Dartmoor beauty spot wins lottery

Access to a Dartmoor beauty spot is set to see big improvements thanks to funding from the People's Postcode Lottery. Devon Wildlife Trust's Emsworthy Mire nature reserve is known to many Dartmoor visitors for its impressive carpet of bluebells which appear in May and June each year. The reserve covers 100 hectares of a shallow valley between Widecombe-in-the Moor and Haytor. Now, £10,000 from the People's Postcode Trust - a grant-giving charity, funded entirely by players of People's Postcode Lottery - is set to open up another side of the nature reserve.

As the name suggests, Emsworthy Mire is a wet place - much of it too wet to allow easy access for people. But this new funding will help to change this. Among the main changes secured by funding will be the installation of 130 metres of wooden boardwalk. The new walkways will allow visitors to tour the reserve without sinking in to knee-high mud. In other parts of the reserve easy-access gates are being provided, while new paths are to be cut through dense bracken.

To ensure that visitors know where to explore new way markers and entrance signage are also being introduced. It's the job of Devon Wildlife Trust's Jackie Gage to look after Emsworthy Mire for wildlife and people. Jackie said: 'Funding from the People's Postcode Lottery is a tremendous boost for this special corner of Dartmoor. Some parts of the site are well-known to walkers and day-trippers, but other parts, especially those that are very wet and boggy, have largely been off-limits to visitors. Now we hope to let people into see the butterflies, bog plants, birds and dragonflies that make this such a wonderful place.' However, the Trust is being careful to balance the needs of people with those of the precious moorland wildlife that lives at Emsworthy Mire. Jackie explained:

 'Despite the changes, we're making sure that there are enough parts of the nature reserve which will remain undisturbed by people. The new boardwalks and waymarks will be discreet and in keeping with this wild place.'

Work to bring about greater access to the nature reserve has already begun. In recent weeks teams of local volunteers and students from Duchy College have helped lay boardwalk over some of its swampiest areas. A new easy access gate has also been installed. The remainder of the work will be finished later this year. When complete the new boardwalks and paths will link the nature reserve with a popular local footpath from nearby Hound Tor. 

One local volunteer who has helped in the project is Andrew Taylor. Andrew, who lives in nearby Manaton, spoke of the affection for the nature reserve and its wildlife which inspired him to get involved. 

'Emsworthy Mire is a special place with some spectacular wildlife. In spring and summer its bluebells and cotton grass make for a wonderful sight. The rare marsh fritillary butterfly has made a home here, alongside at least a dozen species of dragonfly. The nature reserve is also one of the most reliable places to see and hear cuckoos - one of several species that is declining across much of our countryside, but which still thrives at Emsworthy Mire.'

  'New funding will allow more people to enjoy Emsworthy's wonderful wildlife'. Photo copyright 'Simon Williams' (All rights reserved)

Volunteers are helping Devon Wildlife Trust construct new boardwalks at the Dartmoor beauty spot, Emsworthy Mire. Photo copyright DevonWildlife Trust (All rights reserved)

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Devon Wildlife Trust Emsworthy Moor  Grid ref SX 747 764

The nature reserve is open 365 days a year and is free to enter. It can be found off the B3387 Bovey Tracey to Widecombe-in-the-Moor road, past Hay Tor. There is a small car park on the right hand side just beyond Saddle Tor. From here there it is a 100m walk downhill to a gate at the south east entrance to the reserve. 

Coast Path Challenge gets underway on the Exmoor coast from Minehead to Porlock Weir

The South West Coast Path Challenge in October 2015 is a new fundraising event, which aims to set a new record for the number of times people can walk or run the Coast Path in one month. Participants can create their own challenge or join one of four organised 10 mile challenge walks – every miles counts!
 

On Saturday 3rd October, the first 10 mile Challenge kicks off on the Exmoor coast – the official start of the South West Coast Path. Setting off from the start marker in Minehead, the route takes in the rugged moorland countryside and the highest coastline in England. Highlights include the stunning Exmoor scenery and a chance to spot rare plants and animals, including red deer. Hear the call of the stag during the mating season and see the evidence of coastal erosion, where the 6000 year old shingle ridge across Porlock Bay was breached, resulting in dramatic flooding of the fields behind at each high tide to form Porlock Weir, where the walk ends.
 

