Westward Ho! Waving the Blue Flag for North Devon

Just perfect. Westward Ho! has once again been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag, that’s 17 years in a row 👏👏☀️☀️🏖-

“The Blue Flag Award is the international quality mark for beaches. The prestigious award scheme acts as a guarantee to everyone that a beach is among the finest not only in the country, but globally. They are only awarded to coastal destinations that boast the highest quality of water, facilities, safety, environmental education and management.” (theseasideawards.org)

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#landscapephotography on the #coast #beachlife #sand and #sky #atlanticocean #seascape #photography #landscape #pebbleridge #cloudformations #westwardho! #bideford #northdevon #southwest #picoftheday #england #uk #blue #sky over a #blueflag #beach #photooftheday #visitdevon #lovenorthdevon #visitwestwardho

Just perfect Beach at Westward Ho! Photo cooyright Pat Adams (All rights reserved)

Click here North Devon Focus on Westward Ho!

 

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Pitch Perfect.. Sights and sounds at The Valley of Rocks

So many sights and sounds at The Valley of Rocks, birdsong, bees buzzing, goats bleating or baahing (do goats baah like sheep) and the whack of leather on willow. Sounds like the lads are getting ready for the season down below. Practice makes perfect.  

“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.” 

I think that's a pretty good description of the view.

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SEASON'S GREETINGS

Merry Christmas and a Happier New Year to everyone. Thank you all for your support, comments, likes and follows over the past year. Roll on 2021 it can only get better. Cheers Pat 

Thank you to the NHS, keyworkers and all those who have kept on working and keeping us safe in the towns, on the coast and in the countryside through this pandemic.

Bideford: Little White Sparkly Town December 2020. Photo credit B. Adams.

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Get creative and celebrate North Devon's natural beauty with your own short film...

As part of the BBC's Get Creative campaign, community film makers North Devon Moving Image (NDMI) want you to get out into the wild and create a short film about the landscape and nature of the North Devon Coast AONB.

NDMI are BBC Get Creative Champions - encouraging people in the UK to get involved with the arts, culture and creativity. Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of NDMI says

"We are thrilled to be a part of this campaign and we know that there are lots of talented film makers and photographers of all ages in North Devon who can help us build a collection of short films about our very special environment."

"We are great fans of the outdoors and value the outstanding natural beauty of our coast and countryside. The Wild Shorts competition has entry categories for film makers of all ages and any level of experience. We want to inspire nature lovers and environmentalists to pick up their camcorder, digital camera, mobile phone or tablet and share their perspective of the AONB with the world."

All the information you will need about the Wild Shorts competition can be found on the NDMI website www.northdevonmovingimage.org.uk or by telephoning Amanda on 01271 860610: the website also provides film making tips and for inspiration NDMI will be blogging with inspirational ideas throughout the competition.

Amanda adds "We are grateful to our funders for helping us run this initiative - a first for North Devon - and want to thank the North Devon Coast AONB, Fullabrook CIC and Tarka Country Trust for their funding. We have also been delighted with the response from local businesses and organisations in offering prizes with donations from GoldCoast Oceanfest, Down End Croyde Car Park, The National Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, Combe Martin Dinosaur and Wildlife Park and Ilfracombe Aquarium."

Wild Shorts is open for entries throughout the summer and autumn with a closing date of 30 November 2016. There are some great prizes to tempt all ages and the winning films will be shown at a red carpet award ceremony in January and be exhibited on the AONB website.

