May Day to Mid-Summer Highlights. A celebration of North Devon Coast and Countryside events

The Swallows are here, though I am still waiting for the House Martins and Swifts to appear. This is my favourite time of year when hedgehogs, butterflies and bees stir from their slumber. Bluebells and Ramsons abound in our wooded valleys, on the Hartland Heritage stretch of the South West Coast Path and beneath the hedgerows beside the Atlantic Highway. There will be May Day Celebrations, Village Fetes and Fairs in Northam, Great Torrington and Ilfracombe but check the local press for other town and village events. Ilfracombe’s Landmark Beer & Music Festival runs from May Day to the 4th May They will be celebrating their 15th anniversary so looks like a fun Bank Holiday for all. If you’re visiting Hartland Abbey on the 3rd May look out for the intrepid Hartland Hartbreak Runners and give them a cheer. On the Art Front, back in Bideford there will be a Drawing Symposium at the Burton Art Gallery and Museum. The village of Bradworthy will be hosting it's annual three day Bradworthy Arts Festval. Artists around the region will be opening up their homes and studios for the annual North Devon Art Trek. We also see the first of two newly themed Toddler Take Over Days at the Big Sheep and as usual they have some great fun days for bigger folk planned including North Devon’s Cream Tea Challenge, a Classic Car Shine and Show, Father’s Day and Armed Forces Day. On the coast Clovelly will be hosting a series of Clovelly Lectures, the Lundy Gig Row and their inaugural Seaweed Festival, the first annual event held to promote seaweed for its immense health and nutritional benefits. At the end June Hartland Abbey will be the elegant location for an amazing Charity Ball, Grand Auction and Musical Extravaganza all part of the 5th Mid-Summer Charity Weekend which will be raising money for North Devon Hospice and CRUK. Please scroll down for all event details....oh nearly forgot Woolly the Sheep's Surprise Birthday Bash is 28th June. sshh...
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Ilfracombe May Day Celebrations - Monday 4 May. Parade starts at 11am from Wilder Road car park and will include musicians and dancers followed by Morris dancers and local school children performing Maypole. Traditional country dancing from 12pm on the seafront. CANCELLED See website for details

Mayday-4th May Landmark Beer & Music Festival celebrates its 15th anniversary with our best line-up of music to date and includes: Skata Tones, Iron Tyger, The Liquidators aka, Yazzy, Sam Fearon, Skylark, Where's Chrissy Bean? and Ilfracombe Rocks.
2nd/3rd and 4th May Bradworthworthy Arts Festival Visit Website for details
3rd May Hartland Hartbreak Run, Hartland Abbey. It's 13 (ish) miles of uphill, downhill, through rivers, bogs and hedges and some really stunning scenery. We are starting and finishing from the fabulous Hartland Abbey. You'll encounter the beautiful gardens of the Abbey - with bluebells in full flight - and then the rugged and unrelenting South West Coast Path. After a quick trip around Hartland Lighthouse it's into the deepest darkest Devonshire countryside.

8th May Drawing Symposium at the Burton Art Gallery and Museum. 10am - 4pm. Drawing: Art and Practice. Organised in collaboration with North Devon Arts and the Burton Art Gallery, thi symposium will explore " what drawing means to artists?" Chaired by Eilean Eland speakers include Professor Anita Taylor, Director of the Jerwood Drawing Prize Project and Dean of Bath School of Art and Design, Sara Dudman Jerwood Prize winner 2014 and Mike Stocks Tattoo artist. The day will also include short interactive workshops. £45 full price £40 concession (over 60, student ID, Friend or NDA member) Lunch and refreshments included. To book a place contact the Burton on 01237471455 or download a booking form from www.burtonartgallery.co.uk
8th May Live Music at the Clinton Arms In the wake of their performance at the BBC2 Folk Awards, Alt Folk band Wildwood Kin will be playing their first gig in North Devon at The Clinton Arms in Frithelstock , Devon .They are one of the many quality music acts that appear at the Clinton Arms free live music sessions every Friday. Wildwood Kin to play their first North Devon Gig Visit Website for for further details or Tel: 01805 623279