Hayley Partridge, South West Coast Path Events Officer says;
“I am really looking forward to what is gearing up to be an exciting month-long event full of inspirational challenges that people have pledged to help protect the Coast Path. The Minehead to Porlock Weir stretch is a great way to kick start the challenge month, taking in the highest point on the Coast Path at Great Hangman.”

Money raised will go towards Path improvement projects to help protect the coastline for future generations. It costs at least £1,000 to maintain just 1 mile of Coast Path and it needs help. The South West Coast Path Challenge is organised by the South West Coast Path Association, with the National Trust as a charity partner as part of its coastal celebrations in 2015.

Subsequent 10 mile Challenges take place on the 10th October along the south Cornwall coast, from Gunwalloe to Lizard Point; on the 17th October, a Barefoot run will take place in South Devon; on the 24th in Plymouth from Admiral’s Hard to Mount Batten Centre and on 31st October from Durlston Head to South Haven Point.
 

All of the organised walking routes include parking at the finish and transportation to the start of the walk. It costs £20 to register for the organised walks and £10 for an individual challenge. Register to take part at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge and share your challenge on social networks using #Challenge630

Fundraising tip: Aim to raise at least £10 through sponsorship. Walk 10 miles and get 10 friends to sponsor you 10p a mile!

WIN! - Entrants to the Challenge can take part in a competition to win a Go Pro Camera. All you have to do is pledge your support on social media using the event hashtag #Challenge630 Find out more via the event registration page.

For inspiration about how to create your own Challenge, visit the event registration page as above. It can be anything from 1 mile to 100 miles or the entire 630 mile route if you see fit. Here’s a couple of short walks on the Coast Path in Somerset:

• The Hangmen Hills, Exmoor (4.7 miles) A challenging but inspiring walk on the highest point on the Exmoor coast that amply rewards the effort involved, with far-reaching views over coast and hills, through an area rich in history.·
•  Heddon's Mouth, Somerset (2.1 miles) A challenge for those with limited mobility – made easier with a Tramper all-terrain mobility scooter which can be hired from the National Trust at Heddon Valley and used to explore many of the paths in the area.

To be inspired to step out on the Coast Path, take a moment and enjoy the National Trust South West Coast film: http://bit.ly/coastfilm

Autumn on North Hill Photo copyright Bob Small (All rights reserved)

Striking A Chord. Get ready for the North Devon Music Network.

A few months ago Dion Sears, Development Manager St Annes Arts and Community Centre and Lucy Betts (Frithelstock Fest), sent out a questionaire regarding live music in North Devon. They set a target for responses and by the number of questionaires that came back they knew there was great interest.

They then looked at the feedback and came up with a networking evening where there would be direct access to good quality up and coming musicians that venues and promoters could book on the night if they fit with their program of events.

This is a great opportunity to meet other promoters, venues and supporters - a way to meet and help each other. 

It will also be a social evening with some great music. Josh Stevenson will be taking shots of the musians performing for free. They know people's time is short so they've kept the program to one and a half hours, but this is flexible and there will be a bar. 

It would be great if people could come and support this night, they hope people will enjoy it and gain from coming along.

This event is Sponsored by Clearwater Brewery

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Get in Touch via

Facebook 

Email: ndevonmusicnetwork@gmail.com 

FREE ENTRY - Get Tickets

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Venue

St. Anne's Arts and Community Centre, Paternoster Row, Barnstaple EX31 1SX

Follow in the footsteps of Monty Halls on a Coast Path Adventure and win a GoPro Hero4 camera

Fancy a challenge? Join Monty Halls for an adventure as part of the South West Coast Path Challenge this October and get creative by making a pledge on social media for a chance to win a Go Pro Hero4 camera - the ultimate tool for recording your adventures.

As Patron of the month-long fundraising event, TV adventurer Monty Halls has created a video blog that sets out his challenge and nominates three friends to join him.

The South West Coast Path Association is leading on the event alongside the National Trust with the aim to raise vital funds for improvements on the Coast Path. Both charities are encouraging the millions of people that visit the coast every year, to challenge their friends and families to take part and share their experience on social media by tagging their posts with #Challenge630.

All posts using words, pictures or video along with the hashtag, will be in with a chance to win a prize at the end of the month with the winner chosen by Monty. The more creative the post the better the chances of winning and this can be on Twitter, Facebook or Youtube.

