Charity clears way ahead for wildflowers

A leading wildlife charity is launching a winter programme of work designed to restore one of the county's best and most unusual sites for wildflowers. Increasing the range and numbers of wildflowers will form the focus of newly-funded work at Devon Wildlife Trust's Sourton Quarry nature reserve which lies in west Devon between Tavistock and Okehampton. As the name suggests, Sourton Quarry was once a thriving limestone quarry. But since its abandonment in 1906 it has been transformed into a wildlife haven and its spoil heaps in particular have become a wonderful new home to plants that thrive in its limestone soils. The long list of plant colonists has come to include rarities and more common examples including the rusty-backed fern, black knapweed, wild strawberry, great mullein and fairy flax. However, in recent years these wonderful wildflowers have come under threat. Other plants, including ivy, bramble and cotoneaster, as well as trees, have all started to take a hold on the nature reserve, shading out its delicate flowers. In response DWT formulated a plan of action designed to reverse this process. But before putting it into place funding was needed. It was at this point that Biffa Award stepped in to make the crucial difference agreeing to fund a winter's programme of practical work. Devon Wildlife Trust's Steve Hussey reacted to the good news: 'The generous funding from Biffa Award is just what was needed. It will pay for vital work clearing invasive plant scrub and providing the space and conditions for wildflowers to flourish. It will set the nature reserve and its wildflowers firmly on the right path.' The Sourton Quarry Wildflower Discovery Project forms part of a wider multi-million pound environment fund managed by the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts (RSWT), which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services. For more information about Sourton nature reserve and the work of Devon Wildlife Trust visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org 

Beautiful black knapweed is just one of the many wildflowers which will benefit from improvements at Devon Wildlife Trust's Sourton nature reserve. Photo copyright Sherie New - (www.seeing.org)

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:

Nearly New Baby & Toddler Sale at the Big Sheep

Nearly New Baby & Toddler Sale  at the Big Sheep, Abbotsham, Sunday 2nd Dec - From 10am. All proceeds to Parents of Premature and Sick Infants at North Devon District Hospital.

We all know Babies and Toddlers grow out of clothes and toys so fast! Often clothes and toys look as good as new. This is a chance to either sell on your items or purchase some bargain clothes and toys.
Great opportunity to tidy up before Christmas or buy some Christmas presents!
Interested in having a stall? Call Claire or Nicola or 01237 472366 or email claire@thebigsheep.co.uk Stalls are £8 each with the full £8 going to POPSI.
Interested in visiting? Put the Morning of Sunday 2nd December in your diary or on your calendar!
Entry is £1 with the full £1 going to POPSI.

Charity Christmas gifts aim to melt hearts

Following the success of its Christmas cards and gifts range in 2011, a local wildlife charity is preparing for a bumper festive season with a new range of designs. Devon Wildlife Trust has been selling Christmas cards and gifts for a number of years and in 2011 the scheme raised more than £6,000 for its vital work for wildlife across the county. This year it has added a number of new lines, each of which will melt even the coldest heart this Christmas. Red squirrels, foxes, deer and woodpeckers are amongst the stunning images featured on The Trust's Christmas cards. A 2013 calendar packed with beautiful British animals is also available. Orders can be made on-line, by phone or by post. Devon Wildlife Trust is also urging people to think of treating the wildlife-lovers in their life with a very special Christmas gift. Adopting a species makes an unusual present. Choices include bee, hedgehog, bat, otter, dormouse and dolphin - with the recipient receiving a cute soft toy, activity book, fact sheet and much more. Also available is Devon Wildlife Trust gift membership. As well as providing the opportunity for countless free days out in some of Devon's most stunning landscapes, family gift membership also includes a free illustrated book, The Seashore Detective's Handbook - the perfect accessory for rockpooling adventures in 2013. Phoebe Grubb, DWT's Fundraising Officer said: 'With Christmas now looming and the weather turning cold we have started to promote our latest range of cards and gifts. Our cards are printed on sustainably sourced card and really show off some of Devon's best-loved animals. The gifts make lovely presents and are a great way to help wildlife on your doorstep while also sending your Christmas wishes to loved ones." All the profits from the sales of Devon Wildlife Trust's cards and gifts go directly to support its work for the county's wildlife. 

