May Flowers bring some late Spring Zing.

As we head towards the end of May I look back on the glorious weather during the middle of the month. I am always out taking photos, recording the seasons, whatever the weather, and it was fantastic to see the sun bringing a little late Spring zing to the North Devon Coast and Countryside. It’s my favourite time of year when the Hawthorn blossoms and the wild flowers fight for the light in leafy woodland glades. This is the time when white rules. Cow Parsley stands stall above the Ramsons, Greater Stitchwort and Woodruff. Large White butterflies flirt and flutter from flower to flower. Today a little hint of colour is added from the first spurt of fresh green leaves on the old gnarled trees, unfurling Fronds, teeny Speedwell, Early Purple Orchid, Red Campion, Tufted Vetch and of course Bluebells and that’s just on the verges on track down through the Valley. Below,  on the meadows, beside the South West Coast Path, there are Cuckoo Flowers, Clover and creeping Buttercup while spiky Bugle, Ribwart Plaintain and Common Sorrel race to keep their  heads above the rising Bracken.

Queen Anne's Lace

Hawthorne Blossom, Cuckoo Flower, Ramsons, Red Campion, Bluebells, Early Purple Orchid

 Bugle, Common Sorrel and Plaintain heralding the start of Summer

New vista over Bideford Bay

• Cow Parsley a member of the Carrot family otherwise known as Queen Anne’s Lace
• Common Sorrel is an important larval food plant of the Small Copper Butterfly.
• Cuckoo Flower  otherwise known as Lady’s Smock food plant of the Orange Tip Butterfly

DEVON'S CORONATION MEADOW

HRH The Prince of Wales crowned Dunsdon National Nature Reserve near Holsworthy, north Devon, a Coronation Meadow in June 2013 - There will be one in every county across the UK to mark the The Queen's Coronation. One year on, with the meadow looking its very best, why not pay Dunsdon a visit to see why it won The Royal Seal of Approval! 

Coronation Meadows Project Manager, Dan Merrett explains: "Since the 1930's we have lost a staggering 97% of our wildflower-rich meadows and the colour and vibrancy that was once an everyday part of the rural summer is now a sight few of us ever see. Coronation Meadows are amongst the few remaining fragments and embody the often distinct character of each counties grassland heritage. Through the early summer months they give an unrivalled display of brilliance and beauty, bursting with life before they are cut for hay and grazed to secure the following years' display." 

Celebrate Dunsdon with a visit 

Until purchased by Devon Wildlife Trust in 2000, land at Dunsdon had been managed by the same family (the Hoppers) since 1927. Thanks to these decades of traditional management this meadow offers a snapshot of the past showing how the region once appeared - rich in rare and spectacular wildlife. A boardwalk and canal towpath offer access for all to part of the site, more footpaths run through the rougher grassland. The range of wild flowers ensures that there is always something in bloom from early summer right through to the end of September. Arguably the most important Culm grassland left in England; this habitat has declined sharply in extent since the 1970s and Dunsdon represents an important reservoir for the wildlife of this area. Dan Smith of Devon Wildlife Trust explains: "June is the best time of year to see one of the most glorious of north Devon's traditional flower-rich landscapes at its most colourful. Our Nature Reserve Discovery Day on Sun 15th includes guided walks around Dunsdon taking in the orchids and butterflies of the meadows as well as the new kilometre-long pond recently created in the dried-up Bude Canal. Longer walks take in the Canal and the restored meadows at DWT's Vealand Farm nature reserve two miles away. We'll also have drinks and homemade cakes for the end of your walk!" "It's not just the rare wildflowers that are waiting to wow you! If you love wildlife, this is the place to visit! Twenty six different butterfly species have been recorded here, including the beautiful marsh fritillary and you will also see dragonflies and damselflies. These insects thrive around the recently 're-wetted' stretch of the disused Bude Canal. Dunsdon is a bird spotter's paradise with over 70 species recorded. Barn owls use the site frequently as a feeding ground, and herons can be seen roosting in the trees. It's also home to foxes, roe deer and badgers, and the thick hedge banks also support dormice, feeding on hazel nuts and using honeysuckle as nesting material." 

