Focus Nature Notes. Farewell Summer

As harvesting is almost over and farmers trim the field hedgerows, apples and blackberries are ripening, purple heather, yellow gorse bloom on the high moorland and on the coast and grasses turn from green to gold it’s time to say farewell to Summer. A wet and windy one at times with unusually high temperatures recorded in parts of the UK, in a changing  and challenging world we can always depend on  wildlife to bring joy and complete the cycle. 

Butterfly numbers have been worryingly low but they seem to be making an appearance now, though not in great numbers. The Buddleia aka Butterfly Bush is still blooming in my garden and this week I have seen a Peacock, Red Admiral, Small White and a Speckled Wood.. Good news is that I have seen plenty of bees and insects.

The Swifts have long since gone. According to my nature notes 29th July was my last sighting and this week the House Martins and Swallows have been gathering. They sit together on the wires and flutter wildly aloft, swooping over the field so it won’t be long before they begin their long journey back to Africa.  The magical photo shows a lone Swallow on the wire, I hope he catches up with the rest of the gang.

As the main bird nesting season comes to a close, remember they still huddle quietly while the young ones get used to their new surroundings and the old ones hunker down for the moult so take care when trimming trees, bushes and hedgerows. Also take care when strimming, watch out for ground nesting birds, hedgehogs and other precious little critters. 

 

According to Natural England "The ‘Bird Nesting Season’ is officially from February until August and it is recommended that vegetation works (tree or hedge cutting) or site clearance should be done outside of the nesting season."

 

Just as I'm writing this  I noticed a little shimmering through the window, a fledgling Goldfinch fluttering its wings with mum or dad. Happy Days.

Photo copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus

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 Read all about it

🐦RSPB. Brilliant Broods: A Guide to Bird Nests & Eggs https://www.rspb.org.uk/whats-happening/news/brilliant-broods-a-guide-to-eggs-and-nests

🐦Advice on protection of birds visit UK Government Wildlife & Countryside

🐦Act 1981 updates and legal information - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1981/69/contents

Wild birds: protection and licences https://www.gov.uk/guidance/wild-birds-protection-surveys-and-licences

 

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Pat Adams' North Devon Focus. My North Devon Coast & Country Chronicle

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Edenmore Nursing Home Opens Vintage Sweet Shop

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe, North Devon, recently opened their take on a vintage themed sweet shop. This has brought together residents (fondly referred to as family members), and their families, as well as team members who have a sweet tooth!

The North Devon nursing home’s ethos, "A Journey Paved by the Past," is reflected in this new addition to the home; by offering a variety of timeless confections, the wish is that family members will experience a sense of familiarity and evoke feelings of nostalgia and comfort, as the sight, smell, and touch of the treats connect them to moments from their past.

“We created this as lots of our family members regularly ask to go to the sweet shop in town” explains Registered Manager, Gayle Cooper “and with the guidance of our care team, who not only explain the colours and flavours of the sweets, but also promote independence by encouraging family members to make their own choices.” There are further plans to add a retro cash register and scales, adding to the vintage theme.

Easily accessible to all in the main hallway of the home, the shop also has become a destination for social interactions, further echoing the home’s vision of recognising the values, beliefs, and identity of each person who calls Edenmore Nursing Home their home.

Media Release from Edenmore Nursing Home

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To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

Westward Ho! & Bideford Art Society show opens at The Burton this month

The Annual Open exhibition showcases the wealth of artistic talent in the region

The Westward Ho! and Bideford Art Society (WHOBIDARTS) Annual Open Exhibition returns to The Burton at Bideford Art Gallery & Museum later this month.

A highlight of the North Devon arts calendar, the annual WHOBIDARTS show features work by both established and up-and-coming artists in a range of media, from paint and print to sculpture, ceramics and textiles.

The exhibition is open to members and associates of the Society as well as non-members, with an eclectic mix of over 200 artworks on display, many of which will be available to buy.

The Ken Doughty prize for excellence – in commemoration of the Society’s past president – will be awarded to an outstanding artwork chosen from the exhibition. Ken Doughty served as chairman from 1993 and president from 2002. Last year’s winner was Sue Luxton for her painting Midnight Kitchen.

Gill Jones, the Chair of WHOBIDARTS, commented
“We are delighted to be at The Burton once again to exhibit work by so many of our local artists. We hope the variety will delight our visitors. It usually does!”