 Just a selection of Devon Wildlife Trust Christmas cards for 2012.  

People who wish to purchase cards should visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org or call Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244. The cards are also available through the Cards for Good Causes outlets across the county and from The Trust's Cricklepit Mill headquarters in Exeter. 

THE BIG SHEEP HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL STARTS SATURDAY!

FUN BY DAY FESTIVAL 27th October until 4th November
FREE Facepainting between:
11am - 12noon- 2pm - 2.45pm- 3pm - 3.45pm 
Pumpkin Carving between: 12 noon & 4pm (Visit The BIG Sheep facebook page to claim your FREE pumpkin voucher before 31st October. See below for more details.)
Halloween Rides: Collect your Ride Times flyer on arrival to see when the Haunted House, Haunted Tractor Ride, Ghost Train and Witches Flying School is open.
Singing Pumpkins: Visit the Singing Pumpkins or our Talking Haunted Head at any time during the day.
Fancy Dress Competitions: Dress to impress for our fancy dress competitions every day!

FUN BY NIGHT Visit the BIG Sheep during the dark for a completely different Halloween experience on any of the three evening parties: Wednesday 31st October, Thursday 1st November or Friday 2nd November from 6:30pm until 10pm. Tickets for the evening parties must be booked in advance via The BIG Sheep website and tickets are only £7.50 per person

• Haunted Hayride with Olympic Themed Frights
• Candlelit Lakeside Ghost Train Ride
• Haunted House
• Halloween Pantomime with Woolly the Sheep
• Pumpkin Parade with Prizes for the best Carved Pumpkins.
• Ewetopia Indoor Playground & Cafe 

Chance to explore Teign valley beauty-spot. Open Day at Dunsford

Devon Wildlife Trust is running a free open day this month giving people a guided exploration of one of Devon best-loved beauty-spots.The family-friendly open day is being held at the charity's Dunsford nature reserve, which lies in the wonderful Teign Valley between Exeter and Moretonhampstead. It takes place on Saturday 20 October and runs from 11am until 4pm. The event offers a 'behind the scenes' look at the nature reserve at a time of year when its mix of woodland and heathland look at their absolute best with golden leaf colours mixing with the yellows and purples of gorse and heather. A series of guided wildlife walks and fungi forays will be led by Devon Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers. Families can try their hands at practical and creative crafts aimed. A tea and cake stall will be on hand to feed hungry visitors! Jo Pullin from Devon Wildlife Trust said: "This wonderful nature reserve looks stunning at this time of year. Open days make great introductions to our county's amazing wildlife. The day will be a great chance to visit a special piece of Devon's countryside and learn about the animals which call it home. Devon Wildlife Trust has done a great amount of work there over the last few months, so even if you think you know Dunsford I'd ask you to come along, you may be surprised." Those wishing to go on one of the walks and/or fungus forays should book in advance with Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244. For all other activities people are welcome to just come along and take part. Dunsford Nature Reserve lies directly on the B3212 Exeter to Moretonhampstead Road about 3 miles (5 km) from Moretonhampstead. The reserve entrance is near Steps Bridge. Follow event signs on the day. 

Photo: Dunsford Steps Bridge copyright  Duncan Gray/Devon Wildlife Trust 

Games People Play (Round 2) The Secret Life of Lichens

Jo Pullin from the Devon Wildlife Trust and Barbara Benfield, a lichen expert, will be at the Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World (CCANW) leading a family event to discover the amazing world of lichens on Sunday 21st. Activities and artwork will be child orientated but we bet adults will learn something too! "Lichen are actually made up of two organisms, algae and fungi and they have to cooperate to survive', explains Jo Pullin, "I'll be running an activity that emphasises this with the children, and they will get to invent their own creature with a symbiotic relationship." There'll be games and crafts, and we'll be creating lichen pendants from clay. Barbara Benfield will demonstrate how lichens can be used to measure air quality and families can go on a foray through the woods, collecting lichens with a spotter quiz sheet. The event is supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund as part of CCANW's current programme Games People Play which explores, through a range of exhibitions and activities that are participatory and fun, what games can tell us about 'human nature'; and how a deeper understanding of the advantages of cooperation can help us all to address the needs of the planet at this time. Come and join us and don't worry about wet weather as we have a brand new geodesic dome for workshop activities just a few yards from the centre. See you there. £2.50 per child, accompanying adults free. Bookings and payment via CCANW on 01392 832277 or info@ccanw.co.uk Organized by Devon Wildlife Trust and CCANW

