
South Hams Food and Drink Group
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| This website offers a gateway for the very best of the South Hams products and hospitality. The site is an opportunity to discover the best local companies for food and drink in the area which could benefit your business. |
South West Chamber of Rural Enterprise
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The South West Chamber of Rural Enterprise (CoRE) works to encourage profitable and sustainable land-based businesses in the region and provides a co-ordinated voice for representatives of the sector.
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South West Forest
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| South West Forest is an independant, non-commercial partnership which aims to enhance the lifestyles, environment and opportunities for those who live and work in the South West Forest Area. |
South West Forum
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| South West Forum ensures that voluntary and community organisations have a strong and effective champion at regional level. |
South West Lakes Trust
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| South West Lakes Trust is an independent chairty which was set up to encourage, promote and enhance sustainable recreation, access, nature conservation and education on and around over 40 inland waters in the South West for the benefit of the general public. |
South West Observatory
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| Sharing information and intelligence under the umbrella of the South West Observatory |
South West Regional Assembly
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| The South West Regional Assembly is a voluntary grouping of councillors from local authorities in the region and representatives of various sectors with a role in the region's economic, social and environmental well being |
South West Rural Enterprise Gateway
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| The Rural Enterprise Gateway aims to help rural businesses develop and adapt to change, particularly groups of agricultural and land-based businesses through access to information, training and business development support. |
South West Tourism
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| South West Tourism (SWT) is the regional body responsible for the sustainable development and promotion of tourism in the South West of England. A membership organisation for the private and public sector South West Tourism's aim is to see the South West recognised as a model tourism destination, achieving a unique balance between its environment, local communities, industry and visitor satisfaction, achieving long-term economic and social benefit for the region. |
Southwest Rural Development Agency (SWRDA)
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| The RDA aims to ensure the long-term economic success of the Southwest by delivering the Regional Economic Strategy. This involves giving people the skills they need, encouraging enterprise, improving communications and helping to regenerate communities. For more information about the RDA click on the above link. |
Sure Start Childrens Centre Ilfracombe
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| SureStart is built around the wants and needs of local people. The aim is to improve the well being and life of young people (4 and under) through better health, childcare and educational opportunities. |
Tamar Valley AONB Service
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This site contains information and news from the Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
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Teignbridge District Council
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| Access to information regarding the services of Tiegnbridge Council in order to improve the area. |
Teignbridge Rural Regeneration Partnership
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| Delivering Leader+ funding to the district of Teignbridge. For more information, click on the link above |
The Pub is the Hub
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The Pub is the Hub was set up in 2001 through the Rural Action Programme of Business in the Community. It encourages breweries, pub owners, licensees and local communities to work together to help retain and enhance rural pubs.
The pub has traditionally provided a centre/heart to the hamlet or village and the pub is the hub scheme aims to keep the pub trading by finding additional uses for it, thereby improving its financial viability. This scheme has had considerable successes; examples of which are detailed on this web site.
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Torbay Borough Council
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| Link to information and current news within the Torbay area by the local council. |
Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust
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| The Trust is dedicated to the conservation of the natural and built environment of Torbay and the surrounding area, the provision of recreational facilities and environmental education. Click here for more information. |
Torridge District Council
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| The official guide to Torridge District, the comprehensive one-stop-shop guide to District Council services, Local events and News |
Trans-European Rural Network
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| Trans-European Rural Network (TERN) - is a coalition of grass-root initiatives based in rural areas throughout Europe. TERN was set up following the second EC programme to combat poverty and responded to a need to facilitate contacts between groups based in marginalised rural zones. |
Wessex Reinvestment Trust (WRT)
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| The WRT exist to help communities in the South West of England become more sustainable by providing business and home loans, and advice to villages and towns on how to develop land for the benefit of their community. |
West Devon Borough Council
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| Link to information regarding the news and services of the council to the West Devon Area |
West Devon Environment Network
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Westden is an independent charity working with communities to promote a good environment and quality of life, now and for the future.
Based in West Devon, the charity runs a wide range of practical projects to help foster sustainable development.
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Womens Farming and Food Union
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Founded in 1979, this voluntary organisation is committed to promoting an understanding of and confidence in all aspects of quality British produce.
The WFU believes that by representing the best interests of consumers and producers, both the health and economy of the nation will benefit.
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