Alongside video blogs, picture entries can include a selfie beside a beautiful view, footprints in the sand or a simple pair of boot clad feet, anything that represents people enjoying the Coast Path's access to the sea and reinforcing the idea of the old adage; ‘take only pictures, leave only footprints…’

How to create your own video blog

To create a simple video using your smartphone, which can be anything from a 6 second Vine loop to a 30-second video on Youtube, Facebook or Twitter, here’s a quick start guide to what to include:

Step 1: Introduce yourself and let us know what your challenge is going to be.

Why are you doing this particular challenge? e.g., - it brings back memories of family walks or this is my favourite beach and I’ve never set foot along this particular stretch of coastline.

Step 2: Remind people what it's for, e.g., - to help protect the coastline. You can fundraise for your own nominated charity if you wish but you still need to register your challenge for just £10 and we will share your post if it includes #Challenge630

Step 3: Nominate three friends to join you - if they're on Facebook, Twitter or Youtube, tag them into your post. If not, let them know by other means.

Step 4: Sign off by asking your nominated friends: What will your challenge be?

If you're not using social media, you can still take part in the competition. Simply create your video or picture story and send it to us via email at hello@southwestcoastpath.org.uk

Don’t forget to put #Challenge630 in the subject line. We'll add it to our Youtube Playlist and share it on our Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest pages.

Monty at home in Dartmouth pledging his support for the Coast Path. 
 

Deadline to enter the competition: Midnight 31st October – a pledge can be made right up until the last minute – so if you decide to do something on October 31st you can create your pledge and fulfil your challenge in the same day.

It costs at least £1,000 to look after just 1-mile of Coast Path and it needs your help.

Full terms and conditions can be viewed on the #Challenge630 competition page at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge/challenge-630

Charity re-homes reptiles

More than 200 reptiles including slow worms and grass snakes have been given a new place to live. Their new home includes bespoke sleeping quarters and the run of one of Devon's most beautiful nature reserves.
The reptiles have been removed from Palm Cross, near Modbury, which is the site of a proposed new development by national house building company Bloor Homes.

The animals are being given a fresh start in life by Devon Wildlife Trust at the charity's Andrew's Wood nature reserve, near Loddiswell. The Trust's Jackie Gage explained:

'We were very pleased to be able to provide these reptiles with a new start. We recognise the need for providing homes for people but wildlife doesn't have to be the loser. Andrew's Wood's 50 hectares of wildflower meadows, ponds and woodland already offer a rich variety of plants and animals a haven in which to flourish. These slow worms and grass snakes are going to a good place.'
In preparation for their arrival Devon Wildlife Trust has been busy building six 'hibernacula' - special winter homes in which the reptiles can sit out the cold winter months ahead in a safe and frost free underground home. Funding for the hibernacula has come from Bloor Homes. Jackie explained:

'A lack of hibernation places is a real problem for reptiles. The hibernacula we've built are basically holes in the ground a metre deep and two metres wide. We've positioned them on sunny south facing slopes. We've filled them with stones for drainage, then logs and larger rocks to create crevices and cavities. On top we've piled sticks, bracken and turfs to offer snug insulation, making sure we've left enough entrance and exit holes for the reptiles to come and go.'

The planned housing development is proposed at Palm Cross in Modbury by Bloor Homes. The company's Land Director Isaac Kibblewhite said:

'As a responsible housebuilder, we do everything we can to ensure that we create a positive difference in the areas we build. This includes making contributions to help the ongoing welfare of the local wildlife and on this occasion we're delighted to assist in translocating reptiles to a new home.'

The reptiles are being captured and moved to their new home by experienced and licenced professionals from Exeter-based EAD Ecology. Associate Director, Ross Bower, explained the process which his team is undertaking:

'Slow worms are legally protected so EAD Ecology is working with Bloor Homes and Devon Wildlife Trust to ensure that none are harmed as a result of the development. We have set out a grid of 'felts', which are squares of roofing felt, in areas where they are likely to occur in the site. The felts warm up more quickly than the surrounding areas during the day, and because slow worms are cold-blooded they are attracted to the warmth. We undertake regular checks under the felts and carefully collect any slow worms that are there, which we then take to their new home at Andrew's Wood. This is part of a range of measures that EAD Ecology and Bloor Homes are implementing to ensure that the development is as wildlife-friendly as possible; a number of the new buildings will include bird and bat boxes and there will be a new wetland area, wildflower meadow, woodland and hedgerow planting within public open space in the site.' 

