Sustainable South Brent

Community Litter Pick - CANCELLED
2025-09-28 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/London) | Old School Community Centre Sustainability Hub, Totnes Rd, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9BP, United Kingdom
This litter pick has been cancelled.
The next one will be due on Sunday 30 November.
Last Sunday of the month: Community Litter Pick from 2-4pm.
NB. Subject to the availability of a lead volunteer.
Join SSB’s South Brent Litter Pickers at the Hub at the Old School Community Centre at 2pm. Equipment is provided there is tea, cake and conversation in the Hub afterwards!
All are most welcome
– “Together we make changes!”.
Community Litter Picks are usually every 2 months on the last Sunday of the month.
FFI contact hub@ssb.org.uk

SSB is looking for a volunteer to co-ordinate the two monthly Community Litter Pick. If you would be interested in managing this please email hub@ssb.org.uk.

South Hams Energy Assembly
2025-10-18 09:30 - 15:30 | Kingsbridge Community College, Balkwill Road,, Kingsbridge, Devon, TQ7 1PL, United Kingdom
Saturday 18 October 2025: South Hams Energy Assembly: 9:30am-3:30pm at Kingsbridge Community College, Balkwill Road, Kingsbridge TQ7 1PL. (https://what3words.com/whistling.glares.blazers)
Are you interested in sustainable energy generation and use? Then this event, organised by Sustainable South Hams, is for you. There will be Talks, Discussion, Exhibition; Networking; Workshops and a tasty lunch.
All welcome – community groups, councillors, businesses and individuals.
Enquiries and booking via Eventbrite – Tickets: £7.50 (unwaged)/£15 (individual, Community Group, Councillor, Non Profit)/ £25 commercial organisation).
FFI see: www.sussh.org/energy-assembly.

NB This is not an SSB event, but is organised by our friends, Sustainable South Hams

Thermal Imaging Training
2025-11-04 19:30 - 21:00 | Old School Community Centre Sustainability Hub, Totnes Rd, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9BP, United Kingdom
Tuesday 4 November 2025: Thermal Imaging Training: in the Hub at the Old School Community Centre
SSB has two Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs) for our members to use. The camera creates an image from infra-red heat emitted from an object, so you can clearly “see” hotter or colder areas in your home – and where your home might be losing precious heat
.
In order to borrow the cameras, you need to (1) be an SSB member and (2) attend this training.
This is a short, fun session which teaches you how to interpret the images, so you get the most out of using the camera.
Tickets on the door at £3, £5 or free – as you feel is right for you
See more information about Thermal Imaging on the SSB Energy project page https://ssb.org.uk/energy/

Butterflies & Moths of South Brent
2025-11-06 19:30 - 21:00 | Old School Community Centre, South Brent, TQ10 9BP, South Brent, Devon, United Kingdom
Thursday 6 November 2025: Talk on The Butterflies & Moths of South Brent by Phil Dean of the Devon Moth Group council in the Old School Community Centre at 7.30.
There are over 100,000 records of butterflies and moths in South Brent dating from 1975 to the present day which reveal much about their success or decline, their behaviour and their life cycles. “What’s the difference between butterflies and moths? How can you help them in your garden? What are their sizes, colours, lifecycles? How many of the UK’s 2500+ species are found in South Brent? Where’s the best place to look for them? How can you set up a light source to attract moths at night? How can you identify what you find? What can you do with records of your sightings?” This illustrated talk will answer these and many other questions. In addition, Phil will have moth traps to examine, and a moth trap set up and working outside to see what might arrive on the night.

The first in a winter series of SSB Wildlife Talks, with the next one being in early December.

Third SSB Nature Talk
2025-11-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Old School Community Centre, South Brent, TQ10 9BP, South Brent, Devon, United Kingdom
The third talk in SSB’s new Nature series is by Ross Kennerley at 7.30pm in the Old School Community Centre.
Ross is one of the founder members of SSB and an expert on trees and ecologically sensitive land management and energetic advocate for mitigation of climate change.

