Project Dates: 30.03.25 to 30.03.26

A third year of core funding for this exemplary grassroots organisation, Earth Action North Devon (formerly Plastic Free North Devon), a local charity on a mission to protect and improve our environment through community action.

Through education, events, campaigns, and networks, they inspire reconnection with nature and drive sustainable behaviour change – accelerating environmental action across North Devon and fostering a healthier relationship between people and the natural world.

This year’s funding will enable EAND to continue to develop and evolve its impact via:

• Community Cleans: Hosting multiple community clean series, supporting and sharing other local clean ups, and running two mass clean ups – feeding data into national/international campaigns and databases.
• Fundraising: Recruitment of a new community fundraiser to maximise income potential from campaigns and events and further build EAND’s profile locally and and further afield.
• Community Engagement: Developing community outreach using the ‘Lets talk Climate’ model to help staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters have meaningful conversations about climate change in their community and private lives. Also continuation of Repair Cafe network and other popular sustainability groups and events.
• Education: Developing their education and outreach by pilotting an Adult Ocean Explorer programme and trialling ‘Parenting for the Future’ workshops to engage and inform the local community.
• Tourist Outreach: Continuing the Visitor Campaign to expand its reach and effectiveness.

Find out more about EAND’s latest campaigns and impressive impact here.

Image credits Earth Action North Devon.

IMPACT SUMMARY JANUARY 2026

Project Activities: 

• 762 volunteers have contributed 2,878 hours since April 1st, helping to ensure the project delivers its core activities as well as exploring new ones.
• Since October the project has run 2 beach cleans, clearing 225 kgs with 100 volunteers braving the weather of the winter months to minimise the impact of waste on North Devon’s beaches.
• As part of the annual Day of Action, the project has organised 13 beach cleans across North Devon for individuals to attend and have businesses and school getting involved in the week leading up to the event.
• The project’s 2026 Croyde Ocean Triathlon organisation is in full swing, having sold 26 fundraiser tickets so far, helping support project core costs.
• Hosted our 1st EVER quiz night, raising over £1,000 whilst also helping to raise the project’s profile, and stealthy educate attendees by sneaking in some environmental focused questions.
• CSR workshop delivery planned for two of current business supporters before the end of January, which will engage over 100 adults on topics covering fast fashion and food.
• Undertaken a full evaluation of each Repair Cafe location alongside the volunteers and have made plans for 2026 with the aim of engaging with more of the community and making the events a central hub for each location.
• Presented the sustainability community group concept at the Northern Devon community developer forum (50 people) with a good response and a plan going forward.
• 213k views across the project’s posts on Instagram and have gained 355 new followers in 6 months.
• Collaboration with other DEF project Pesticide Free Devon and are working on a plan to roll out the most appropriate campaign for the North Devon region.

Project Impact: 

DEF’s support has enabled the employment of seven part-time staff, and helped support the growing volunteer base.

The Earth Action North Devon team, volunteers, their network and communities engaged in each project and event are contributing to:

• Cleaner beaches in North Devon and therefore less harm to marine life caused by marine pollution.
• Increased awareness of more sustainable livelihood choices through environmental education and events.
• Positive environmental behaviour change informed by the project’s activities.
• Building of resilient communities across North Devon, through bringing people together at beach cleans, sports events, environmental education activities, events, Repair Cafes and much more!