An initiative jointly promoting five East Devon towns as visitor destinations is gaining momentum.

The Coast & Country project aims to boost tourism in the area while encouraging sustainable business practices and protecting the environment.

The five towns taking part are Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Honiton, Seaton and Ottery St Mary, with Sidmouth taking the lead through its rebranding and digital marketing Visit Sidmouth programme that started in 2019. The four other towns now have their own websites based on the same model, all accessed via the Visit Devon site, and each website contains links to all the other towns.

Businesses in the five towns that are already using sustainable practices have been appointed Changemaker Champions, and will mentor other businesses as they work to become more environment-friendly.

Those already on board include Stantyway Farm in Budleigh Salterton, an organic farm which cultivates wildlife habitats; Wildwood Devon near Ottery St Mary, Higher Wiscombe Holiday Cottages in Colyton, Sidmouth Trawlers, Sidmouth’s Alpine Park, Otterton Mill and The Donkey Sanctuary. These businesses are promoted on the Visit websites.

Coast and Country is co-chaired by Sidmouth town councillor Hilary Nelson and Louise Cole. They said: “Through this project we are actively redefining tourism in our area - developing a collaborative model shaped by community and local businesses together to make sure our amazing destination is sustained socially, environmentally and economically.

“The advantages of collaborative working to create a shared vision and increase our reach whilst making sure that  East Devon drives forward a sustainable model of tourism is a powerful approach.

“The Changemaker Champions include some of the most prominent companies in the area. From promoting biodiversity through rewilding, harnessing renewable energy, reducing packaging and plastics, to supporting local producers and ensuring that the beauty of the region is accessible to all, Changemaker Champions are passionate about creating a sustainable future for generations to come.”

The Coast & Country initiative has been made possible by the Innovation and Resilience Fund of the East Devon District Council. The project’s co-chairs cllrhilarynelson@gmail.com and Louise Cole louisemcole@outlook.com can give information on how towns and villages can become part of the Coast & Country ‘family’ For more information about becoming a Changemaker Champion visit sidmouth.gov.uk/coast-and-country