Community Litter Pick
2025-11-30 14:00 - 16:00 | Old School Community Centre Sustainability Hub, Totnes Rd, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9BP, United Kingdom
Last Sunday of the month: Community Litter Pick from 2-4pm.
Join SSB’s South Brent Litter Pickers at the Hub at the Old School Community Centre at 2pm. Equipment is provided there is tea, cake and conversation in the Hub afterwards!
All are most welcome
– “Together we make changes!”.
Community Litter Picks are usually every 2 months on the last Sunday of the month.
FFI contact rubbish@ssb.org.uk

OSCC - Celebration of Plans and Progress
2025-12-03 15:00 - 20:00 | Old School Community Centre, South Brent, TQ10 9BP, South Brent, Devon, United Kingdom
Wednesday 3 December: South Brent Old School Community Centre – Celebration of Plans and Progress for Rejuvenating the Centre and securing our future for the next 150 Years.
You are invited to join us between 3 and 8pm. Just drop in: Displays; Architect’s Plans;3D Visuals; Volunteering and funding opportunities.
Architects involved in the project and various trustees will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.
There will be festive refreshments – wine, mulled cider and nibbles.
See www.theoldschool.org.uk/home/rejuvenating-the-centre/ and Facebook
For more information, or to let us know you’re coming, contact Michelle: info@theoldschool.org.uk or call 07707 723637.

This is not an SSB event, but SSB strongly supports the Old School Community Centre and is a close collaborator and partner with it in various joint projects and endeavors.

Temperate Rainforest as seen from South Brent
2025-12-04 19:30 - 21:00 | Old School Community Centre, South Brent, TQ10 9BP, South Brent, Devon, United Kingdom
Thursday 4 December 2025: Temperate rainforest as seen from South Brent:
The second talk in SSB’s new Nature series is by Tim Ferry of local charity, Moor Trees at 7.30pm in the Old School Community Centre.
Have you heard of temperate (not tropical) rainforest? Tim will explain what temperate rainforest is and why it’s internationally, nationally and locally precious. The talk will focus on what is being done and can be done on Dartmoor generally and in the upper Erme and Avon catchments in particular to expand this fragile and until recently little-known habitat. It will cover why this can sometimes be difficult but also highlight real causes for optimism.
Refreshments available. Donations help us do more!

Community Tree Planting in Hope Wood
2025-12-05 10:30 - 15:00 | Hope Wood, Portford Lane,, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9DD
Friday 5; Saturday 6; Friday 12 & Friday 19 December 2025: Community Tree Planting in Hope Wood from 10:30am-3pm.
We’d love you to join us for Season 2 at Hope Wood – South Brent’s new community woodland!
Find us north of Portford Lane (What3Words: boldest.landscape.repay), a few minutes’ walk from Palstone Park Recreation Ground (where you need to leave any cars as there is no parking available on site). Follow signs to site or scan QR code below for directions.

Wear wellies! Tools provided but bring a spade if you have one.
See https://ssb.org.uk/hope-wood/
and ParkLife – the organisation contracted by South Hams District Council to arrange tree planting sessions.

Marsh Composting Site - CLOSED TODAY
2025-12-28 10:00 - 13:00 | Devon
The Marsh Composting site webpage: https://ssb.org.uk/projects/the-marsh-community-compost-and-re-use-centre/

For more info contact: marsh@ssb.org.uk

The Marsh – Open for Garden Compost and Waste
2026-01-04 10:00 - 13:00 | Devon

Tuesday Fair Share
2026-01-06 14:30 - 16:00 | Palstone Park Recreation Pavilion, South Brent, Devon, United Kingdom
Tuesday Fair Share: from 2.30pm at Palstone Park Rec.
An opportunity for residents of South Brent and the surrounding area to access affordable, good quality surplus (in date) produce, minimising food waste and landfill.
Everyone is welcome; You’ll be asked to check in each time, and there is a suggested donation of £3.50. (The food is free but we need to pay transport and rent). For that you can get at least 10 items of food and groceries, from a selection of produce that changes every week and includes a selection of fruit and vegetables and store cupboard essentials. If you feel you would like to donate more than £3.50 you are welcome to. There is free parking on site at the Rec.
The main supplier is Fareshare SouthWest, a national charity that redistributes surplus food from the food industry to community groups.

