A Local wildlife charity is launching a summer of wild adventure by welcoming
nature-lovers of all ages to a series of family-friendly wildlife events.
From pond-dipping in east Devon to wildflower walks on Dartmoor, rockpool rambles to
bat detecting, Devon Wildlife Trust is offering easy ways to enjoy a wild summer.
The programme of events kicks off at DWT Bystock Pools nature reserve near Exmouth
on Tuesday 26 July. DWT's annual Discovery Day event, organised as part of East
Devon Heath Week and sponsored by South West Water, is a highlight of the summer for
many families. All activities - bug-hunting in the meadows, story-telling walks
through the heath, pond-dipping in the pools, crafting animal sculpture from willow
- are free and there is no need to book places.
A series of evening walks at Bystock Pools will also be held next week. These
twilight tours bring visitors closer to the nocturnal life of glow worms, nightjars
and bats. Booking is essential for the evening walks on 01392 279244.
Dartmoor's wildlife takes a starring role at the DWT Bellever Moor & Meadows Nature
Reserve Discovery Day on Friday 29 July. This site, near Postbridge is one of Devon
Wildlife Trust's newest nature reserves. Explore the wildflower-rich upland hay
meadows between the East Dart River and Laughter Tor, enjoy far-reaching views and
discover the wildlife that makes a home on the high moor.
The Bellever event also offers something for all ages, whether you enjoy a gentle
botanical amble or want to let the children run wild with a bug hunting net!
Devon Wildlife Trust's Jasmine Atkinson is looking forward to welcoming visitors to
the Discovery Days:
'Bystock and Bellever are both beautiful spaces for wildlife, and people too! If
you've never been to a Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve before, these days are
the perfect opportunity to get into nature and explore wild places. And if you're a
regular visitor this is your chance to discover the hidden world beneath the water
and in the meadows.'
'Our nature reserves are home to an amazing array of wildlife. We will be watching
dragonflies dancing over Bystock's ponds and listening to the click-clack of
stonechats on the heathland.'
'At Bellever Moor and Meadows traditional Dartmoor hay meadows support butterfly
species such as meadow browns and gatekeepers whilst linnets and skylarks sing
overhead.'
More information on Devon Wildlife Trust events this summer can be found online at
www.devonwildlifetrust.org/whats-on or
by phoning DWT on 01392 279244.
Pond Dipping with Devon Wildlife Trust - Photo copyright Rog Hamling (All rights reserved)
Do you ever consider how important the River Torridge is for those who live in or near Bideford? We tend to take it for granted yet it is a constant presence and we are very aware of its tides and different moods - placid at high tide on a summer evening, dark and menacing after a storm.
The Torridge has inspired many writers, including Charles Kingsley and Henry Williamson. On Thursday 14th July at Walter Henry’s Bookshop in Bideford Liz Shakespeare will be giving a talk with readings as part of the 'Tales of the Riverbank' project. Come along and have your eyes opened to the wonders of the Torridge!
A new East Devon attraction has attracted its 20,000th visitor as it prepares for a
busy summer season.
Seaton Jurassic was only opened in early April but its mix of quirky displays and
interactive exhibits aimed at families already seems to be a hit. Owned by East
Devon District Council and operated by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust, Seaton
Jurassic has brought visitors and the attention of the nation's media to the town of
Seaton.
One glowing review in The Guardian newspaper spoke of the journey through
prehistoric time that visitors to Seaton Jurassic could enjoy as being "educational
entertainment at its very best", before giving the attraction a star rating of 9 out
of 10. The Independent newspaper also gave Seaton Jurassic a big thumbs-up before
advising visitors to "come soon before the crowds catch on."
But high numbers of visitors don't seem to worry Seaton Jurassic's manager is Mike
Ruiter, who said:
Visitor numbers so far has seen Seaton Jurassic surpassing expectations. Devon
Wildlife Trust had estimated that 15,000 people would pay to enter the attraction in
its first three months, but this target was comfortably beaten.
Mike Ruiter added:
"We have had people from as far as London and Falmouth visiting for the day. Many
local families have become repeat visitors taking advantage our offer of paying once
for an annual pass. One family told us they had returned 10 times! To me this
highlights the interest in the Jurassic Coast and its magnificent natural
environment. What we offer at Seaton Jurassic is a great way for people to begin to
discover the story of this fascinating coastline."
