Totnes, Devon (the world’s first Transition Town)
Totnes is a quirky inland town in South Devon, with its own castle. It’s the world’s first Transition Town (this means locals get together to create somewhere that is not affected by oil prices). Think community solar panels, local food and garden swaps, walkable communities etc.
You won’t find chain store coffee shops, it’s full of over 100 independent shops and even a ‘green supermarket’ (there is one large supermarket, so we won’t go there!)
A few years ago, Costa Coffee gained planning permission. But there was such local opposition (over 5000 petition signatures), that it decided not to bother, so has never set up shop here.
And England’s first zero waste shop (set up by a retired Manchester United footballer and his wife). He also co-founded local company Rerooted Organic, which delivers organic plant-based drinks in reusable glass bottles, delivered on electric milk floats!
Home to many independent shops and a vibrant arts scene, Totnes sits on the River Dart, one of the wildest rivers in England. It flows from Dartmoor (one of England’s smallest national parks) to the English channel. And unique for a river, features ancient oak woodlands and waterfalls!