This is a volunteer led project, if you are interested in volunteering, please email tuesdayfairshare@ssb.org.uk.
See: https://ssb.org.uk/event/tuesday-fair-share

Community Tree Planting in Hope Wood
2026-01-09 10:30 - 15:00 | Hope Wood, Portford Lane,, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9DD
Friday 9; Friday 16; Saturday 17; Friday 23; Friday 30; Saturday 31 January 2026: Community Tree Planting in Hope Wood from 10:30am-3pm.
We’d love you to join us for the second part of Season 2 at Hope Wood – South Brent’s new community woodland!
Find us north of Portford Lane (What3Words: boldest.landscape.repay), a few minutes’ walk from Palstone Park Recreation Ground (where you need to leave any cars as there is no parking available on site). Follow signs to site or scan QR code below for directions.

Wear wellies! Tools provided but bring a spade if you have one.
See https://ssb.org.uk/hope-wood/
and ParkLife – the organisation contracted by South Hams District Council to arrange tree planting sessions.

SSB Board of Directors/Trustees meeting
2026-01-13 07:30 - 21:00 | Old School Community Centre Sustainability Hub, Totnes Rd, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9BP, United Kingdom
Since April 2025, Sustainable South Brent’s Board of Directors / Trustees, monthly meetings take place on the SECOND, Tuesday of the month.
For further information please contact chair@ssb.org.uk

'Planting Hope: The Creation of a New Community Woodland’
2026-01-15 19:30 - 21:00 | Old School Community Centre, South Brent, TQ10 9BP, South Brent, Devon, United Kingdom
Thursday 15 January 2026: ‘Planting Hope: The Creation of a New Community Woodland’:
The third talk in SSB’s new Nature series is by Ross Kennerley at 7.30pm in the Old School Community Centre.
Ross is one of the founder members of Sustainable South Brent and a prime mover behind the establishment of Hope Wood.
Hope Wood is the largest community land project in South Brent for a generation. It involves the creation of a new wood on former agricultural land. The talk will cover the background to the wood, the story of how it has developed and been delivered, as well as reflections on how Hope Wood sits as part of nature recovery on Dartmoor.
All welcome; Refreshments available.
Donations help us do more!

Extra Tree Planting Day at Hope Wood
2026-01-21 10:30 - 15:00 | Hope Wood, Portford Lane,, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9DD
In addition to the already published dates for Community Tree Planting at Hope Wood, we will have a few people coming along to plant on site on Wednesday 21st January and would welcome more if anyone is available and keen – from 10.30 to 1500. Come for as long or as short a time as best suits you.

Visit the Hope Wood project page – Click Here

Community Litter Pick
2026-01-25 14:00 - 16:00 | Old School Community Centre Sustainability Hub, Totnes Rd, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9BP, United Kingdom
Community Litter Pick from 2-4pm.
Join SSB’s South Brent Litter Pickers at the Hub at the Old School Community Centre at 2pm. Equipment is provided as is tea, cake and conversation in the Hub afterwards!
All are most welcome – “Together we make changes!”. Community
Litter Picks are usually 2 monthly on the last Sunday of the month. FFI contact rubbish@ssb.org.uk.

Extra Tree Planting at Hope Wood
2026-01-29 10:30 - 15:00 | Hope Wood, Portford Lane,, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9DD
STOP PRESS!
Extra, extra tree-planting date.
ParkLife are inviting volunteers – from near and far – for an additional tree planting session at Hope Wood on Thursday 29th January 1030 am – 3.00pm.
Come for as long or short a time as best suits you.
Wellies essential.

Extra Tree Planting Day at Hope Wood
2026-02-04 10:00 - 15:00 | Hope Wood, Portford Lane,, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9DD
In addition to the published February dates for Hope Wood planting, an extra day has been arranged for Wednesday 4 February from 10.30-3pm

All tools provided but it’s helpful if you can bring your own spade, and wellies are essential for your walk to the site. Go on – give it a try! You’ll be making a valuable contribution to something that will last hundreds of years.

