Buckfastleigh Town

Fore Street in winter

Fore Street in winter

The historic mill town of Buckfastleigh and the neighbouring abbey village of Buckfast, can be found nestling on the southern edge of eastern Dartmoor in Devon just off the A38, midway between the cities of Exeter and Plymouth.

The name "Buckfast" means "stronghold" – traditionally a place where deer and buck were held, and "Leigh" would have been the pasture belonging to Buckfast – hence the meaning deer held in a pasture (buck-fast-leigh). Buckfast probably existed before Buckfastleigh as it is mentioned in the Domesday Book and in 1018 a Benedictine Abbey was founded and endorsed by King Canute at Buckfast.

Read more about the town here...

Hello Winter!

Hello Winter activities started on Sunday 12th January with our New Year Wishes Workshop.  Further activities will continue at weekends and over half-term right up until Easter.  Look out for posters around town and info on Facebook.  Next up is a Chinese New Year workshop on Saturday 25th January, 10.30 am.  Further details coming soon.

New Trustees Wanted for Buckfastleigh Town Hall

Do you have the time, passion, skills and commitment to become a new Trustee of the Town Hall? We are looking to set up a new board of independent trustees to work with the Management Committee and staff and wish to invite enquiries from people who can bring the following skills:

  • Design, development and improvement of community facilities
  • Fundraising
  • Marketing, promotion and event management
  • or do you just love the Town Hall?

Please contact Judith Hart the Town Clerk for an informal chat on 01364 642576 or email: clerk@nullbuckfastleigh.gov.uk for further information.

Electronic Community Noticeboards coming to town

Buckfastleigh's first trial electronic community noticeboard can be seen in Searle's window.  More will be on the way....  Read all about it here

The second noticeboard can now be seen in the window of 'The Living Room' - the community hub of 'Be Buckfastleigh' at 55 Fore St.

Keep an eye on these to stay up-to-date with news and events around town.

Proposed New Housing Developments

You can read here a current summary of the major housing developments in our town that are either currently being considered by Dartmoor National Park planners or are proposed.

SOUP Fundraising Event & Heart of Buckfastleigh Awards

On January 24th, a third SOUP fundraising event will take place in the Town Hall.  This year, it will also feature the presentation of the Heart of Buckfastleigh Awards to individuals who have made a special contribution to community life in the past year.  Come along at 6 pm to share in the celebrations, hear pitches for a whole range of community projects, eat soup and decide which two projects you want to vote for.  We'll also hear from a couple of people who pitched successfully at previous events about how they used the funds they received.  A wonderful community night out which is likely to be very full.  Order your free tickets in advance here.

Planning application for proposed care village at Buckfast Abbey

Buckfast Abbey submitted a planning application for a mixed use development through the conversion of existing buildings and new build of a care village with a communal facilities hub, extended retail provision, open space, landscaping and car parking at the Lower Mills site, Buckfast Road, Buckfast - further information can be found here. The response of the Town Council to this application is here

Walking for Health

Buckfastleigh Walking for Health is offering free easy guided walks every second Wednesday this year. Walking is the lowest risk of all physical activities, yet produces massive benefits to physical fitness and mental wellbeing. It is a great way to explore your local area, make new friends and learn more about your immediate community. The next walk is on January 15th and will be a local walk   Meet in Woodholme car park at 9.45 am for a 10 am start.  More information here.

Devon Climate Emergency

Devon County Council has set up a Net-Zero Task Force to develop a Devon Carbon Plan.  It is asking Devon residents to submit their ideas about how Devon can reduce its carbon emissions as quickly as possible.  Find out more and submit your suggestions here.