Biodiversity
In 2024, Newton Abbot Town Council Declared a Biodiversity Emergency. Following this, a Biodiversity Policy was released allowing the council to work towards enhancing and protecting the biodiversity of Newton Abbot.
Our Biodiversity Policy is available HERE
Key Policy Actions:
Grass Verges
Newton Abbot Town Council are excited to be trailing wildlife friendly verge management throughout 2026 and beyond. Following advice from a local ecologist and public consultation in May 2025 and in January 2026, we have identified eight sites for the trial.
A range of approaches, including the sowing of native wildflower seed, are being tested at each location to help identify the most effective methods for future, more widespread use.
A common concern is that these verges will be left to grow completely wild, potentially affecting visibility at junctions. This will not be the case. All verges continue to receive routine cuts and essential maintenance throughout the year, with clearly signposted sections managed specifically for wildlife.
If you have any concerns about a verge, please email Thomas.collard@newtonabbot-tc.gov.uk
Pesticide Free
In 2024, Newton Abbot Town Council declared itself ‘Pesticide Free’. This means that no pesticides are used in our management of the town or on our assets. To support this work, we have invested in equipment such as our Citymaster named ‘Sweeping beauty’ and a Foamstream machine.
We work closely with Green Futures, a community group that aims to promote going ‘pesticide free’ to Newton Abbot Residents. Their 2025 ‘Pesticide Free Devon’ conference was a great success, and we supported the event by hosting a workshop on going pesticide free in local government. We are a partner in their pesticide collection scheme and have supported it for several years.
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