Dunsdon: Not just a pretty place! 

Dunsdon is also a "donor" meadow which provides seed for the creation of new meadows at "recipient" sites in Devon, so new Coronation meadows will created. This will give much needed homes for bees, butterflies and other pollinators and will secure our wildflower heritage for the future. 

Devon Wildlife Trust, who own this reserve provide walking routes, including a 4-mile return walk to nearby DWT reserve Vealand Farm, on their website at www.devonwildlifetrust.org/reserve/Dunsdon/walks www.coronationmeadows.org.uk 

The Coronation Meadows Partnership is made up of Plantlife, The Wildlife Trusts and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. HRH The Prince of Wales is Patron of all three charities. 

Lesser butterfly orchids are one of the rare species to be found at Devon's Coronation Meadow. Photo, Copyright Kevin New- All Rights Reserved

Stage Left: The Outdoor Theatre is coming to Hartland Abbey

Like me, you are probably looking forward to Summer and already thinking about those sunny days and balmy nights and this will be especially so for Hartland Abbey. Last year they hosted a series of outdoor theatre productions in conjunction with The Plough Arts Centre, Torrington, these events were so successful that they are doing it again. What better place to enjoy the "open air theatre experience" than in this stunning location. Please see full listing and ticket details below:

Thu 19 Jun, 7pm - Miracle Theatre presents ‘The Tempest’ by William Shakespeare
Freely adapted & directed by Bill Scott with original music by Jim Carey.
Miracle celebrates 35 years of producing engaging, inventive and enjoyable theatre by bringing together a team of talented collaborators, past and present, to create a fresh and musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s timeless play that will delight audiences of all ages. Enjoy the full ‘open air theatre experience’ by bringing along well stocked picnics, cushions and blankets for a special night of theatre performed under the stars!
Full £13.00 Concession £11.00 Supporter £9.00 Family tickets available
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the show-
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624 - www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
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Sunday, 29th June, 3 pm matinée and 7 pm - Plough Community Theatre presents ‘Candleford’
After ‘Lark Rise’ last year Plough Community Theatre complete the story with ‘Candleford’ where young Laura Timms leaves her village and goes to work in the very centre of rural 1880s small town life – the post office. Keith Dewhurst’s lively 1978 adaptation for the National Theatre tells a gentle yet powerful story of country characters with the action all taking place on the coldest day of the winter and the first day of the hunt. Local actors will breathe life, humour and music into this simple yet joyfully heart-warming piece of theatre.
“Plough Community Theatre created a surreal comedic air that gave a sense of a rural community in an isolated grip of madness....we became part of this insanity and had a jolly good laugh” Tony Glynn North Devon Journal (‘Lark Rise’ 2013)
Full £10.00 Concession £8.00 Supporter £7.00 Family tickets available
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Cream Teas (afternoon show), Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the evening show (matinée – 1 hour prior to show)
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624 - www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
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Wednesday 30th July, 5 pm - Illyria presents ‘George’s Marvellous Medicine’ by Roald Dahl, adapted by David Wood
It’s the first day of half-term and Grandma has written to say she is coming to stay. George is going to have to give up his bedroom for her. It wouldn’t be so bad if Grandma were a nice Grandma. But George’s Grandma is horrible...Following their enormous successes with JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH and FANTASTIC MR FOX, and a record-breaking sellout season of THE TWITS, Illyria returns with yet another Roald Dahl classic full of (literally) larger-than-life characters, plenty to join in with, and just a twist of malicious fun! It’s guaranteed to send you through the roof! Running time (approx): 1hr 35mins (including 20 minute interval)
Full £13.00 Concession £11.00 Supporter £9.00 Family tickets available
Suitable for all ages 5+ Drama Workshop with Sarah Middleton for 5-10 year olds 3.45-4:30pm £3
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Cream Teas, Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the show
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624 - www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
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Sunday 10th August 7 pm- Illyria Theatre presents ‘The Pirates of Penzance’ by Gilbert & Sullivan
Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular comic opera is about Frederick, an apprentice pirate, born on 29th February, who quits the Pirate ship and falls in love with girl on land - until he learns he is contracted to the pirates until his 21st BIRTHDAY, not his 21st year. Being a steadfast Slave Of Duty, what is he to do? To denounce his piratical friends to the authorities? Or to postpone his marriage until he is 84?
The show is packed with laughter, romance and a ship-full of memorable lyrics such as "To be a Pirate King!"; "Modern Major General" and "A Policeman's Lot is Not a Happy One". This wonderful operetta gets the complete Illyria treatment, faithfully performed by a reduced cast and accompanied by a Musical Director on keyboard. Despite the reduction in scale not a single word from WS Gilbert's libretto is cut, nor a single note or harmony from Sir Arthur Sullivan's score unsung.
Running time (approx): 2hr 0mins (including 20 minute interval)
Suitable for: all ages 5+- Targeted at: all ages 10+
Full £13.00 Concession £11.00 Supporter £9.00 Family tickets available
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the show
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624 - www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
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Tues. 12 August 5 pm - Cambridge Touring Theatre presents ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’
Come and have a joyful, fun-filled picnic with your family while you watch this hilarious musical show. Boys and girls are invited to come along dressed in their best wonderland fashion.
"…wonderful ...entertaining ...enthralling" **** (What's on Stage)
“…has families rolling around with laughter.” The Guardian)
“…laughter-filled treat from start to finish." (The Stage)
2 hours including a 20 minute interval.
Pre Performance Workshop
Before the show, there is a 45 minute drama workshop where you can play drama games with the actors. Age 5-10. Please arrive 10 minutes early.
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Cream teas, Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the show
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624- www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
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Wed. 20 August. 5 pm- Illyria Theatre presents ‘Robin Hood’
On the day of his marriage to Marian Fitzwater, Robert Fitzooth, Earl of Huntingdon, is betrayed by his closest friend, the Sheriff of Nottingham and arrested for disrupting the peace. But he evades capture and hides out in Sherwood Forest with a band of outlaws under the assumed name of Robin Hood. Here he devotes his life to ruining the treacherous Sheriff, to seizing back the wealth of greedy church landowners and restoring it to the people, and to challenging power-mad Prince John's right to the throne of England.
Illyria's production is adapted from the earliest Robin Hood ballads pre-dating Chaucer - which makes it as authentic as Robin Hood legends come! The play is written in fast-moving, easy-to-follow verse, and introduces all the well-loved characters such as Little John, Friar Tuck, Maid Marian and King Richard. It is a collection of tales featuring camaraderie, swashbuckling action, and riotous comedy.
Running time (approx): 1hr 50mins (including 20 minute interval)
Suitable for: all ages 5+ - Targeted at: all ages 7+
Full £13.00 Concession £11.00 Supporter £9.00 Family tickets available
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Cream Teas, Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the show
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624 - www.theploughartscentre.org.uk
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Monday 25 August 7pm - Heartbreak Theatre presents ‘Pride and Prejudice’
Heartbreak Productions are delighted to present a fresh and contemporary adaptation of the world-renowned Pride & Prejudice - an insight into the amorous exploits and enduring etiquette between family, friends and lovers.
A visit from the Prince Regent approaches and society waits in eager anticipation; will you be able to master the decorum of Regency Britain? Luckily the Association of Higher Etiquette and Manners will be there to educate you in the etiquette of the day. A combination of Jane Austen’s delicate yet intense observational style with the wit and affection of Heartbreak’s writer-in-residence David Kerby Kendall, ensures that this hilarious adaptation will resonate with anyone who has ever been in any relationship.
As sibling squabbles and passion-fuelled fall-outs abound, this inventive production combines dance, music and song to create an unforgettable interactive interpretation of the much-loved classic.
Bring rugs, low backed chairs and picnics or enjoy a delicious barbecue by Mr Crackling. Pimms and Wine Bar and Ice Creams. Gardens open free to those attending from 2 hours before the show
Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 01805 624624- www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

