Devon News from Tuesday, April 14th, 2026

Devon Communities Together has secured £250,000 over three years from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to launch its Vibrant Villages initiative, empowering rural communities and strengthening village halls as vital local hubs.

A new campaign and digital platform, Explore UNESCO South West Trails, has launched, offering visitors an inspiring and sustainable way to discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of South West England.

Devon’s new High Sheriff, entrepreneur Mark Ansell, has pledged to put Restorative Justice centre stage during his year in office, championing a system proven to support victims of crime and rehabilitate offenders.

The investment comes from the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund, delivered by Arts Council England. Devon secured £200,000 from the Libraries Improvement Fund, one of three streams supporting 28 library services to upgrade buildings and technology.