Games People Play - Round 2 The Secret Life of Lichens Family event Sun 21 October - Two sessions 11.30 -1pm or 2 - 3.30pm 

Wildlife Watch Autumn - photo copyright T. Marshall

Lichens - photo copyright A Taylor

Centre for Contemporary Art and the Natural World * CCANW, Haldon Forest Park, Exeter, EX6 7XR - Tel: 01392 832277 Email: info@ccanw.co.uk Website: http://www.ccanw.co.uk - Admission free. Open Tuesdays-Sundays and Bank Holidays, 10-5pm Closing at 4pm between November and February

AUTUMN EXPOSURE. COASTAL EROSION WESTWARD HO!

The famous Pebble Ridge has always protected Northam Burrows from the ravages of the Atlantic Ocean at Westward Ho! On a damp, grey day we took a rain soaked, windswept walk from the slipway down to the end of the Spit to the estuary and although it wasn't a great day for photographs I thought I would document the alarming erosion taking place. The pictures show where a huge gap has opened up completely devoid of pebbles leaving the Sand Dunes vulnerable and totally unprotected. The Dunes here are now eroding and great clumps of Marram grass can been seen strewn about. Article by Pat Adams (photos 23rd September 2012)

Explore the Westward Ho!, Northam Burrows and the Pebble Ridge with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

Great British Walks around Bideford Bay and Hartland

Well summer may be over but the National Trust are still encouraging people to get outdoors and take a walk with them with their walking festival. There are lots of events on as well as trails to follow. The National Trust Walking Festival is  running from the 1st September to the 4th November so there’s plenty of time for everybody to get involved and enjoy the countryside. Click here for Great British Walks around Bideford Bay and Hartland including the Bucks Mills Walk on 3rd October. This great 5.5 mile walk includes a peep inside the evocative artist's studio at Bucks Mills  You can search on the website for a walk near you and then upload your own walk to share with others. Click here to find out about the National Trust Walking Festival near you today

One Year Ago Today. Swell Time at Westward Ho!

As the region prepares itself for more rain and flood warnings we look back one  year ago today and a swell time at Westward Ho!. It was a warm, balmy day with a particularly high tide. People never seem to tire of the sight of the mighty ocean pounding on Westward Ho! slipway rocks and the Pebbleridge. It was fantastic to capture the stunning rainbow highlight as the “Wild Horses” crashed over the shore before splashing up high on the pebbles. Surfers were taking advantage of the huge waves, even the lifeguard took a trip out on his belly board. This is just one of the Autumn Highlights around Bideford Bay, it’s also a time for dramatic skies, coast and country walks amidst berry laden hedgerows and burnished bracken. Be on the look-out for late butterflies and fungi,  the departure of the swallows and the arrival of the winter flocks on the Skern. For more Autumn Highlights check out the North Devon Focus Flickr slideshow. Article Pat Adams 25/9/12
 

Caught on Camera. Clovelly Lobster & Crab Feast 2012

Sea mist and soft gentle rain added to the charm of Clovelly Harbour for the annual Lobster and Crab Feast. A remarkably windless day for the North Devon Coast, the colourful pennants and bunting fluttered limply on the beached not bobbing boats beneath the harbour wall. Clovelly events are always fun and there was a never-ending stream of folk making their way down to the already crowded Quay where there were an assortment of  arts and craft products on sale including hand-made ceramics, decorative plaques, holistic products and jewellery along with the RSPB and the National Lobster Hatchery promotional stalls.  Local fayre made by local folk, traditional award winning beer brewed down the A39 at Abbotsham, Cornish sea salt, pancakes, scrumptious hand-made cakes and savoury tarts. The local fishermen had caught a bumper harvest of crustaceans and the Red Lion bar and restaurant were packed with diners tucking into lobster, crab and seafood platters washed down with a free glass of bubbly. The highlight of the day was the Cookery Competition for the best lobster or crab dish, which was filmed by STV Productions for a new BBC2 cookery programme "Country Show Cook Off". In addition to the local entrants, TV celebrity chefs, Jun Tanaka and Galt Blackiston, secretly entered their dishes and for the first time, after four other UK events, were delighted to be awarded first and second places by the judges. Folk music was provided by Maggie Duffy & Mike Weed, Steve Tyler & Andy Clarke and The O'Marleys whilst the kids were kept entertained by Scallywag the pirate, balloon modelling, face painting, magic and some bang on AONB craft activities. As the tide was out families could also explore the beach and the waterfall beyond the Lifeboat House. Catch of the day deep fried crab balls, lobster salads, mackerel and moules mariniere, the “Perham Line” stretched all the way down to the end of the Quay. (Article by Pat Adams)