Come for as long or as short a time as best suits you.
Visit the Hope Wood project page – Click Here

More Community Tree Planting in Hope Wood
2026-02-06 10:30 - 15:00 | Hope Wood, Portford Lane,, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9DD
Wednesday 4 (extra day); Friday 6; Friday 13; Wednesday 18 (extra day);Saturday 14; Wednesday 18 (extra day); Friday 20; Friday 27 & Saturday 28 February 2026: Community Tree Planting in Hope Wood from 10:30am-3pm.
We’d love you to join us for the second part of Season 2 at Hope Wood – South Brent’s new community woodland!
Find us north of Portford Lane (What3Words: boldest.landscape.repay), a few minutes’ walk from Palstone Park Recreation Ground (where you need to leave any cars as there is no parking available on site). Follow signs to site or scan QR code below for directions.

Wear wellies! Tools provided but bring a spade if you have one.
See https://ssb.org.uk/hope-wood/
and ParkLife – the organisation contracted by South Hams District Council to arrange tree planting sessions.

South Brent Seed Swap, Free Tree Giveaway and Gardeners' Social Cafe
2026-02-14 10:30 - 15:00 | Old School Community Centre, South Brent, TQ10 9BP, South Brent, Devon, United Kingdom
Saturday 14 February 2026: South Brent Seed Swap, Free Tree Giveaway and Gardeners’ Social Cafe:
South Brent’s annual seed swap event from 10.30am-3pm in the HUB in the Old School Community Centre. All gardeners welcome, from beginners to ‘old hands’.
Come along, bring, swap, share & discover new seeds to what promises to be an exciting day with something for everyone. As well as an opportunity to swap seeds with fellow gardeners, there will be a sale of three varieties of seed potato for your spring planting: Casablanca (organic) Charlotte (organic), and Kestrel.

You can collect small brown envelopes in which to pack your seeds for swapping from a box just inside the door of The Hub (see right)

There will be also be:

a Gardeners’ Question Time session at 1pm – Always well supported and informative, with local experts. Bring your questions.
a Soil Microscope: meet some of the tiny but miraculous soil creatures that help our crops to grow. Bring a soil sample if you like. Children welcome!
Reconditioned tools for sale – Bring cash and pick up a bargain!
Woodland and coppice crafts – Browse and buy natural, locally made hand-crafted items for your garden and home.
a Raffle and a fun quiz.
a wonderful Café serving soup, scones, cakes and hot drinks

The seed swap will run alongside a Free Tree Giveaway outside the Old School; For details see https://ssb.org.uk/event/free-tree-giveaway/.
Between now and the day there’s a lot of work to be done and the organisers would welcome your help on: Tuesdays 20 & 27 January and 3 February from 6.30-8.30pm in the Hub, Old School Community Centre.
If you would like to get involved and help, or for more information please contact Carol on 0790 0666070 or email halfmoonfield@planetmail.com. To donate raffle prizes please phone Dominic on 07770 956381.
More details to follow

Free Tree Giveaway
2026-02-14 10:30 - 15:00 | Old School Community Centre, South Brent, TQ10 9BP, South Brent, Devon, United Kingdom
Saturday 14 February 2026: Free Tree Giveaway
Under the awning outside the Old School Community Centre from 10.30am-3pm, or until the trees run out (Come early to avoid disappointment).
Run by SSB’s Hedges and Woodland Group. We will be giving away up to five trees/shrubs per person, together with guards and canes. First come, first served, until the stock runs out. There will be a dozen species to choose from, all wild and native to Britain. The plants are one-year-old nursery seedlings (20-40cm tall), so they will need aftercare following planting.
The trees are grown from seed and provided by Devon Wildlife Trust as part of the wider Saving Devon’s Treescapes
Running alongside the Seed Swap (see https://ssb.org.uk/event/seed-swap-2/ ).