Wild Life Shorts Film Making Competition

North Devon Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Tap here for The Wild Shorts competition 

or call Amanda on 01271 860610

Outstanding. 4 Holiday Parks in Woolacombe for the price of 1

Suddenly it’s summer and time for adventure weekends away with mates or action-packed family holidays and where better to experience the very best of coast and countryside activities than Bideford Bay and the North Devon Gold Coast. The lively resort of Woolacombe is most famous for surfing and its award winning beach. Three miles of golden sand stretching out between two National Trust promontories, Baggy Point and Morte Point. High above Woolacombe is the picturesque village of Mortehoe, steeped in history and a perfect location for nature lovers hoping to explore the South West Coast Path and Morte Point. There is a wide variety of accommodation on offer including camping and touring, value and luxury caravans for hire with panoramic sea views, self catering holiday lodges, farmhouses, apartments, villas and bungalows. We know the kids love the beach but even they can get a little bored building sandcastles and rock-pooling but if you stay in one of the four seaside Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks you’re free to use the facilities on all four. You and the family can choose from over 40 FREE activities and there is even a bus service between the Parks and down to the beach. Happy Holidays!

4 Holiday Parks in Woolacombe for the price of 1

In an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

4 Holiday Parks in Woolacombe for the price of 1

1. Golden Coast. Situated at the head of a picturesque valley, the Park is a resort within itself, perfect for countryside walks with all the facilities you could dream of to keep all ages entertained from dusk to dawn. Outstanding leisure facilities and activities. A wide choice of holiday accommodation, camping and touring. Sports Complex with surfing simulator, high ropes course, climbing wall, adventure play areas and more! 

2. Woolacombe Bay Holiday Village In an area of outstanding natural beauty overlooking the sea. Caravan holiday homes and stunning camping site. Excellent facilities and activities. Packed full of fun and overlooking the beach, this lively Park enjoys magnificent views across the bay and offers excellent facilities and activities to satisfy all ages including pitch & putt, adventure golf, a 9-hole family golf course and tennis courts will provide hours of free fun for everyone. Plus any weather bowling, volleyball or just have a kick around on the sports field.

3. Easewell Farm Ideally placed for exploring North Devon, the Park is in a great location nestled amidst glorious National Parkland. The Park is home to the Woolacombe & Mortehoe Golf Club, a comprehensive 9-hole course affiliated to the Golfer’s Union. Farm cottages, camping & touring with superb leisure facilities. A haven of peace and tranquillity with unforgettable views over the surrounding countryside and Woolacombe Bay.

4. Twitchen House An Edwardian manor house is at the heart of the Park, set in acres of picturesque woodland beside a sleepy Devon lane that meanders down to the village of Mortehoe. Twitchen House is an ideal haven for leisurely holidays. It is also perfect for ‘outdoorsy’ types with plenty of sports action. You can brave the 24ft climbing wall, cast out at the fishing pond or head over to the crazy golf. This pretty Park is surrounded by miles of National Trust parkland with its own footpath down to the sea and those three miles of golden sand.

 Visit Woolacombe Bay Holiday Parks website for details & the latest Offers 
Tel: 0843 2080 377

Pebble Dash and Rainbow over the Ridge, Westward Ho!

February roared in like a lion as the UK, the South West and the North Devon Coast in particular was pounded once again by gale-force winds and thundering seas which coincided with high Spring Tides on Saturday the 1st February. The waves were so huge that sea walls cracked on the promenade at Westward Ho! and the Pebble Ridge was breached for the second time. The area behind the Pebble Ridge, known as the Northam Burrows Country Park was therefore flooded and this included the links course of the Royal North Devon Golf Club. The Slipway withstood the pounding, not so lucky was the Adventure Play Ground and Go-Kart Track which was decimated, splattered once again with marine debris and pebbles. Such was the power of the waves that the pebbles and boulders were tossed high and wide also filling in the passageway to the Southwest Coast Path section of the Burrows itself. Sunday the wind had dropped and the sun came out briefly enabling people to venture on the beach at last. Rain squalls were followed by a rainbow. It was a race against time and tide as the diggers dashed up and down the beach, scooping pebbles up from one of the Pebble Ridge and dumping them back down to repack the area which was breached just beyond the slipway. The car park and toilets were closed again but the Slipway Takeaway thankfully remained unscathed and was open for business as usual. Here is a slide show of pictures taken on the Sunday 2nd February, you can also view them on FLICKR .Article and photos 2nd February copyright Pat Adams