Caught on Camera. BBC Filming the action in Clovelly

Cookery Competition Judges: Dom Boothroyd, of the National Lobster Hatchery, The Rev. Shirley Henderson, vicar of Clovelly All Saints Church, Felicity Sylvester, cookery demonstrator and director of Brilliant Fish and Clovelly's Harbour Master and fisherman, Stephen Perham.

The event was in aid of the National Lobster Hatchery, Padstow, who exhibited some of their baby lobsters prior to releasing them into Clovelly Bay at the end of the day. In addition to the Prize Draw income, Clovelly Estate will donate £400 towards their re-stocking project.

Don't worry if you missed it make a date in your diary for the Clovelly Herring Festival, 18th November 2012
What's on next at Clovelly

"In Search of England"

H.V. Morton's best selling book, "In Search of England", was published in 1926. In it the journalist and travel writer described Clovelly as"just too quaint" and amazingly little has changed in almost 100 years since. The broadcaster, John McCarthy, has been following H.V. Morton's travels and has recently recorded a programme at Clovelly, which includes interviews with celebrity actor, Joss Ackland CBE, The Hon. John Rous, owner of the estate, Stephen Perham, Harbour Master and Niall Taylor, member of the H.V. Morton Society and author of website http://www.hvmorton.co.uk/. The programme will be broadcast on Radio 4 at 11am on Friday, 21 September. Don't Miss it http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/programmes/schedules/fm

Joss Ackland CBE, Stephen Garner (Producer) and John McCarthy

The Hon. John Rous, Stephen Garner (Producer) and John McCarthy

All photos courtesy Clovelly Estates.  

To find out the latest news and events visit http://www.clovelly.co.uk

John McCarthy is a regular presenter on BBC Radio 4 programmes "Saturday Live" and "Excess Baggage"

SOUTHWEST EXTREME NEWS - THE BRITISH NATIONAL 4X - BIKE EVENT THIS WEEKEND/

The British National 4X Bike event is heading to South West Extreme Bike Park in Abbotsham, Bideford (across the road from the BIG Sheep) on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th August for round 5 and 6 of the 7 round competition. 

 














WEEKEND TIMETABLE
Saturday 11th August - Schwalbe British 4X Series Round 5:

• 10.00am Open Practice
• 11.00am Gate Practice - Fun, Big Fun, Juvenile, Youth, Master, Veteran, Girls
• 11.30am Gate Practice - Junior, Senior & Pro Elite
• 12.00 Midday Track Closed Lunch.
• 12.30pm Racing starts - 3 Moto Format
• 1/8 Finals
• 1/4 Finals
• Semi Finals
• Finals
• 4.30pm Presentations

Sunday 12th August - Schwalbe British 4X Series Round 6:

• 09.00am Open Practice
• 10.00am Gate Practice - Fun, Big Fun, Juvenile, Youth, Master, Veteran, Girls
• 10.30am Gate Practice - Junior, Senior & Pro Elite
• 11.00 Midday Track Closed Lunch.
• 12.00pm Racing starts - 3 Moto Format
• 1/8 Finals
• 1/4 Finals
• Semi Finals
• Finals
• 4.30pm Presentations 

FREE ENTRY FOR SPECTATORS! NOT TO BE MISSED!
FIND OUT MORE: WWW.NAKEDRACING.COM - 01237 880028  
Read the North Devon Focus Blogspot Post for National 4x Championship 2010 
Explore Abbotsham with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

Keeping up with Tradition. All the fun of the Woolsery Show

We had a great day at the Woolsery Show, here are just some of the pictures from the event which was held at Clovelly Court on the 30th July. Check out the slide-show below. You can also view the photos on North Devon Focus Flickr.