Hedges and Woodland Group - Hedgelaying
2026-02-15 10:00 - 15:00 | Harbourneford Road, John Jellicoe's Hedge
See Hedges and Woodland Project page: https://ssb.org.uk/projects/hedges-and-woodland/

Community Orchard planting Postponed to 15 March
2026-02-15 10:30 - 15:00 | Community Market Garden Site
Tree planting in the new Community Orchard planned for 15 February 2026 has been postponed until Sunday 15 March due to the waterlogged site
See: https://ssb.org.uk/event/community-orchard-tree-planting/

Energy Advice Drop-in
2026-02-18 09:30 - 12:00 | Old School Community Centre, South Brent, TQ10 9BP, South Brent, Devon, United Kingdom
Energy Advice Drop-in sessions Spring 2026

Wednesdays: 18 February; 18 March; 22 April; 20 May; 17 June
Energy Advice Drop-In Session from 9.30am-12noon in The Hub at the Old School Community Centre. Free impartial advice from Mark Skinner of South Dartmoor Community Energy. Worried about the rising cost of energy? Struggling to Heat your home? Not sure where to get good advice? Drop in and find out about: Reducing your energy bills; Grants available; Which energy supplier to choose? No appointment needed.

Drop-in sessions scheduled for:
Wednesday 18 February 2026; 09.30-12.00
Wednesday 18 March 2026; 09.30-12.00
Wednesday 22 April 2026; 09.30-12.00
Wednesday 20 May 2026; 09.30-12.00
Wednesday 17 June 2026; 09.30-12.30

Visit the SSB Energy Project Page: Click Here

Talk on Pine Martens
2026-02-20 19:30 - 21:00 | Old School Community Centre, South Brent, TQ10 9BP, South Brent, Devon, United Kingdom
Friday 20 February 2026: Talk on Pine Martens.
The 4th talk in SSB’s new Nature/Wildlife series, at 7.30pm in the main hall at Old School Community Centre.
Tracey Hamston, who manages the Two Moors Pine Marten Project led by Devon Wildlife Trust will talk about this exciting project, which has involved the successful reintroduction of 15 pine martens on Dartmoor and 19 on Exmoor. She will also discuss the role that pine martens can play in the broader wildlife of Dartmoor.
All welcome;
Refreshments available.
Donations help us do more!

With thanks to Devon Wildlife Trust

Celebration of the life of Eva Stephens
2026-02-27 13:30 - 15:00 | Old School Community Centre, South Brent, TQ10 9BP, South Brent, Devon, United Kingdom
Eva Stephens
29 December 1967 – 21 January 2026
With great sadness we announce that Eva Stephens died on Wednesday 21 January 2026.
Eva was a beloved friend, neighbour and tireless community champion in South Brent. She had a deep dislike of waste — not just of food or materials, but of overlooked potential. She saw possibilities where others saw rubbish. Her creativity was practical, imaginative and constant: turning scraps into something useful, transforming the ordinary into something beautiful, and sharing what she made with quiet generosity. Many will remember her handmade wax wraps, but they were just one example of her inventive, resourceful spirit.
As a trustee of Sustainable South Brent, Eva turned her values into action. She played a key role in introducing the Community Fridge, ensuring good food was shared rather than thrown away. She was instrumental in establishing the Hub, a collaborative project between Sustainable South Brent and South Brent & District Caring, creating a welcoming space at the heart of village life. She helped develop the partnership with FareShare that grew into the weekly Tuesday food project, widening access to affordable surplus food for local households.
Eva also initiated and helped establish several other projects and events, including the Repair Café, community films and discussions, Talking Rubbish sessions, and children’s craft workshops — always bringing people together and encouraging others to rethink waste and sustainability.
Beyond her community work, Eva made a lasting contribution to many children in the area as an excellent Maths teacher, both privately and during her many years as Vice Principal at Ivybridge College. She combined high standards with warmth and encouragement, helping young people grow in confidence as well as ability.
Eva gave her time, imagination and energy freely. Her legacy lives on in the projects she shaped, the students she inspired, and the many lives she touched.
Her funeral will take place on Friday 27 February. The burial at Sharpham Natural Burial Site will be for family and close friends, gathering at 10am for a 10.30am start. From 1.30pm to 3pm, friends from the wider village community are warmly invited to the Old School Community Centre, South Brent for tea and cake, to support the family, share memories to celebrate Eva’s life and be together as a community. Colourful and joyful dress welcomed.