Tickets from The Plough Arts Centre Box Office: 
Tel: 01805 624624- www.theploughartscentre.org.uk

Hartland Abbey, Nr Bideford EX39 6DT 
(between Hartland and Hartland Quay)

www.hartlandabbey.com 
01237441496/234

Focus on NIA - Pioneering project covering the greater part of the Torridge River catchment

The Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area (NIA) is a pioneering project covering the greater part of the Torridge River catchment. The project works with landowners and local communities to help support, protect and connect wildlife habitats and enhance recognition that our natural heritage underpins all our lives. A healthy network of wildflower grasslands, broadleaved woodlands and clean rivers isn’t just good for wildlife. They provide food and fuel, help improve water quality, reduce flooding and offer special places for healthy outdoor recreation where human spirits are uplifted and inspired. To find out more about this landscape-scale conservation project, including details of their work with land managers, scientific research, parish biodiversity, community and schools events, volunteering and other ways to get involved please visit www.northerndevonnnia.org  During the next few months the NIA are holding a series of events including a guided walk through the Bluebell woods at Okehampton Castle., an Orchid Expedition on Torrington Common, a guided walk through a classic Culm Grassland Nature Reserve at Merefelle, Woolsery, a guided walk exploring the hedgerow wildlife and rich Culm grassland of a farm in Dolton and  you can join the Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area project at Hatherleigh Moor for pond dipping and bug hunting. Click here to find out more information about individual events

Photos: Schools Event, Great Diving Beetle, Culm Grassland through the Seasons and woodland beside the River Torridge

Copyright M Symes, M. McCormack (All rights reserved)
Get involved - visit www.northerndevonnnia.org

BHANGRA PLAY THE FACTORY WITH SUPPORT FROM ZAMBA SATURDAY 17TH MAY 7:30PM

RSVP return to North Devon to remind Barnstaple how to really dance and party!. For those of you who have been lucky enough to see RSVP you will know what we are on about. This hypnotic Bhangra band will get everyone, and we mean everyone up dancing to the beat of the Dhol drum. Expect 110% audience participation, if you don’t think you can dance – nows the time to learn.

RSVP are spearheading the renaissance of live Bhangra in the UK and introducing Bhangra to mainstream audiences for the first time. Veterans at Glastonbury (5 years in a row) and festival favorites at Larmer Tree, Bath International, Port Eliot and many other festivals across the country they’re always guaranteed to get even the most reluctant on their feet and dancing fit to drop. More locally RSVP have appeared at LLAMA festival in Lynton and Lynmouth and Chulmleigh.

Every show comes with an introduction to Bhangra dance – everyone’s included with RSVP’s emphasis on partying Punjabi style. With musicians drawn from one family, wholly rooted in an authentic living tradition, yet unafraid to innovate, this is the ultimate celebratory Indian music.

RSVP will be bringing their Big Bhangra Beats and engaging, interactive vibe to Petroc’s Respect Festival this year.Support come from the ever energetic Zamba.

£8.00 advance + box office booking fee
£5.00 NUS + box office booking fee
Standing only

Physical tickets available from: Beats Workin, Barnstaple, and North Devon Theatres
Online tickets available from: www.undergroundtickets.net and www.northdevontheatres.org.uk

**MINIMUM AGE RECOMMENDATION: - All ages. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

BHANGRA PLAY THE FACTORY WITH SUPPORT FROM ZAMBA
SATURDAY 17TH MAY 7:30PM

Active Devon. Women in Waves multi-sport event at Putsborough Beach on June 7th

Active Devon are the County Sports Partnership for Devon and are funded by Sport England. Their role is to support clubs with development and to offer opportunities for:

• Youngsters that drop out of sport
• Individuals with disability
• Older people to partake in sport and physical activity

DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Active Devon are also working in partnership with Surf Life Saving UK to run a multi-sport event at Putsborough Beach on June 7th -  Book by the 31st May 2014