East Devon District Council's Leader, Councillor Paul Diviani, said:
"I am delighted at the public's response to Seaton Jurassic and it is immensely
rewarding to see the enjoyment they are getting out of this unique visitor
attraction. But most importantly, the success of Seaton Jurassic will contribute
hugely to the regeneration of Seaton itself, both inwardly through the local
community and by attracting businesses to invest in the town. With its spectacular
Jurassic Coast setting and wonderful natural assets, Seaton has an exciting future
ahead."
Visitors to Seaton Jurassic over the summer holidays can expect to be entertained at
a series of special events. Falconry displays, sea stories, talks about Seaton in
World War Two and a chance to help build a giant sea monster are all on offer. All
are free (entrance charge to Seaton Jurassic applies).
For the full calendar of Seaton Jurassic events and to plan your visit go to
www.seatonjurassic.org
Seaton Jurassic can be found on the Underfleet, Seaton, EX12 2WD, next to the
Seaton Tramway. It has a pay and display car park just 100 metres from its
entrance and excellent public transport links with the X53 Jurassic Coast bus
stopping at its door. Further details about making a visit to Seaton Jurassic can
be found at www.seatonjurassic.org
A competition held by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust to find a name for its beaver
mascot has revealed a winner. 'Nora', is the name chosen for the six-foot tall
mascot which is being used by the charity to promote its work for England's only
breeding population of wild beavers which live on the River Otter, East Devon.
The name, which plays on the rodents' habit of gnawing on riverside trees and
plants, was the idea of Sidmouth shop owner Karen Greenslade.
Speaking at her Humbug Gifts shop, Karen said:
"I was delighted when I heard that Devon Wildlife Trust had picked Nora as its
mascot's name. I'd been 'beavering' away for ages to try and come up with something
appropriate! It's good to know that the River Otter beavers are in the safe paws of
the Devon Wildlife Trust!"
The name Nora was chosen from more than 60 name suggestions sent in to the wildlife
charity. Devon Wildlife Trust's Steve Hussey said:
"We were delighted by the response we had. People sent in suggestions from as far
afield as Canada and the USA. It goes to show that the wild beavers living on the
River Otter have quite a following. Several people suggested the name Nora, but
Karen was the first to come up with it."
"There is a serious side to the mascot and its naming. Our River Otter Beaver Trial
is investigating the impact that England's only breeding population of wild beavers
is having on the local landscape, on local farming, on local communities and the
local economy. It's a five-year trial which is costing our charity upwards of
£500,000 to run. We hope 'Nora' will raise the profile of the project and motivate
people to help us."
One local company who has already stepped in to help Devon Wildlife Trust has been
Cofton Country Holidays. The South Devon-based company has sponsored Nora.
The
mascot will be appearing at Cofton Country Holidays throughout the summer in a
series of pond-dipping days run at its holiday destination.
Mellony Kirby, Director at Cofton Country Holidays commented:
"Nora's a brilliant name for the River Otter beaver mascot and we just know that
kids at Cofton will love meeting her this summer."
"Having a six foot beaver on hand to help with our pond dipping days will certainly
leave a lasting memory, and we hope that the experience will encourage our younger
visitors to think more deeply about the environment and the richness of wildlife
that exists within it, especially here in South Devon."
Mellony added:
"As a David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme Gold winner, wildlife and the
environment is very important to us. Over the years Devon Wildlife Trust has advised
us on our nature trails, which take visitors through parkland and woodland to
Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve. For us the opportunity to help Devon Wildlife Trust
raise money for its work through the sponsorship of Nora made great sense,
especially given the national importance of the River Otter project, which aims to
encourage a wild beaver population on the river."
People wanting to support Devon Wildlife Trust's River Otter Beaver Trial are
encouraged to visit the charity's website
www.devonwildlifetrust.org/river-otter-beavers where they can see exclusive footage of the beavers taken this spring.
Nora makes an appearance at a recent Cofton Country Holidays event
As if Clovelly couldn’t get any more colourful, expect to be wowed this July as the famous picturesque fishing village is “Yarn-Bombed”. Knit one, purl one down along the cobbled streets to the ancient quay, discover the bright and beautiful ‘cobble cosies’, knitted donkeys, seaside garlands and more. There’s a pattern here as that ‘tight-knit’ community of Clovelly Village residents have been busy preparing this ‘blooming’ lovely project with the help of people from all over the UK & abroad. There is even a life-sized model of the Queen watching over proceedings.