More Community Tree Planting in Hope Wood
2026-03-06 10:30 - 15:00 | Hope Wood, Portford Lane,, South Brent, Devon, TQ10 9DD
More Community Tree Planting in Hope Wood from 10:30am-3pm.
Friday 6; Friday 13; Saturday 14; Friday 20; Friday 27 & Saturday 28 March 2026:
We’d love you to join us for the third part of Season 2 at Hope Wood – South Brent’s new community woodland!
Find us north of Portford Lane (What3Words: boldest.landscape.repay), a few minutes’ walk from Palstone Park Recreation Ground (where you need to leave any cars as there is no parking available on site). Follow signs to site or scan QR code below for directions.

Wear wellies! Tools provided but bring a spade if you have one.
See https://ssb.org.uk/hope-wood/
and ParkLife – the organisation contracted by South Hams District Council to arrange tree planting sessions.

South Brent Energy Fair
2026-03-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Old School Community Centre, South Brent, TQ10 9BP, South Brent, Devon, United Kingdom
Saturday 7 March 2026: Energy Fair
Hosted by Sustainable South Brent, Sustainable South Hams and South Dartmoor Community Energy in the Old School Community Centre from 10am-1pm.

Drop-in for expert practical and technical energy advice from a range of local organisations;
Practical ideas on energy efficiency and reducing energy costs.
Access to expert, tailored advice on retrofit and renewable energy options from local energy installation companies.
Free impartial advice and information on government and other grants and funding from South Dartmoor Community Energy.
Refreshments available

Children’s Activities
– Create your very own mini Solar Scarecrow to take home! Workshops starting at 10:15am & 11:15am Find out how we can make electricity from the sun and store it for light at night. Children must have a responsible adult on site at all times… so ask yours to check out the Energy Fair while you get creative! FREE!, but limited places – book a place to avoid disappointment via www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mini-solar-scarecrow-workshops-for-children-at-south-brent-energy-fair-tickets-1981721961734,
or use this QR code.

Parking limited.
See: www.sussh.org/events/energy-fair-south-brent.

Community Orchard - Tree planting
2026-03-15 10:00 - 15:00 | Community Market Garden Site
Sunday 15 March 2026: Tree planting in the new Community Orchard:
(Postponed from 15 February due to waterlogged site)
SSB has been given funding towards the new orchard and has taken delivery of approximately 150 orchard trees of varying sizes and types (apples, pears, quinces, plums, mulberries, medlars and nuts). Having been necessary to postpone the initial planting due to very wet conditions on the ground in February, please come and get involved on this very special occasion!
There will be lots to do, for all ages and levels of exertion, from planting, mulching and setting up stakes and tree guards – so it would be wonderful to see as many people there as possible.

10am: arrival time: please head towards the gazebo towards the bottom of the field;
10.30am: welcome and introduction, demonstrations and project update and from
10.45am onward: Tree planting (later arrivals will be allocated to a team who will show them exactly what to do);
3.00pm approximately: finish.

This is the last opportunity for our trees to go in the ground, so whatever the weather we will go ahead, supported by the Sustainable South Brent Wood Group – if the entrance to the field is under water, you will be directed towards the gate of the adjacent Hope Wood field.
Do bring a spade if you can. Wellies, waterproofs, warm clothing, thick gloves, and something waterproof to sit on are strongly advised, along with snacks and flasks of hot drinks. The plan is for this to be the first of many work-days and gatherings on the field throughout this year.
If you are not able to help but want to see what’s going on – you are welcome to come and have a look, and a chat.
No dogs on site please. Children, however, are welcome to come and help to plant a tree, which they can watch grow to maturity as they do themselves!
Access to the Market Garden field site – on foot or by bike, but absolutely no cars – is along Palstone Lane then left down Portford Lane to a signposted entrance on the left. – What3Words: extend.showed.spreading.
For more information on the Community Market Garden and Orchard project, see https://ssb.org.uk/projects/market-garden-orchard/.
If you are interested in helping on this day or for further information, please email marketgarden@ssb.org.uk.
