We were extremely sad to learn of the death of Chris Burchell a few months ago. Chris was one of our founder members and a great source of knowledge for our group. We shall miss him a great deal.

With Chris’ death our committee membership has dropped to three and we have had to review whether we could continue with such a small team. Over the years we have campaigned on a number of issues, trying all the time to protect the amazing environment we enjoy particularly here in West Devon.

These issues have included:

• Fighting against the inappropriate sighting of large Wind Turbines
• Objecting to those planning applications which would impact onto our heritage sites, the countryside and villages
• Participating in the MACKPlan Neighbourhood Plan, which has been successfully completed.
• Raising with West Devon Council concerns about unauthorized Tree felling and hedge removal.
• Raising concerns about the lack of decommissioning plans for redundant Wind Turbines
• Supporting the move towards Net Zero but raising concerns about the lack of plans to meet the objective whilst insuring we have a secure electricity supply
• Proposing  an extension to the Tamar Valley AONB
• Objecting to the extension of Greystone Quarry into the AONB

Many of these issues are on-going. The recent announcement that both political parties support lifting the ban on new On-Shore Wind Turbines means that new battles are likely against their siting in locations which will have a destructive impact on our landscape and our wildlife.

Have considered the option of closing Mabrake we have decided to continue for the time being albeit with a reduced number of meetings and with a reduced number of campaigns.

If anyone who feels strongly about environmental matters wishes to join our committee then please contact Gary Vanstone at garyvanstone@btinternet.com