The Annual Open Exhibition runs at The Burton from 24 August until 13 October 2024. Admission is free.

 

Midnight Kitchen by Sue Luxton © Sue Luxton

 

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A Burton at Bideford Media Release

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THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD

Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ 

Email: info@theburton.org

Tel: 01237 471455
Website: www.burtonartgallery.co.uk

Instagram/Facebook @BurtonatBideford

Birds of a feather Class of 24….all change for this years fledgings

One of the benefits of living in the countryside and having a wildlife friendly garden is that, even on rainy days, I can follow the daily habits, progress and transitions of the birds through my window throughout the year. I have captured their first tentative outing after leaving the nest. watched the squabbling as they become more confident juveniles. Watching without disturbing their routines I can capture the subtle changes in their feathers as they transition into adulthood.

I spotted the first fledgling Blackbird on May 23rd.  Pictured below are just some of the transitions of the Blackbirds and those highly aggressive Starlings.

The kinds of  birds you attract to feeding stations depends entirely on the type of birdfood you put out. The birds that visit my garden all year round are Blue Tits, Blackbirds, Chaffinch, Sparrows, Robin, Goldfinch, Great Tit, Coal Tit Collared Doves, Wood Pigeons and a very illusive Wren with an annual return in the Spring of Siskin, Jay and Woodpecker. I have seen one Greenfinch on the feeder this year.

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Pat Adams' North Devon Focus. My North Devon Coast & Country Chronicle

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Dementia Voices Matter

As the results of the 2024 UK General Election are in and a new government is in place, opinions on the outcome are plentiful. However, amidst the continuing discussions on policies and leadership, there remains a crucial yet often overlooked topic. Adult social care, particularly the best interest of individuals living with a Dementia who choose to vote, or don’t have a voice is not often discussed.

When researching more on this subject and what the 2024 General Election might mean for individuals on a Dementia journey, I found that a person living with a cognitive impairment can cast a valid vote if they choose to, which is an encouraging and empowering aspect of our democratic process. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 outlines that having a cognitive impairment does not automatically disqualify someone from voting.

Living with early or middle stages of Dementia and having the ability to vote could mean no support is needed, but what about individuals who are on a later Dementia journey? The Mental Capacity Act 2005 emphasises supporting individuals with Dementia in making decisions based on their identity.

Imagine if …

You are voting via postal vote, a piece of paper with boxes, words, and logos that you don’t understand being put in front of you, a pen that you don’t recognise but is placed in your hand. Someone then gently supporting you, guiding you to hold the pen and mark the paper where you want to because this is your choice. 

This could be encouraging independence, engagement and a person-centred approach, giving someone on a Dementia journey the choice to participate in democracy as an equal citizen. But what if the person offering support sees the vulnerability as an opportunity? What if that person voted Labour but the person they are supporting is, and has always been, a staunch Tory? There could be a question of integrity, as the supporter could take advantage of the situation and influence the person to vote differently. What if you simply scribbled an X in the wrong box? You wouldn’t understand, you wouldn’t know you have voted for an opposite party, something that is part of your identity.

Voting is a fundamental part of democracy, supported by principles of equality and non-discrimination. The challenge is to ensure that the person voting with Dementia is protected.

The Ability to Vote

While the right to vote is clear, the ability to vote can be compromised. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, about 850,000 people live with a Dementia in the UK, a number that is expected to rise. The Alzheimer’s Society states that decisions made for a person who can’t decide must always be in their best interests.

Complexity of Voting Processes and Lack of Support

Support is crucial for helping those in the later stages of Dementia engage with the political process. Unfortunately, many don’t get the support needed to understand candidates and issues, leaving them confused and unable to make informed decisions. Processes we take for granted, like registering to vote, understanding manifestos, and going to polling stations, can be overwhelming for those living with a Dementia. The requirement for ID to vote also adds extra barriers.

Liz Thompson, Registered Manager of Sundial Care Home, mentioned that two residents (fondly referred to as family members) usually opt for postal voting. One lady typically receives help from her husband but has decided not to vote this time. Liz explained, “Although someone living with a Dementia has the right to vote, it can be really difficult. It’s ultimately up to the individual to decide what they want to do, regardless of our opinions.” Liz added that whether family members choose to vote in person, by post, or by proxy, their care team supports them by helping them vote. With the 2024 UK General Election now behind us and a new government in place, we need to start talking about the unseen issue of giving a voice and protection to individuals living with a Dementia in care homes.