Catcing the Essence of Clovelly

Fishwives, fishy treats, fun and more than a splash of local colour down at Clovelly Harbour on a fair day in November. This is the month for the annual Clovelly Herring Festival, a time to celebrate the history and heritage of the humble herring, a time for visitors to meet the villagers who make and are the mainstay of this historic village. Local crafts and produce was the order of the day and an opportunity for folk to try those healthy herrings. We really enjoyed the oaty-coated herrings, freshly caught on the Perham line and pan-fried  in front of us. There were also platters of lobster and crab, tarts and quiche, smoked fish, fresh herrings, smoked herrings, marinated herring, locally sourced fish spiced with a myriad of flavours from around the world, homemade fudge, fresh baked bread and locally brewed beer. The Fishwives, a comical sight, with their rotund behinds and huge feet waddled amongst the crowds, along the Quay, their huge skirts swaying in time to the music. In addition to the Quay kitchens and cookery demonstrations, this is a time when villagers turn their hand to fundraising for local causes. The ladies from the Clovelly Community Garden Group had a stall up on the Kiln and Cream Teas were also served in the Lifeboathouse in aid of the RNLI. A couple of Clovelly yummy mummies had a homemade cake stall on the Quay, delicious sponges, fruit cakes and cupcakes raising funds for the  local “Small School”. The cupcakes decorated in sea blue fishy style with the help of little.Frida. The RSPB also had “A Stall for Nature” and the North Devon National Trust provided crafty activities for the kids up on the Kiln. Exhibitions and demonstrations of old seafaring skills and the History of Herrings and Flax Making came from Mike Smylie’s Kipperland and Simon and Ann from Flaxland. As the tide crept slowly into the harbour a Coracle, was launched by Simon who paddled quietly between a fishing boat used today and a Picarooner, one of the old traditional herring boats. I ventured along the top of the Harbour wall to capture a different perspective and noticed the Herring Gulls mobbing the lone fishing boat, a turbulent scene on a ultra calm sea. Herrings and heritage are the essence of Clovelly  I hope I have captured that in my video clip and the photos from the day. Shanty Singers “Shake a leg” can be heard in the background  - “Ten thousand miles away. Blow the wind high-ho”

Meanwhile on the other side the hub-bub on the busy Quay

• Clovelly Village 
• North Devon Coast and Country Chronicle Photos of the Day 

SHANTY SINGERS

• Exmouth Shantymen
• Bideford's Shake a Leg
• Flash Jack

EXHIBITION & DEMONSTRATIONS

• Kipperland 
• Flaxland 

Clovelly Herring Festival 17th November 2013 - Article, video/photos copyright Pat Adams

Slip, sliding away Peppercombe

Happy New Years Day and a walk down to Peppercombe Meadows. It's dark and dank in the wooded valley with signs of slippage and erosion as a result of the non-stop heavy rains. Looking over the bridge by the Pink Cottage I can see a mud fall slithering down to the stream and round the bend, up on the bank, where one of the big old trees fell last month, a holly tree has now been uprooted. The abundant ferns are still green and new wildflower shoots are appearing on the verges by the path which is furrowed from the torrential rain. A low brooding light out on the meadows and above an almost motionless Peregrine Falcon fixed on its prey below. I took some photos, as the sun came out for just a moment. A blue haze washed over Bideford Bay, Lundy and Clovelly were faint but visible. There were a few walkers braving the coast path and families exploring the rock pools on the beach. A few days later we were back and arrived to see a Cormorant diving down as the waves broke on the shore.On this walk I noticed more casualties of the winter storms, one of the old trees which had arched across the path for years was now a pile of logs on the wayside and the end wall of the old stable block had completely gone, the rubble slip-sliding away.

Heritage and Herrings. Ahoy there Clovelly!