North Devon Focus Flickr
Explore Woolsery with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour
Putting on a Grand Show 2005
Parade of Champions 2005

Get your walking boots on for Devon's marine wildlife

Challenge yourself by walking one of the most stunning stretches of the North Devon coastline and support Devon's marine wildlife by raising at least £50 for Devon Wildlife Trust on Saturday 11 August. Leaving Ilfracombe, DWT's Challenge Walk finishes 23 miles later at Braunton, or for those who prefer a shorter trek, after just 9 miles at Woolacombe. Learn about the amazing wildlife which lives on the shore and beneath the waves and why it is important to protect this stretch of coastline. Devon Wildlife Trust's event organiser, Dan Smith, said: 'Devon's marine wildlife is under threat, but with the efforts of local people DWT is campaigning and fundraising to help protect it. Keen walkers can do their bit by raising at least £50 on our North Coast Challenge Walk. One of the Trust's volunteers in Ilfracombe has already raised a wonderful £200 from shops and businesses in the town and surrounding area. All the money raised will go towards the vital work of the Devon Wildlife Trust helping wildlife both in the sea and on land. It's easy to pay for and register your place on the walk, just visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org/walk-challenge/ ' The walk follows part of the Bideford to Foreland Point recommended Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ). MCZ's are a new designation to create a network of 127 marine protected areas around the UK, including 16 off the coasts of Devon. Currently less than 0.001% of the UK's seas are legally protected from damaging activities. The Wildlife Trusts are lobbying the government to make sure all these sites are designated. Dan Smith added: 'With luck, our walkers might spot grey seals and gannets out at sea, along with a variety of wildflowers, birds and butterflies on the cliff-top grassland and heathland. There are regular bus links at the start, finish and mid-points of the walk so you can leave the car at home! Everyone taking part in this sponsored walk will be doing their bit towards securing a future of North Devon's spectacular wildlife.' The 23 mile route starts at Ilfracombe and finishes in Braunton (option to take a shorter 9 mile challenge walk). There is a £10 registration fee and participants need to raise at least £50 sponsorship to take part. Regular bus links at start, finish and mid-points of the walk. To register visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org/walk-challenge/ 

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

Author Liz Shakespeare has deep roots in the North Devon Countryside

Author, Liz Shakespeare, was born in Devon and the family stories she grew up with and the sense of being deeply rooted in the area have, she feels, influenced her writing. She draws her inspiration from the North Devon countryside, from the strong historical identity of the area and the sense of past lives that can be experienced in any long-inhabited area. She is interested in social history and particularly in the lives of the less advantaged. A synopsis for each book follows, Liz's books are available from www.lizshakespeare.co.uk
The Turning of the Tide. Young and vulnerable Selina Burman from Clovelly and her two young children are confined in the harsh environment of Bideford Workhouse. Her prospects improve when she meets Dr Ackland, a popular G.P. committed to social change. He employs her as a servant in his own household, despite the doubts of his wife and the Bideford community. Selina's work gives satisfaction, but her search for love and security does not conform to the expectations of a middle class Victorian family and threatens to damage both her own future and Dr Ackland's career. Set in Bideford and Clovelly, this novel draws on newspaper articles, letters and census returns, and powerfully brings to life the factual origins of the story.  

Fever: A Story from a Devon Churchyard. How many of us have wandered through a country churchyard and been moved by the memorials to young children? In this book the author sets out to discover the truth behind a number of graves dating from just one year in a nineteenth century Devon village. Her compelling investigation reveals the harsh reality of life in a small village before the days of effective medical care. By skilfully weaving social history, research and imaginative reconstruction she builds a sympathetic portrait of a community in the midst of adversity. It is a story common to many rural communities; it is impossible to remain unmoved by the knowledge that this story is true. 

The Memory Be Green: An Oral History of a Devon Village Within living memory village life has changed beyond recognition. Yet the old ways have not disappeared completely for they survive in the memories of our older neighbours. In this book men and women born early in the twentieth century recall a vanished way of life: a time when large families kept a pig to supplement a simple diet; every drop of water was carried from the village pump; the whole village turned out to help with the hay harvest and life was as slow and steady as the horse which pulled the plough. 

Reviews of Liz's books can be seen at www.lizshakespeare.co.uk