Making an impact in the community is at the heart of what we do
Since 2018, YCE has distributed £100,000 to support 47 local projects, with ongoing surpluses benefiting communities through grants, and an estimated £8M more expected in the future.
Here are some of the projects we've supported
“With fantastic support given by Yealm Community Energy, we were able to part-fund an outdoor classroom and woodland pond that have been fantastic teaching aids for our biology and woodland ecology lessons.”
The sponsorship and support for a community owned electric ferry on Yealm Estuary, (Yealm Community Electric Transport), where we provided initial funding until the project could be established as a separate standalone Community Interest Company.
The community encouraged pollinators at St Bart's churchyard by planting blossom trees, bulbs and installing bug hotels
"I thought I would send you a couple of photos from the opening ceremony of our new shed which took place last Saturday 18th Feb. We very much appreciate the grant we received from Yealm Community Energy that helped us make this purchase."
Village halls are at the heart of rural communities, but maintenance can be costly. Our grant has enabled the trust to upgrade the heating system with modern IR heating pads. Unlike the old system, these new heaters give off no light, meaning they can be kept on during films and plays. No more shivering during performances!
This group champions the reduction of harmful emissions. They have visited local schools, delivering assemblies and workshops. The funding also enabled 1,500 packs to be developed and delivered. The project has saved 87,000 tons of carbon emissions.
“Being muddy and often flooded, we took the decision to create an all‑weather facility by installing a concrete pad. The upgrade was completed at the end of 2020 and we were fortunate to be given a £1,000 grant by Yealm Community Energy to put towards the total cost for the work.”
The Yealm Estuary to Moor (YEM) is a long-term community project aimed at improving the health of the River Yealm and encouraging biodiversity along its length by creating a wildlife corridor along the length of the river.
The new secure bike racks encouraged children to be more independent and reduced car travel.
Each year we will report back to our members on the impact the society has made over the previous twelve months.
The projects YCE has supported to date include:
Energy saving advice
YCE extends its support to households in fuel poverty by offering essential energy-saving advice. Through tailored guidance, we contribute to creating more energy-efficient living spaces, supporting families in need.
Energy saving measures
YCE has successfully implemented energy-saving measures such as insulation, LED lighting, and PV panels in public buildings and community halls. This commitment to sustainable infrastructure brings both cost savings and reduced carbon footprint to our community.
Environmental education
Collaborating with local schools, YCE has implemented engaging environmental education projects that empower young minds. Notably, a groundbreaking woodland education space has been established, catering specifically to children with learning difficulties.
Financial impact for our community
Surpluses arrive in different ways, depending on how the planning agreements for the solar farms were agreed:
- For Newton Downs, funds are paid into a Community Benefit Fund, the organisation of which is under the control of YCE.
- For Creacombe and Marlands, two Section 106 agreements were set up between the landowners and planning authority. These provide inflation-linked payments to the Parish Councils and Primary Schools in Holbeton, Newton & Noss, and Yealmpton, in equal parts. YCE has no control over how these funds are spent. The remaining surpluses are paid into the Community Fund, but these are likely to be relatively small in the early years.
The table shows how funds have been used by the communities in the seven years since YCE was formed and the solar farms entered operation. To date the total is just over £141,000, probably rising to almost £160,000 by the early 2025.
Get involved
We launched a community share offer in 2023 to fund the transfer of three nearby operational solar farms into community ownership. The offer is now closed.