We had a great time at the Clovelly Herring Festival on Sunday 18th. I hope we captured the spirit of the day in these photographs. Check out some of the slideshow below:

What do you love about Devon's beaches? Follow the Seashore Code

What do you love about Devon's beaches? Is it walking barefoot across the sand...exploring a rockpool...riding a perfect wave? Everyone loves Devon's beaches, but this summer a leading charity is asking us to spread that love to include the very special wildlife which we share our coastline with. This summer Devon Wildlife Trust is asking all beach goers to spare a thought for our marine wildlife. From forests of seaweed, through rockpools covered in anemones and limpets, to brightly coloured birds such as oystercatchers - our marine wildlife is wonderful. Without them a day at the beach wouldn't be complete Now beach goers are being asked to play their part in protecting marine wildlife by following a simple 6-step 'Seashore Code'. The code which is illustrated by some fun cartoon characters calls on people to: 

1) Handle seashore creatures with care - especially soft-bodied creatures such as anemones 

2) Don't make creatures homeless - make sure shells are empty before taking them home 

3) Don't leave litter - our rubbish is one of the biggest killers of marine wildlife 

4) Put rockpool creatures back where you found them 

5) Watch where you walk - be careful not to crush or dislodge animals such as limpets 

6) Finally, look after yourself - be aware of incoming tides, especially when you are rockpooling 

Devon Wildlife Trust's Steve Hussey said: 'We want everyone- young and old - to explore the wonderful wildlife we have around Devon's coastlines. But that wildlife needs a bit of tender loving care. Follow our 'Seashore Code' and you'll be doing your bit for marine nature. Devon has some very special wildlife - let's keep it that way.' The Seashore Code marks the beginning of National Marine Week 2012 (Saturday 28 July - Sunday 12 August). Join Devon Wildlife Trust for a range of fun seaside events at Wembury Marine Centre, near Plymouth. DWT's work for marine wildlife is part of a wider campaign for better protection of the UK's marine environments. Anyone who loves the beach is being asked to take part in this campaign by visiting www.devonwildlifetrust.org 

Download your own copy of DWT's Seashore code and mini marine wildlife guide

Brigadoon or Northam Burrows

Clear sunny morning to start but as we travelled down the Atlantic Highway the sea mist was rolling in, swirling over the countryside like a wave. It has been like this for more than a week. Northam Burrows Country  Park and Westward Ho! were completely shrouded.  A learner rider chose possibly the worse day to try out his  motorbike on the Burrows road. As we walked towards Grey Sands Hill we could hear a helicopter hovering close to shore by the estuary but it was nowhere to be seen nor was Chivenor, the Biosphere or Appledore. We walked to the end of the Spit and a dead porpoise lay prone on the pebbles adding to the eerie scene. The lack of visibility did not deter the golfers who emerged silently from the mist as we made our way back down beside the Dunes and across the links where sheep and horses grazed. Creepily silent, only two gulls and what I think were a pair of busy skylarks. Back at a bustling Westward Ho!, the Carousel Amusements and Slipway Takeaway were open. We didn’t see the sea but heard it and the resident Bingo caller singing "two fat ducks, quackity, quack". The good news is Spring is on the way Hockings Ice Cream Vans are back and I’ve seen my first ladybird.  (Article P Adams 11 March 2012)

The Skern

Beyond Grey Sands Hill

Mists of Time on the Burrows

Journey's End

Where Fore Art Thou!

I still like to be beside the seaside

Explore Northam Burrows Country Park with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

Explore Westward Ho! with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour
"Brigadoon, a miraculously blessed village that rises out of the mists every hundred years for only a day" (Brigadoon (film) Wikipedia Stub 