The trapping and moving of the reptiles from the donor to receptor sites should be completed by the end of September - in good time for the slow worms and grass snakes to find their new winter quarters. 

Devon Wildlife Trust's Andrew's Wood nature reserve is near the village of Loddiswell in the South Hams. It's free to enter and offers the chance to take walks through a wonderful part of Devon's countryside.

'Slow worms are one of the reptile species being found a new home at Devon Wildlife Trust's Andrew's Wood Nature Reserve, near Loddiswell' 
Photo copyright Michael Symes - All rights reserved

Autumn Highlights: A celebration of North Devon Coast and Countryside events

The kids may be back at school and that relaxing holiday may seem a long time ago but the fun doesn't stop in North Devon if you love the coast and countryside. Bright days, a bumper harvest for the birds as berries abound in the garden and hedgerows. Today our local farmer was doing the third cut on the Clover-filled grass in the field. The tractor, normally mobbed by Seagulls was today being encircled by a large flock of Swallows, there are so many insects I wouldn’t be surprised if they don’t stay around longer. It may be what's known as an Indian Summer, as there are still plenty of bees around in my garden, settling happily then dozing off on the Teasels. The warm weather is bringing out the butterflies too, I spotted a Speckled Wood amongst the greenery and a Peacock on the last flowering Buddleia. This week I've seen a Willow Warbler and a Wren along with the Blue Tits and Chaffinches. The Blackbirds did well too over the Summer, one of the juveniles has a huge long sharp beak and I’ve named him “Peaky Blinder”. The Sparrows had at least three broods, the youngsters are now self-sufficient so I’m planning to finally cut back the Privet hedge where they roost. I noticed the Greenfinch are back, just in time for the seeds, no doubt. Summer will be over when the Swallows leave for Africa while the summer season comes to a close this weekend with the Bideford Festival of Piping and Drumming and the Bideford Carnival. Some of our tourist attractions close traditionally at the end of October so there is plenty of fun things to do and many continue with fun activities throughout the winter including The Big Sheep who are holding another local fund-raiser with Wine Tasting on the menu and it's all in aid of the North Devon Hospice, British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK. If you’re up for a heated debate then head down along for the Clovelly Lectures to discuss "The Rise and Rise of China", the “Historic Ship Sailings” continue until the 26th September from Clovelly Harbour and come November we’ll all be celebrating those Silver Darlings of the sea at the Clovelly Herring Festival. Finally, October is the time to get fit, stay fit or take part in the South West Coast Path Challenge (read all about it here). ...........see event details in listings below.

From Sunday 6th to Saturday 26th September Historic Ship Sailings from Clovelly Harbour Times and prices: Visit Clovelly Events website

Bookings: Skipper, Charles Robertson. T: 07896 215213, Email: charles-robertson@live.co.uk

11th September Wine Tasting at The BIG Sheep, Abbotsham. Enjoy a fun night with friends and sample six delicious wines from different counties and see if you can guess which of our panellists is telling the truth who is trying to baffle you with bull! The panellist will be made up from upstanding members of the community but do you know your wine well enough to know who is bluffing and who is telling the truth. Which of the panellists will you trust - Doctor, Solicitor, Vicar or MP. This is a fund raising event sponsored by Tesco Bideford to raise funds for for Tesco's chosen chairties of the year; Diabetes UK and the Bristish Heart Foundation as well as North Devon Hospice. Tickets cost £10 per person and include a selection of cheese and six wine samples. TEL NO: 01237 472366 EMAIL: nicola@thebigsheep.co.uk Visit website for tickets IN AID OF: North Devon Hospice, British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK. Towards the end of September

Friday 11th to Sunday 13th September Bideford Festival of Piping & Drumming Pipe Bands from all over southern England and South Wales will be taking part in various pipe band related activities, with the highlight being the Massed Pipes & Drums on the Quay after Bideford Carnival. Visit website http://www.bidefordmassedbands.co.uk/

Saturday 12th September Bideford Carnival The Carnival procession starts at 6.00pm, followed by the Massed Pipes & Drums at approximately 7.45pm. Ending with a spectacular firework display at about 9.30pm.