Clovelly Yarn Bomb 2016 is part of the village’s entry to the Britain in Bloom competition and is in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Don’t forget the Clovelly Maritime Festival in aid of the North Devon Hospice is on 17th July so expect plenty of crafty fun for the kids, lots of fishy treats, a pirate or two, maybe a few mermaids and with a top crew of shanty singers aboard it’s bound to be a lively day out. The Clovelly Gun Run starts the event. You can cheer on the two teams of cadets from the 326 (Hartland) Squadron ATC as they heave away, haul away that weighty gun from the harbour to the Victoria Fountain. July is also time for a dramatic entrance to North Devon. Stage left for the outdoor theatre season at Hartland Abbey.
Over at the Big Sheep, Abbotsham the FUNdraising never stops. There's a Nearly New Baby and Toddler sale to help raise money for Friends of St Helen's School. On Purple Day, the BIG Sheep flock will be donning their purple clothes, wigs and anything else purple, if you're wearing purple, they'll donate £1 of your entry fee to the The Special Care Baby Unit at Barnstaple Hospital. This is followed by an evening of live music and fun for all the family FOSHfest organised by and raising funds for the Friends of St Helen's School in Abbotsham.
Finally, one of the most colourful tableaux of the year, Woolsery Agricultural Show and the Lundy Gig Row from Clovelly will bring the July highlights to a close. Scroll down for event details.
The Pirates of St. Piran just one of the acts performing at Clovelly Maritime Festival 2015
Punch and Judy at Clovelly Maritime Festival 2015 - Photo copyright Pat Adams
1st - 31st July Yarn-Bombing at Clovelly- Discover yarn-bombed areas throughout Clovelly. The village will look even more colourful with knitted donkeys, seaside garlands and crocheted 'cobble-cosies' plus much more. This unusual project is part of Clovelly's entry to the Britain in Bloom competition and is in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Visit site for details Sunday 3rd July Nearly New Baby and Toddler sale on at the Big Sheep from
10:30am until 2pm to help raise money for Friends of St Helen's School. Visit site for details Friday 8th July Purple Day. The BIG Sheep flock will be donning their purple clothes, wigs and anything else purple to help raise money for The Special Care Baby Unit Visit us them on Friday 8th July wearing purple and they'll donate £1 of your entry fee to the The Special Care Baby Unit at Barnstaple Hospital Visit site for details Friday 8th July FOSHfest at the Big Sheep. FOSHfest organised by Friends of St Helen's School in Abbotsham. An evening of fun for all the family with LIVE music from :The Horse Band, Yazzy, Oscar Young, Chloe and Charlotte.There will also be Food available, and family fun with Bouncy Castle and Sumo Suits. Raffle
prizes include Tickets to The BIG Sheep, Eden Project, Woodlands
Diggerland, Quince Honey Farm & Combe Martin Wildlife &
Dinosaur Park. Raising funds for Friends of St Helen's School. Sponsored by Phatdog Events and Roberts & Clarke Tattoo Studio Visit site for details 17th July Clovelly Maritime Festival in aid of the N. Devon Hospice. The day will be full of fun and packed with a programme of all sorts of activities and entertainment for all ages. The 'Clovelly Gun Run' starts the event from the harbour to Victoria Fountain. Two teams will take it in turn to manhandle this weighty gun. Come along and support the cadets as they try to beat their race time last year. It really is an amazing sight of hard work and dedication! Then there'll be lively music, street entertainment, crafty creations, sea story telling, puppet shows and family activities. On the quay, there'll be seafood kitchens and a range of food and art & craft stalls. Free entry for under 16s if they come dressed as a pirate, mermaid, salty sea dog or fish wife. Under 7s have free entry anyway, but we would love it if they come dressed up too. So do come along and enjoy this fun-packed day out in support of the North Devon Hospice. Standard admission charges include all entertainment. Visit site for details Sunday 17th July The BIG Sheep Majorettes Competition!Visit site for full details Thursday 28th July Gullivers Travels performed by The Pantaloons.