A major setback for our seas. Add your voice today to the marine campaign

Our seas are suffering serious damage and need protection now, according to the Devon Wildlife Trust, in response to the recent ministerial statement which announced a delay on the protection of marine wildlife. Stakeholders across the country had been expecting the government to give the go ahead to designate 127 Marine Conservation Zones across the nation's seas, where some of our most important marine wildlife would be protected. This was to be a landmark moment in protecting our marine environment. Harry Barton, Chief Executive of the Devon Wildlife Trust says, "The statement sends a worrying signal that the Government is dragging its heels on designating the network of sites recommended by stakeholder groups." The proposed network of Marine Conservation Zones includes areas of sea off the coast of Devon, such as Torbay and much of the north coast. In a surprise announcement, the Government has said that it needs more evidence before it takes action. Yesterday's statement by the Natural Environment and Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon gave no firm guarantee that any part of the recommended network will be designated, and confirmed that no sites would be designated before 2013, a year later than planned. Harry Barton says, "There is indisputable evidence that the wildlife in our seas is declining, and that we need urgent action now to conserve it. Wildlife in our seas receives far less protection than on land, and until very recently there has been only one marine nature reserve in English waters - around Lundy, in Devon. This is a once in a generation opportunity to put this right. More than a million people representing fishermen, conservationists and businesses have worked closely together for two years to identify the network of sites, taking the many different interests into account. What more information does the government want before it takes action?" Devon Wildlife Trust agrees with the government's scientific advisers that all 127 sites need to be designated if the network is to work. Harry Barton concluded, "This announcement is a huge disappointment and will put yet more pressure on marine wildlife. This is a time for decisive action, not discussion and delay. The government has said it wants to be the greenest ever. It needs to stand firm in its commitment and deliver the network of protected sites that local stakeholders and scientists have recommended to it." Add your voice today to the marine campaign by signing a Petition Fish scale at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Thongweed, snakelocks anemone,ballan wrasse (Paul Naylor)

First Footing! - Spring breaks at Welcombe

20th February. A trip down to Welcombe Mouth, one of my favourite secluded coves on the wild North Devon Heritage Coast. Stong winds, good light, heavy ocean spray above high rolling surf. The first sighting of a number of Coltsfoot peeking through the undergrowth, sure sign that Spring is on the way. The flower heads, similar to a Dandelion, appear before the leaves on this hardy little plant which was once used as a remedy for coughs and colds. Coltsfoot is prevalent on the boggy grassland above the beach. Looks like it is also the first flight for an orange tailed bumble bee and two caterpillars are out for a walk. I am hoping that the motionless bumble bee hiding in the grass is just enjoying an afternoon siesta. Welcombe Mouth is located on the outer limits of the North Devon Area of Natural Beauty. A quiet spot, popular with surfers, photographers and walkers. The secluded beach has good sand at low tide and is surrounded by high cliffs. There is a superb panorama from high on the Southwest Coast Path. Welcombe Mouth is accessed by car from the A39, the road winds down to the scattered village of Welcombe which is home to the Yarner Trust, Welcombe Pottery and the Old Smithy Inn. The last part of the road is not surfaced so great care must be taken.

Welcombe Bytes: Spectacular rugged rock formations, big stepping stones across the mouth of the fast running stream linking one side of the South West Coast Path to the other. The water cascades down over the rocks. Waterfall visible from the beach and from the coast path. Site of Special Scientific interest.  In 1970, at the height of their fame, the band Deep Purple stayed at the Hermitage while writing their second album "Fireball". St. Nectan's Church St. Nectan was the first Devon Saint and Martyr. He was venerated in the Hartland area and the churches at Welcombe and Stoke are dedicated to him. Across the road from the Church is St. Nectan's Well. If you know what type of butterflies these will become leave a comment!

Teddy Bears on Parade

25th July. Teddy Bears on Marine Parade, Instow actually and what a colourful picture it made. All the dollies and teddies had been donated and were being sold to raise funds for Instow Church, so watch out for them when you visit Instow this summer. First on parade was the mad looking flame haired rag doll, I was happy to pay my £1, and "I called her Annabel".

Freedom at last - Annabel on Instow Beach

We had parked by the Tarka Trail behind the North Devon Cricket Club and walked through the sand dunes beside the old thatched Score Box. We heard the sound of leather on willow and “Oz that”. Cricket on a Sunday; so quintessentially British! The sand dunes here were covered in bell flowered Evening Primrose, wild celery, scurvy grass and sea mayweed. There were several black and yellow striped caterpillars camouflaged in the marram grass.

