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...

Help for those who are self-isolating

The Town Council are working with other groups in the town to build a team of volunteers to support people in and around Buckfastleigh who are affected by the CoronaVirus COVID-19, by checking in on isolated people, making deliveries, manning the food bank and helping co-ordinate efforts.

You may be able to help, even if it is just by offering to ring someone who is on their own and checking that they are OK.

If you are able to offer your help, please complete the online Volunteer Response Form here.
Please don't be put off by the length of the form - We want you to tell us if you can help in any way and you can fill in just the sections you are able to... 

If you are in need of support at home, please phone or email one of the following:

If you know someone who might need help, please pass this information on.

You can read more here

Consultation on Dartmoor National Park Management Plan

Consultation on the Dartmoor National Park Management Plan is now open. The 5 year Management Plan is the strategic plan for the National Park – a Plan for all who care about Dartmoor and its future. It needs to actively engage and gain the support of all key stakeholders who will assist in its delivery. As such, DNPA is keen to seek the views of all those who live and work on Dartmoor. You can view the plan and comment on it here.   Or you can look at a hard copy of the plan at The Living Room, where there will also be a comment book for people to leave written responses.  Alternatively you can email the Town Clerk at clerk@nullbuckfastleigh.gov.uk with comments.  Even if you are responding directly to DNP online, the Town Council would very much like to hear your thoughts so they can be incorporated into the Council response.

You can read more about the Management Plan and why it is important for the public to comment on it here.

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.

Coronavirus COVID-19

17th March 2020

Cases of COVID-19 Coronavirus have been reported in South Devon. 

There is up-to-date information about the virus and what you can do about it here.

The Town Council is monitoring the situation and is in dialogue with other local councils and looking at what we might be able to do to support our community and public services.

The Town Hall will be closed to the public from 1 pm on Wednesday 18th March.  The Town Council office can still be reached by leaving a message on the office answerphone - 01364 642576 - or phoning the Town Clerk on 077904 033616

More here

Recycling Centres closed and Rural Skip Service suspended

Because of the Coronavirus situation, all recycling centres are now closed and the planned rural skip service will not take place until further notice.

Transport for Key Workers

Devon County Council are trialling an on-demand subsidised taxi service for Devon residents for key workers accessing employment only.  Read more about it here.

Starting a “Repair Cafe” in Buckfastleigh

Can you fix things?  Or do you know someone who can?  We are hoping to start a Repair Cafe in town.  Read more here.

New “Walking for Softies” Group

A beginners' walking group is starting up on Monday lunchtimes, setting out from the Living Room at 12.30 pm each week.  More info here.

Join the Twinning visit to Normandy in August

The Scoriton & Buckfastleigh Twinning Association has some spare places on this year’s Twinning visit to Fontaine-Henry in Normandy.  Read more details here.

Walking for Health

Walking for Health is not currently taking place because of COVID-19.

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 March 25th and will go to Dartington Hunting Lodge.   Meet in Woodholme car park at 9.45 am for a 10 am start.  More information here.

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.