Saturday 26 September CLOVELLY LECTURES "The Rise and Rise of China" Speaker Jonathan Fenby CBE Clovelly Visitor Centre Times and prices: Visit http://www.clovelly.co.uk. Bookings and Enquires: E-mail clovellylectures11@gmail.com Tel: 01237 431200

3rd October South West Coast Path Challenge, Minehead. Take part in the South West Coast Path Challenge this October to set the world record for the number of times we can walk or run the Path in one month! Join a 10 Mile Challenge Walk or create your own Challenge to raise funds for Path repairs and improvements. Visit Website for details - IN AID OF: South West Coast Path/National Trust
Saturday 7th November 'Day of the Dead' Night Pig On The Hill,Westward Ho! EX39 5AH. Live Music-tequila bar-Fancy Dress-Face Painting & Pinata - FREE ENTRY 5.00-11.00 MUSIC GENRE: Mariachi Band. Contact Paula Davies 0759 3993948 pigonthehillpress@gmail.com

Sunday 15th November Clovelly Herring Festival. Clovelly was once a major centre for herring fishing. This popular festival is held in support of sustainable fishing and to celebrate the herring, the 'Silver Darlings' of the sea. There'll be delicious herring specialities, cookery demonstrations, live shanty singers, street entertainment, photo exhibition, local food and craft stalls and National Trust event-themed craft activities. Mike Smylie, maritime historian, will return with his 'Kipperland' exhibition and smoke his delicious kippers and bloaters. There'll also be net making, flax processing and a curragh on show provided by 'Flaxland'.
Sunday 22nd November LiveView Photo & Optics Show, The Cedars Inn, Roundswell, Barnstaple Love photography? You'll love this... back by popular demand, J&A Cameras proudly welcomes you to our very own camera extravaganza, LiveView 2015! Sunday 22nd November sees us descend on The Cedars Inn at Roundswell, Barnstaple for the South West's largest photographic and optics show. If you've been thinking about a new toy for this Christmas then you're in luck, the show offers a first class view at some of the latest technology on the market with some unbeatable show prices to boot………… Special guests include Devon Wildlife Trust, cosplay group 'Troop 69' and the beautiful birds from Exmoor Hawking, who will be with us providing some fantastic photo opportunities on the day. The show runs from 10.30am until 4.30pm and admission is completely free. Parking areas will be clearly marked within the grounds of The Cedars Inn, however alternate parking is available 10 minutes walk away at Roundswell Retail Park if needed. The list of guest exhibitors are subject to change. Contact us for more information, showline 01271 375037 or visit www.jandacameras.co.uk/liveview 

For more North Devon Events see Local Press: What's On North Devon Gazette - North Devon Journal  

Traditional Plcarooners and Coracles were used to fish for "Silver Darlings" of the sea - Photo Copyright P. Adams (All rights reserved)

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North Devon Tourist Information Centres
Barnstaple Tourist Information Centre, North Devon Museum, The Square, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 9LS
Bideford Tourist Information Centre, Burton Art Gallery, Kingsley Road, Bideford, EX39 2QQ 
Braunton Tourist Information Centre The Bakehouse Centre, Caen Street, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1AA
Combe Martin Tourist Information Centre Cross Street, Combe Martin, North Devon, EX34 ODH 
Holsworthy Visitor Information Centre: The Memorial Hall, Holsworthy, 
Torrington Tourist Information Centre, Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington   
lfracombe Tourist Information Centre The Landmark Theatre, The Seafront, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9BX
Lynton Tourist Information Centre Lynton Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6HT T
South Molton Tourist Information  1 East Street, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3BU 
Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre The Esplanade, Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7DL 
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Click here to add an event go to North Devon Focus Coast & Country Chronicle Community Calendar 
(We advise that you check with venues to ensure events are taking place, to confirm details dates & times)

The Boat Stories Series: Short Films Capture the Magic of North Devon's People and Environment

A gala screening event at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe on Friday 4 September 2015 celebrated the completion of Boat Stories, a series of short films about local people who live their lives connected to boats and fishing in North Devon. This was the first chance for the public to see the whole series of ten, five minute films on the big screen with the added bonus of hearing from and chatting with some of the characters in the films and the film makers themselves.

Boat Stories collaborated with the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon's Fishing for History Project to organise the Ilfracombe Event and Museum Development Manager, Alison Mills commented:

" the films have done a great job in capturing the way in which North Devon people interact with our landscape - which is such an important part of how this area has become the beautiful place it is."

"I would single out the salmon fishing (Salmon Netting on the Taw & Torridge) & Steve Perham (Fishing for Clovelly Herring) films as vital in capturing what may be the last few practitioners of traditional fishing methods, but I also greatly enjoyed the other films - and the obvious concern of the other fishermen about how they can protect as well as prosper from our maritime resources."