Enjoying new found freedom, Annabel at Woolsery Show 26th July 2010

North Devon Cricket Club, founded 186 years ago, was the home club of the late international test umpire David Shepherd.

Click here to see more pictures of Instow on the Taw/Torridge Estuary

Devon School Names the Severn Link Ferry

When ferry operator Severn Link recently purchased its first two 'FlyingCat' fast ferries, there was just one thing that was missing - brand new names to reflect the vessels' new ownership and the area they would now be servicing. So, for a helping hand in finding just the right name, Severn Link turned to the bright and creative minds of youngsters from North Devon and South Wales.Entries came in from schools from all over both regions, with clever suggestions inspired by local heroes, historical events and even wildlife and fauna found in the area - but eventually it was Parracombe School in the heart of Exmoor, which was chosen as overall regional winner for South West England by nominating the Ilfracombe cove Rapparee as its chosen name. Geoff Metcalf, Managing Director of Severn Link, said of the winning entry, "We had so many exciting and imaginative names suggested by schools that it was very hard to choose an overall winner. However, the children of Parracombe School particularly excelled - patently putting much thought and research into their entry. It's a perfect name for a Severn Link ferry, for it helps promote one of the many beautiful points of the North Devon coastline, which will be one of the biggest draws for travellers coming from South Wales." Mrs Julie Ansell, Key Stage Two teacher at Parracombe School said, 'The children are absolutely thrilled that their name was chosen to be adopted by the Severn Link ferry. Being such a small school, it means that each child's needs are catered for and children are nurtured in a happy, family centred environment with a creative curriculum. That's why we were able to adapt our learning towards historical places and places of interest for the competition. The children went on walks, discovered local information, wrote stories and poems and created artwork to support the entry for the competition. The children drew tr easure maps, wrote poems and even combined the competition into their Maths lessons by using it to learn about points of the compass.' As part of their prize, the children of Parracombe School will be invited to a special Severn Link launch event to see the ferry for themselves and will also experience a ferry trip to visit the winning school on the South Wales side which has named the sister Severn Link fast ferry, to learn more about life in Wales and commence a local cultural and educational twinning exercise. Parracombe School, which is part of the West Exmoor Federation, is a small rural village school in Exmoor dating back to 1830, with just 29 schoolchildren in attendance. It's an integral part of the local community, serving the farming families of the area and participating in many local activities such as the May Day Revels. Geoff Metcalf said of the ferry naming competition, 'The objective of the competition was not only to get local children involved in the naming of the ferries that they'll see out on the waters of the Bristol Channel on a regular basis, but also to help them learn more about the connections between South West England and South Wales. Severn Link isn't just concerned with transporting travellers from coast to coast on a fun, fast and affordable ferry service, but is also about helping to bring two communities closer, socially, culturally and economically. We're looking forward to welcoming the children of Parracombe School on board to help them experience how exciting - and educational - ferry travel can be.' Severn Link is due to commence operations across the Bristol Channel this spring, connecting key areas of South West England and South Wales via a regular fast ferry service. For more information on the countdown to the launch of the ferry service, visit www.severnlink.com or follow Severn Link on Facebook and Twitter.

