Catching up with Devon Environment Foundation

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Earlier this year, as part of our ongoing commitment to the environment, we announced that we would no longer have plastic bags at Otter.

Since then, we have provided customers with sturdy, reusable brown paper bags which have gone down very well.

For two years prior to the switchover, we had put aside money from sales of the plastic bags with the aim of donating this to a local environmental charity. We were very happy to hand over £2,430 to Devon Environment Foundation (DEF) to use in support of some of their projects.

Recently DEF sent us an update on the projects they have helped. The impact report explains that between 2020 and 2023 they have provided grants totalling £670,000 to 50 projects in Devon, helping to protect and restore natural habitats, help native species to thrive, slow down and adapt to climate change, and reduce pollution.

These projects are happening across Devon, and some are close to our garden centres, a crayfish hatchery at Wildwood Escot near Ottery, seaweed farming near Torbay, bug recovery and wildlife wardens not far from Jack’s Patch.

The projects funded are generally smaller scale, community led. Ideas that will make a difference, led by people who have a passion for the environment. DEF is keen to encourage more grassroots regenerative projects to start up or scale up, by providing mentoring, expertise, connections, and funding.

  • Crayfish Hatchery at Wildwood Escot

  • Crayfish Hatchery at Wildwood Escot

  • Seaweed farming near Torbay

    (Biome Alage Seaweed)

  • Seaweed farming near Torbay

    (Biome Alage Seaweed)

  • Bug Recovery Project near Jack’s Patch

  • Wildlife Wardens near Jack’s Patch

  • Wildlife Wardens near Jack’s Patch

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Amanda Keetley, Executive Director of Devon Environment Foundation said: “Nature-based solutions are the biggest source of hope in this era of climate and nature emergencies. If we learn to share space better with nature and recognise its true value, we will be rewarded by seeing it recover and thrive.”

We are delighted to be a part of DEF’s wonderful work, and to know that by eliminating plastic bags from our business, we really are helping to make a difference. To find out more about some of the projects Otter Garden Centres’ donation is being used for and to find out how you can get involved, visit Devon Environment Foundation

And don’t forget, if you have an Otter brown paper bag, as well as being ideal for carrying items you buy from us, they can be repurposed in Spring to make seed pots!

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