Get your walking boots on for Devon's marine wildlife

Challenge yourself by walking one of the most stunning stretches of the North Devon coastline and support Devon's marine wildlife by raising at least £50 for Devon Wildlife Trust on Saturday 11 August. Leaving Ilfracombe, DWT's Challenge Walk finishes 23 miles later at Braunton, or for those who prefer a shorter trek, after just 9 miles at Woolacombe. Learn about the amazing wildlife which lives on the shore and beneath the waves and why it is important to protect this stretch of coastline. Devon Wildlife Trust's event organiser, Dan Smith, said: 'Devon's marine wildlife is under threat, but with the efforts of local people DWT is campaigning and fundraising to help protect it. Keen walkers can do their bit by raising at least £50 on our North Coast Challenge Walk. One of the Trust's volunteers in Ilfracombe has already raised a wonderful £200 from shops and businesses in the town and surrounding area. All the money raised will go towards the vital work of the Devon Wildlife Trust helping wildlife both in the sea and on land. It's easy to pay for and register your place on the walk, just visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org/walk-challenge/ ' The walk follows part of the Bideford to Foreland Point recommended Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). MCZ's are a new designation to create a network of 127 marine protected areas around the UK, including 16 off the coasts of Devon. Currently less than 0.001% of the UK's seas are legally protected from damaging activities. The Wildlife Trusts are lobbying the government to make sure all these sites are designated. Dan Smith added: 'With luck, our walkers might spot grey seals and gannets out at sea, along with a variety of wildflowers, birds and butterflies on the cliff-top grassland and heathland. There are regular bus links at the start, finish and mid-points of the walk so you can leave the car at home! Everyone taking part in this sponsored walk will be doing their bit towards securing a future of North Devon's spectacular wildlife.' The 23 mile route starts at Ilfracombe and finishes in Braunton (option to take a shorter 9 mile challenge walk). There is a £10 registration fee and participants need to raise at least £50 sponsorship to take part. Regular bus links at start, finish and mid-points of the walk. To register visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org/walk-challenge/