Second ferry for Severn Link - FastCat Ryde’ to join sister ship

Ferry operator Severn Link has completed the two vessel deal with ferry operator Wightlink, taking ownership of the ‘FastCat Ryde’ which will service routes across the Bristol Channel as from this year. The 34 knot Kvaerner ‘FlyingCat’ passenger catamaran, which carries up to 360 passengers, has now undergone exterior renovations and repaint and will shortly join its sister ship, the former ‘FastCat Shanklin’, in Swansea, paving the way for the first modern regular ferry service to link the shores of North Devon and South Wales due to commence this spring. The first ferry, which is currently completing an extensive interior refit in the docks at Swansea’s SA1, has been the focus of much public interest, with crowds of people turning out earlier this year to watch it make a brief appearance at Ilfracombe on its way from Portsmouth to its new home in Swansea. The completion of the purchase of the second vessel signals a landmark moment for Severn Link, which is now finalising a series of routes to roll out through 2010. Geoff Metcalf, Managing Director of Severn Link, said, “We are very happy to shortly be able to introduce the second ‘FlyingCat’ to her new home in South Wales. This is the next major step in being able to commence regular Bristol Channel crossings with a fun, fast and affordable ferry service which will make travelling from the South West of England to South Wales much easier than ever before.”
Severn Link is currently on the countdown to announce a launch date for the first route to cross from Ilfracombe to South Wales. Schedules, pricing and booking information will shortly be available on www.severnlink.com and through its online Facebook and Twitter channels.

Swallows and waterfalls

Nice to know that whilst the world's airlines remain grounded due to the Icelandic Volcano, those brave little swallows have still managed to make their epic journey from the other side of the ocean to arrive safely in North Devon. Isn't nature wonderful!
I spotted the first lone swallow on the telegraph wire at Horns Cross on the 17th April. Regular as clockwork I made a note in my diary last year and the first wave was also dated 17th April. I was delighted to see that there were larger numbers up the coast at Spekes Mill Mouth on Sunday 18th, about 30 could be seen swooping and swirling up above the cliffs and over the waterfall. I also saw a Kestrel hovering on the wind.
By the 19th the numbers on the Horns Cross wire had swelled to 6. I am now on the lookout for the swifts and house martins, the house martins tend to send an advanced party round about the 24th April each year. Let us know if you see them in your area.

Peppercombe - Barely Spring

Barely Spring Greens. Peppercombe Valley 27th March. Bee, beetle and a buzzard and that’s about all. The long, long March into April and at last Peppercombe is juddering to life as spring greens begin to emerge. Spring greens include the fresh leafy spikes of Alexanders, wild Bluebells, Lesser Celandine, Primroses, Foxgloves, Dogs Mercury, Ransoms and Spring Beauty. There are swathes of yellow flowering, creeping  pimpernel (?), a low growing plant which loves the damp ground where the winter rains spill down the gutter at the side of the track creating a mini stream. I saw one bee and the resident buzzard did a fly-by, the busy beetle, pictured, was doing a circuit of its own mini arena as I approached then scurried down the bolthole. Still only a couple of posies of primroses on the way down and very low growth on the Alexanders which at this time last year were tall and in flower as were the daffodils by the Pink cottage and under the red beech. Most noticeable is the emptiness on the cliff bank beside the bungalow, only five groups of primroses in bloom today. I miss the golden gorse which was once very prevalent here, only a couple of bushes remain. The gorse made the perfect frame for the picture of the bungalow which was taken on 21st April last year. The catkins are now in abundance, there are new leaves on the honeysuckle and pussy willow is in various stages of growth

Ilfracombe, in the sunshine & out of season

Ilfracombe and Around 7th March
The sun has come out at last so an early start meant that time and tide were on our side as there was still plenty of water in Ilfracombe Harbour. The sunny photos here belie the fact that overnight temperatures dropped to minus 9. This beautiful Victorian resort with its grand villas and terraces was indeed bathed in sunshine so it is hard to believe that we are still in the grip of one of the longest cold spells. In the sunshine and out of season, Ilfracombe Harbour still poses a picturesque vista despite a couple of the buildings undergoing a pre-season paint job. In a month's time the boats, now in dry dock on the quayside, will be bobbing side by side in the harbour and the Ilfracombe Princess will resume its popular wildlife coastal tours. The “working” side of the harbour is strewn with fishing nets and lobster pots,
boatmen are busy giving their crafts the once-over and there is a pervading smell of fish and ships varnish. High

above the pier sitting atop Lantern Hill is St, Nicholas’ Chapel, said to be the oldest building in Ilfracombe. This natural harbour sits amongst spectacular cliffs and coves nestling between the Exmoor National Park to the East and North Devon’s Gold Coast to the West. In June the town celebrates its Victorian heritage with “Victorian Week” an eight day extravaganza of shows, parades, stalls and dressing up culminating in the town criers competition and the “Last Night of The Proms” with

