Our climate is changing. High summer temperatures are becoming more frequent and very cold winters are becoming less frequent. Rainfall patterns are changing, sea levels are rising, These changes are having effects on the distribution and density of our wildlife. Where appropriate, we will help to create flexibility and opportunities for habitats and species in the face of climate change.
The Otter valley Association is extremely concerned about the impact climate change will have on our local environment and our community. It is fair to say that everyone has heard of the phrase “Climate Change” with different people at different stages of belief.
We recently hosted a film called the "People's Emergency Briefing" in Budleigh Salterton and East Budleigh. Additional viewings are still ongoing in towns and villages across the South West - you can find the latest on their website here: https://www.nebriefing.org. Over 3,800 screenings have already taken places across the UK, with an additional 1,500 still planned to be held.
We believe that the impact from climate change will be significant and we believe that it is important to educate the community, consider what steps can be made to mitigate changes and campaign through local councils and MP’s for country-wide changes.
What the Science Says About Climate, Nature & Our Future
Across every area of research, the message from leading scientists is the same: the UK is already being affected by climate change and nature loss — but we still have powerful solutions that protect people, homes and the economy.
We are interested in working with local groups, as such the Lions, Plastic Free Budleigh, the Tree Musketeers, Budleigh-in-bloom, local town councils, East Devon District Council, Devon County Council and local MP's to look at ways in which we can all make small changes and campaign for larger country-wide changes that will help our environment and communities.
We believe that our communities should:
- Back genuinely affordable housing rather than development driven mainly by volume.
- Support brownfield redevelopment to reduce the loss of farmland and natural habitats.
- Advocate smaller, well-integrated developments that respect local landscapes and community character.
- Call for infrastructure improvements before construction, including sewage treatment, drainage, roads, schools, health services and water supplies.
- Protect green spaces, hedgerows, wildlife corridors and productive agricultural land.
- Participate in Local Plan consultations and raising evidence-based concerns with councillors and planners.
- Hold developers and infrastructure providers accountable for environmental impacts.
- Support water conservation, habitat restoration and flood-reduction initiatives.
- Encourage planning decisions that consider climate change and long-term environmental limits, not housing targets alone.
Residents have spoken. Top priorities!
At the Environment Evening on 28th May 2026, led by the Budleigh Lions, residents highlighted the following as top priorities to consider for the local community. If you would like to volunteer to help with any of these, why not sign-up to help one of the local groups in the valley.
- Clean Water: Stop sewage pollution, protect the river and sea, regain Blue Flag status, reduce pesticides.
- Plastic Reduction: Cut packaging, use reusables, ban plastic bags, join Plastic Free groups.
- Biodiversity: Plant trees and hedges, support pollinators, reduce chemicals, create wildlife gardens.
- Transport: More cycling routes, safer streets, better buses, less car use.
- Energy: Solar, insulation, home efficiency, reduce fossil fuels.
- Food & Farming: Grow organic, support regenerative agriculture, buy local, compost, reduce peat
- Landscape Protection: Safeguard green spaces, woodlands, and coast paths.
- Community Building: Citizen assemblies, Green Budleigh, youth involvement, spreading the word.
- Politics: Engage councillors and MPs, protect net‑zero commitments.
10 ways families can reduce their reliance on plastics:
- Use bar soap, bar shampoo, and bar conditioner.
- Switch to bamboo toothbrushes and toothpaste tablets.
- Choose natural fibre clothing to cut microplastics.
- Use refillable cleaning products or make your own.
- Avoid disposable wipes — use washable cloths.
- Install a laundry microplastic filter or use a wash bag.
- Swap disposable razors for a metal safety razor.
- Choose menstrual cups or reusable pads.
- Buy products in glass, metal, or paper instead of plastic.
- Refuse single‑use plastics — bottles, bags, sachets, wrappers.
How can you help? Get involved ...
Let us all come together as a community to:
- Plant trees, hedges, and pollinator‑friendly plants
- Create wildlife corners and bug hotels
- Reduce use of fertilisers and pesticides
- Support ORCA’s river monitoring
- Join Plastic Free Budleigh or OVA environmental groups
- Walk, cycle, or use public transport
- Install solar panels or improve home insulation
- Buy local food and grow your own vegetables
- Use water butts and consider small garden ponds
- Support tree‑planting groups like Tree Musketeers
If you are interested in helping, click or link to this QR code. It will take you to a volunteering page for local charities.
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