Despite their right to vote, the reality is that most people with a Dementia living in care do not cast their vote. Given that many of them were active voters before their diagnosis and that voting should still be important to them, this brings up some important questions: Where is their voice? Who is thinking about and protecting them? Who in our society is advocating for social care and protections that our elder generation needs – and let’s not forget that one day, our elder generation will be us. 

It’s up to us, as a society, to ensure that their voices are heard. We need to find ways to support their participation in our political system, protecting their rights and ensuring that their interests are considered in the decisions that shape our society.

Link to Alzheimer’s Society: Making decisions for a person with dementia who lacks mental capacity: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/can-people-with-dementia-vote

Evolve Care Group Media Release

For more information, please contact: https://www.evolvecaregroup.com

Walking around the Valley of Rocks

A very hot Sun day, even with a light breeze on the coast. We had Cherry Pie at Mother Meldrums, and took in the epic views below Castle Rock. I have no head for heights but I challenge myself to go a little further along the path each time but looking over the edge its a long way down and a long way up!!. TBF its an easy walk for most people. 

This trail forms part of the South West Coast Path, from here you can enjoy the fabulous views across the Bristol Channel, clear azure water across to Wales, sit a while or walk further on to complete the loop or head for Lynton. No goats today but the sound of leather on willow as the Lynton and Lynmouth Cricket Club played a perfect pitch under Rugged Jack.  

It’s an epic site geology-wise but also a place of myths and legends that inspired poets and writers. As you walk down passed the cricket pitch Rugged Jack and Castle Rock formations veer up beyond on the right, looming over the valley on the left is another rock formation known as the Devil’s Cheese Wring, home of white witch Mother Meldrum who featured in RD Blackmore’s Lorna Doone. The tearoom is named after that, there was for years, a scarecrow witch on a broomstick, hanging from a tree but this was taken down for fear of upsetting folk.

There was a smattering of heather, mainly bracken and coastal grass filled this time of year and I noticed what looked like a lot of Ragwort, a pretty yellow, daisylike wild flower dotted through the grassland and between the rocks. It’s brilliant for insects and pollinators, harmful to cattle and horses, not sure about feral goats, lets hope not.

I've made a compilation of photos and a video of a snippet of the match see Youtube link below:

Into the Valley

Match Day at Lynton and Lynmoth Cricket Club

 

Pat Adams' North Devon Focus. My North Devon Coast & Country Chronicle

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#valleyofrocks #lyntonandlynmouth #cricket #southwestcoastpath #northdevon #exmoor #coast #walking #hiking location 

"Lynton and Lynmouth Cricket Club was established in 1876. The ground, which is thought of by many as the most picturesque in England, is situated in the centre of The Valley of Rocks, between two giant tors, with sweeping views down to the sea.".

Heanton Nursing Home Celebrates New Garden Water Feature

Heanton Nursing Home are admiring the newest addition to their garden – a beautiful stone water feature. Generously fundraised and donated by Alan Fulford, husband to Dorothy, a resident at the North Devon care home.

Alan shared his motivation behind the donation, mentioning that ‘Dorothy loved to sit by the fountain at home.’ He and a friend attended numerous car boot sales selling gold to raise the funds needed to purchase the same fountain that he and Dorothy enjoyed together. Now, they can continue to enjoy the feature at Heanton Nursing Home. Danielle, a Kitchen Assistant, said how Dorothy ‘asked me to take her out to see it’ after a shopping trip, and after they settled in the garden listening to the calming stream, Dorothy said “oh it’s peaceful isn’t it.”

Heanton Nursing Home encourages a Continuation of Life to Family Members living at the home; and the stone water feature with multiple waterfalls can be enjoyed by all family and team members as it has been expertly positioned on the patio, to compliment the stunning grounds overlooking the estuary. Bree, an Admin at Heanton said how ‘our other family members are also enjoying it and sit out there longer than usual,’ and adds ‘we have also had comments from visiting professionals about how lovely it is.’

To thank Alan for his gift, the home has arranged for a plaque for the wall above the fountain, which will remind all of his kindness and generosity.

 

Heanton Nursing Home Media Release 

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To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home please visit https://www.heantonnursinghome.com/