Chagford Parish Council Climate Working Group
Introduction
Chagford parish is a place its residents love deeply — whether they farm it, walk or ride through it for leisure, have lived here all their lives, or are grateful newbies to the parish.
We are all aware of the changing climate that is already affecting us. We face hotter, drier summers, with increased risk of drought — threatening not only our gardens but the vital blanket bogs of Dartmoor, which are among the most important areas of carbon storage in the UK. Our River Teign is sensitive to climate change and suffers in long dry spells, not helped by the frequent releases of sewage into it by South West Water.
We are also likely to have wetter winters with increased risk of flooding, affecting local homes — especially in outlying areas — as well as the natural world. Many of us have noticed the loss of insect life and the changing patterns of bird migration and vegetation as wildlife struggles to adapt.
As a parish council, we have limited powers but we want to do what we can. In 2019, led by Cllr Jill Millar, a working group of residents and councillors was set up following a formal declaration of a Climate and Ecological Emergency.
The group works under three objectives:
- To reduce the carbon footprint of the parish to net zero as soon as possible
- To help Chagford’s residents and wildlife adapt to unavoidable climate change
- To improve the biodiversity of our local environment
Our actions span transport, homes and energy, land management, and community engagement. Here is what we have done so far, and what is coming next.
What we have done
2025 Ongoing |
Electric vehicle charging Two EV chargers — with capacity for four cars simultaneously — have been installed in the new car park. We are currently seeking planning permission to power these from solar panels, which will significantly reduce their electricity use. |
2023 Complete |
Tree planting at the Recreation Trust ground A one-off tree planting session was carried out at the Recreation Trust ground, contributing to the parish’s efforts to increase tree cover and carbon sequestration. |
Ongoing Ongoing |
Padley Common restoration Significant work to make this fragile marshland more resilient to climate change: boardwalks to protect the ground from footfall, leaky dams to slow the passage of water, and regular working parties to manage young sapling growth. See the dedicated Padley Common page for full details. |
Feb 2026 Ongoing |
Thermal camera scheme In partnership with West Devon Borough Council, we piloted a thermal camera loan scheme in February 2026, allowing residents to identify heat loss and draughts in their homes. We are now looking at how to extend access to more residents. |
Coming up
Heat pump information evening — Summer 2026
We are organising a public talk on heat pumps — what they are, whether they are suitable for your home, and how to access grants and funding. Open to all residents. Details to be confirmed: watch this page and our noticeboard.
Get involved
The working group welcomes residents who want to contribute — whether at meetings or through practical volunteering. To find out more or to join a working party at Padley Common, please contact the parish council.