fireworks to music over Capstone Hill. Ilfracombe is also renowned for its award winning floral displays which adorn the streets and promenade, by the summer the newly planted flowers beside the Bandstand will be in full bloom. The conicle shape in the background is the Landmark Theatre and Cafe, the Ilfracombe Tourist Information Centre is located here on the seafront,
Places to Visit: Ilfracombe Aquarium, Ilfracombe Museum, Ilfracombe Lifeboat Station, Chocolate Emporium, The Tunnels, The Landmark Theatre & Cafe, Chambercombe Manor, Torrs Walk, boat trips to Lundy Island, Ilfracombe Wildlife Cruises. Photos copyright Pat Adams all rights reserved

The North Devon Snow Party's over!

The North Devon’s snow party is finally over. In December 2009 there was a cold snap and snow flurries ensuring the UK enjoyed that elusive White Christmas. At the beginning of January a winter flock of lapwings on the field heralded the start of what was to be the coldest and longest snow spell for years bringing treacherous conditions on the minor roads in North Devon coast and country areas. (The last time we experienced such extreme arctic conditions was when we were snowbound in Croyde in the early eighties, our first ever winter in North Devon.) School children were thrilled to be home building snowmen but it was a testing time for local services and those not able to go out for the duration. Congratulations are due to our rural postman who braved blizzard conditions to keep the Royal Mail coming. This was also a time to keep watch on the local bird population as feeding stations were even more vital. Taking advantage of the nuts and seeds on our garden bird feeder were, in various numbers, robin, chaffinch, greenfinch, pied wagtail, house sparrow, dunnock, blue tit, blackbird, willow tit, great tit, mistle thrush, collared dove, field fare, squabbling starlings and for the first time a stunning bull finch. Rising temperatures and gale force winds on the 15th January marked the end of the winter wonderland. By the 16th January the last traces of the children’s snowmen, built on the 5^th January were washed away by torrential rains. On the 17th January the field became a vital feeding ground for a flock of approximately 30 fieldfare. Ominously by Monday 18th January, the field is visited once again by an ever larger flock of between 141 and 150 lapwings. It will be interesting to see which birds hang around for the Big Garden Bird Watch, the RSPB's biggest event of the year which will be held over the weekend 30 and 31 January and encourages people all over the country to count the birds in their garden for just an hour over this one weekend. It's very simple to take part and provides the RSPB with information and patterns in bird numbers that help them prioritise their conservation work. They are also celebrating Big Garden Birdwatch with a special promotional incentive to join the RSPB - new members joining between 19 January and 31 March can choose a FREE RSPB classic apex nest box (normally £11.99) as their free joining gift. Join the RSPB today

Big Garden Birdwatch Results for 2009. According to the RSPB for the first time in the survey's 30-year history, the long-tailed tit has flown into the Big Garden Birdwatch top ten. This highly sociable species increased by an astonishing 88% from last years count. They believe this pleasant increase is because this insect-eating bird has adapted to feeding on seeds and peanuts at birdtables and from hanging feeders. This result highlights perfectly the positive impact that our feeding and bird care can have on some birds. Record-breaking celebration. Well over half a million people celebrated the 30th year of the Birdwatch, making this the biggest bird survey in the world. A huge increase from humble beginnings in 1979 when just 30,000 children took part. Big Garden Birdwatch 2009 was held on 24 and 25th January 2009.

BIRDS ON TOP: The 2009 garden top ten:

Position Species Average per garden

1 House Sparrow 3.70

2 Starling 3.21

3 Blackbird 2.84

4 Blue tit 2.45

5 Chaffinch 2.01

6 Wood Pigeon 1.85
7 Collared Dove 1.44

8 Great tit 1.40

9 Robin 1.36

10 Long-tailed tit 1.34