The production of these insightful and professionally produced films was made possible in large part by funding from Northern Devon FLAG. Steve Pitcher, Chair of Northern Devon FLAG and North Devon Coast AONB Partnership applauded the work of film producer Jo Stewart-Smith:

"The films are inspirational and are a great showcase for the beauty and activity that are found on the North Devon Coast. Above all it is the people talking about their lives and livelihoods that makes them so good. As the Northern Devon Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG) we were very pleased to support the making of these films and to secure funding for them. Apart from the high quality of the films they are also an excellent record of the strong fishing heritage we have here in North Devon. Everyone should see them!"

This may the completion of the production phase of Boat Stories but it is by no means the end. Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of North Devon Moving Image (NDMI), says the objective of all NDMI's projects is to create, collect and share short films about life in North Devon. She says "The first eight films from Boat Stories are available now to view on the Boat Stories website. The complete series will be available online following our final free public screening event at Bideford Cinema on Friday 16 October 2015. Beyond this we are hoping to distribute compilation DVDs to libraries, museums and information centres so as many people as possible can get to see these valuable (and entertaining) local social documentary films."

Visit www.boatstories.co.uk to view the films, book seats at the Bideford screening event and read all about the making of Boat Stories.

Step up to the South West Coast Path Challenge

The countdown has begun with just one month to go before the South West Coast Path Challenge kicks off in October. The event, backed by TV adventurer Monty Halls, aims to set a new world record for the number of times the Coast Path can be covered in one month while raising funds to protect the coastline for future generations.

Monty said:

"My pledge as part of the South West Coast Path Challenge month is to sea kayak to Scabbacombe and run the 5 miles of Coast Path back to Dartmouth." 

“I am a huge fan of the South West Coast Path - some of my happiest memories have been running and walking it, and it snakes right past my house in Dartmouth. I feel it’s one of the most miraculous trails in Europe.”

Taking part in the South West Coast Path Challenge month is a great way of spending time with the family in the great outdoors, keeping fit and healthy, while getting a sense of achievement at the same time. Whether you want to tackle a short but demanding section, or take on the whole 630 miles, there’s a walk out there for all ages and levels of ability, and unlike the gym, you won’t have to pay a penny. Be warned, though – it is seriously addictive!

Create your own Challenge from 1 mile to 100 miles or take in the entire 630-mile route - every mile counts! For inspiration visit the website where you can find out what other people have pledged and choose from a tailor-made itinerary, or you can join one of four organised 10 mile Challenge events taking place throughout October including:

• 3rd October - Minehead to Porlock Weir, North Devon and Exmoor
• 10th October - Gunwalloe to Lizard Point, Cornwall
• 24th October - Admiral’s Hard to Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth
• 31st October - Durlston Country Park and Castle to South Haven Point, Dorset

All of the organised walking routes include parking at the finish and transportation to the start of the walk. Register to take part at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/events/challenge

The South West Coast Path Association is leading on the Challenge event in partnership with the National Trust as part of its coastal celebrations and to help raise much needed funds to maintain the coastal scenery enjoyed by millions of visitors every year. It costs at least £1,000 to look after just 1-mile of Coast Path and it needs your help.

Mark Harold, Regional Director of the National Trust says;

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with the Association on their flagship event as part of our coastal festival celebrations this year and look forward to seeing how many miles we can clock up in one month.”

 Photo copyright Richard Taylor (All rights reserved)

Register to take part at www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk/swcp-challenge and share your challenge on social networks using #Challenge630

Fundraising tip: Aim to raise at least £10 through sponsorship. Walk 10 miles and get 10 friends to sponsor you 10p a mile!

WIN! - Entrants to the Challenge can take part in a competition to win a Go Pro Camera. All you have to do is pledge your support on social media using the event hashtag #Challenge630

For more chances to win, get creative by posting a short video of your pledge on Youtube, Twitter or Facebook and nominate three of your friends to step up to the challenge. To see what other challenges people have pledged and find out more about how to enter the competition, visit the Challenge event registrationpage.

Click here to check out Monty's video pledge on Youtube 

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For more information about the South West Coast Path Association visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk

To be inspired to step out on the Coast Path, take a moment and enjoy the National Trust South West Coast film: http://bit.ly/coastfilm