Get ready to celebrate B10 - North Devon's Biosphere Reserve 10th Anniversary

North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve celebrates the 10th anniversary of its designation this year. The anniversary (branded B10) will see individuals, organisations and businesses from around northern Devon contribute to an exciting programme of celebratory events in support of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. From spring until autumn 2013 there will be entertainment, activities and presentations and with the variety of events on offer (and even a limited edition B10 beer!) there really will be something for everyone. North Devon Biosphere Coordinator Andy Bell says “Ten years is an important time for the Biosphere Reserve. As a new global accolade for our area's environment and culture, it takes time to get established. However, looking back, the community and Biosphere Reserve partnership have achieved so many things through the Biosphere Reserve that we should celebrate them and also look forward to what we can do in the next 10 years to keep this area world class." "Whether you are interested in the environment, the rural economy or interested in learning, the Biosphere Reserve has a facet that is of interest to you." The North Devon Biosphere catchment area follows the water from the source of the Taw & Torridge rivers (and smaller rivers running into the sea along the coast from Lynton to Hartland) down through the villages and towns of north Devon out to sea, to Lundy and beyond. The small towns of Chulmleigh, Witheridge, South Molton, Winkleigh, Hatherleigh, Torrington and their surrounding villages are within the Biosphere and are just as important to its existence and well-being as the world-famous Braunton Burrows sand dunes. It is not all about wildlife though, North Devon’s strong cultural and local identity are an important element in the Biosphere designation and the main message to its residents is sustainable living. Martin Wickham, of Marsdens Cottage Holidays, is a supporter of the Biosphere: "North Devon is more than just a pretty place - it is a place where our wonderful environment shapes every aspect of our lives and certainly supports tourism, the industry I'm involved with. As a family owned, locally-based business Marsdens is run by people who share a real passion for the area and care deeply about building a more sustainable future, which is exactly what the Biosphere Reserve is about. We are pleased to support it and have begun a pioneering customer donation scheme to do just that and hope that the B10 celebrations will encourage more people to support it and get involved." The events will be advertised locally and via the new interactive B10 website www.northdevonb10.org.uk. The events programme kicks off with RHS Rosemoor’s ECO FAIR on Saturday 6 April 2013. Just to add to the excitement there will be a free prize draw with some fabulous prizes donated by Biosphere business supporters and individuals in north Devon. There will be plenty of opportunities to enter the draw at B10 events and online from May to September 2013. 

View over Taw Torridge Estuary Photo copyright B10 North Devon Biosphere

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are sites established by countries and recognised under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science. Biosphere Reserves seek to reconcile conservation of biological and cultural diversity and economic and social development through partnerships between people and nature. They are ideal to test and demonstrate innovative approaches to sustainable development from local to international scales. Local businesses can register their interest as business supporters via the Biosphere website: http://www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk/registration-for-businesses/  

For further information about B10 contact Amanda McCormack amanda.mccormack@devon.gov.uk Tel: 01271 860610 

For further information/quotes about North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve and the B10 celebrations please contact Andy Bell andrew.bell@devon.gov.uk Tel: 01271 388647 

Website:http://www.northdevonb10.org.uk 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorthDevonB10 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NorthDevonB10