5pm. Hartland Abbey, Hartland Nr. Bideford, N. Devon EX39 6DT
www.hartlandabbey.com
Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house,
steeped in the history of North Devon, enjoy a night out under
the stars! There is no need to bring a picnic unless you would
like to as there will be refreshments, ice creams, a bar, and
Mr. Crackling's delicious barbecue. Cream teas too in the Old
Kitchen Tea Rooms. Grounds open free to those attending the performance
1 hour before their start. Bring rugs/low backed seating. Tickets:
Full £13; Concession £11, Supporters/families with
children under 18 £9 each: Please contact the Plough Arts
Centre booking office on 01805 624624 or visit their website:
www.theploughartscentre.org.uk 25th July Woolsery Agricultural Show Summer in North Devon
would not be complete without a visit to this ever popular show.
Classes include crafts, cattle and sheep, together with horse and
pony competitions. There will be a Dairy Marquee with displays such
as yoghurt and ice cream making and the chance for children to "milk
a cow" along with competitions. You'll find bustling trade
stalls offering locally made crafts and food with fairground rides
and a bouncy castle for the children. There'll also be a family
dog show, a display of hounds, the Young Farmers' "It's a knockout"
and to finish the day, a parade of vintage farm machinery. It's
a great summer day out for all the family! A separate admission
charge applies. Visit site for details
Tuesday
26th July DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD by Roald Dahl, performed
by Illyria. 5pm Hartland Abbey, Hartland nr. Bideford, N. Devon
EX39 6DT www.hartlandabbey.com (with a Drama workshop for 5-11 year
olds from 3.45 - 4.30pm - £3)
Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, steeped
in the history of North Devon, enjoy a night out under the stars!
There is no need to bring a picnic unless you would like to as there
will be refreshments, ice creams, a bar, and Mr. Crackling's delicious
barbecue. Cream teas too. Grounds open free to those attending the
performance 1 hour before their start. Bring rugs/low backed seating.
Tickets: Full £13; Concession £11, Supporters/families
with children under 18 £9 each. Please contact the Plough
Arts Centre booking office on 01805 624624 or visit their website:
www.theploughartscentre.org.uk Thursday
28th July FAMILY ARTS AFTERNOON with The Plough Artists. 2-4.30pm
Hartland Abbey, Hartland nr. Bideford, N. Devon EX39 6DT. Tel: 01237
441496 www.hartlandabbey.com
Drama, kite making, willow weaving, story-telling, character treasure
hunt, wacky races and more… £2.50 per person. 30th July Lundy Gig Row from Clovelly Gig racing is exciting
and strenuous, with crews reaching speeds of nine knots in North
Devon's powerful tidal waters. You're assured and exhilarating day's
racing.So come along and cheer on the brave crews! Normal admission charges
apply, please consult www.clovelly.co.uk
for details For more North Devon Events see Local Press: What's On North Devon Gazette - North Devon Journal ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Devon Tourist Information Centres Barnstaple
Tourist Information Centre, North Devon Museum, The Square,
Barnstaple, EX32 9LS Tel: 01271 375000 Bideford
Tourist Information Centre, Burton Art Gallery, Kingsley Road,
Bideford, EX39 2QQ Tel: 01237 477676 Braunton
Tourist Information Centre The Bakehouse Centre, Caen Street,
Braunton, EX33 1AA Tel: 01271 816688 Combe
Martin Tourist Information Centre Cross Street, Combe Martin,
EX34 ODH Tel: 01271 889031 Holsworthy
Visitor Information Centre Ruby Country, Holsworthy Manor
Car Park, Holsworthy EX22 6DJ Tel: 01409 254 185 Torrington
Tourist Information Centre, Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington
Tel: 01805 626140 lfracombe
Tourist Information Centre The Landmark Theatre, The Seafront,
Ilfracombe, EX34 9BX Tel: 01271 863 001 Lynton
& Lynmouth Tourist Information Centre Lynton Town Hall,
Lee Road, Lynton, EX35 6HT Tel: 01598 752225 Lynmouth
National Park Centre, The Pavilion, The Esplanade, Lynmouth,
EX35 6EQ Tel: 01598 752509 South
Molton Tourist Information Centre 1 East Street, South Molton,
EX36 3BU Tel: 01769 574122 Woolacombe
Tourist Information Centre The Esplanade, Woolacombe, EX34
7DL Tel: 01271 870553
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