14th May Toddler Take Over Days at The BIG Sheep Bugs & Butterflies. Every parent and grandparent knows just how much energy a young toddler can burn up, leaving you feeling exhausted at the end of a day. So if you want your toddler to enjoy something stimulating, imaginative and energetic then book a date in your diary and come along to one of The BIG Sheep’s newly themed Toddler Takeover Days: Visit website for details

May 23rd - June 7th 2015 North Devon Art Trek. North Devon Art Trek 2015 is an open studio event. Over three weekends artists will open up their homes and studios to invite you in to see their work and in some cases organize workshops and demonstrations. Art Trek brochures which include all participating artists and a map and will be available from April. Visit Website for more details
Sunday 30th May North Devon’s CREAM TEA CHALLENGE at the Big Sheep, Abbotsham. According to celebrity cook, Mary Berry, ‘The secret of good scones is not to handle them too much before baking, and to make the mixture on the wet, sticky side.’ Do you have your own secret ingredient for baking the perfect scone, if so you could be crowned winner at the inaugural North Devon Cream Tea challenge. Visit website for details.

JUNE
5th June MS Oldenburg Jazz Cruise from Bideford Quay. Northam Lodge's annual Cruise from 7.15pm to 9.15pm to raise funds for our severely learning disabled residents and their carers. Visit website for more details Email: annabelcope@northamlodge.co.uk

Saturday 6th June CLOVELLY LECTURES 'An interesting and informative lecture with question and answer session.' Admiral The Right Honourable Baron West of Spithead GCB DSC PC ADC DUniv and FORMER FIRST SEA LORD will be speaking at the latest CLOVELLY LECTURE "Can the Royal Navy still Defend British shores? 'Blood-Letting' on Aircraft Carriers & 'Chilling Impact' of Cyber Warfare." Born in 1948, West joined the Royal Navy in 1965, serving in fourteen different ships and commanding three. In 1982 he commanded HMS Ardent which was sunk during the Falklands War. West was the last to leave the sinking ship and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. For several years he was head of naval intelligence and Chief of Defence Intelligence during the Kosovo war and then became Admiral in November 2000 and Commander-in-Chief Fleet, NATO Commander-in-Chief Atlantic and NATO Commander Allied Naval Forces North. He led the UK maritime response to 9/11 and the invasion of Afghanistan. In 2002 Lord West was appointed First Sea Lord and also the First and Principal Naval aide-de-camp to H.M. The Queen. He also led the Navy in the initial invasion of Iraq and the demand by the Royal Navy for a major ceremony of the Trafalguar Bicential Year. Lord West completed his term as First Sea Lord in February 2006 and became an advisor on Conservative and Labour Foreign Policy. He was asked by Gordon Brown to join the Government as one of the GOATs (Government Of All Talents), responsible for national security, counter-terrorism, Cyber and Olympics security, after having produced the UK's first ever National Security and Cyber Security strategies including ground breaking strategies for countering international terrorism. Lord West was appointed the first Chancellor of Southampton Solent University, Naval Trustee of the Imperial War Museum, Knight Commander of the Order of The Bath in 2000, Knight Grand Cross in 2004, a Baron in 2007, Privy Counsellor in 2010. He is Chairman of QinetiQ Defence Advisory Board, Chairman of National Security Forum, and Chairman and strategic advisor for a number of companies For more information please contact Email:clgenmail@gmail.com Telephone: 01237 431200

Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th June Lundy Gig Row. The row from Clovelly to Lundy and back across 32 miles of open seas is a huge test of endurance - depending upon the weather and tides it can take up to four hours. The gig teams leave Clovelly at 8am and arrive at Lundy about 11am. They leave Lundy the following day at about 1pm, and arrive back at Clovelly at about 4pm. So come along and support the brave crews! It makes for a thrilling day

Sunday 14th June, Seaweed Festival at Clovelly in aid of the N. Devon Hospice. The first annual event held to promote seaweed for its immense health and nutritional benefits. As it is hugely versatile, quay kitchens will be serving a wide variety of dishes and stalls will be selling a wide range of seaweed products and seaweed arts and crafts. .There will also be live music, demonstrations, talks and walks throughout the day. Children will enjoy storytelling, street entertainment and The National Trust event-themed craft activities

Sunday 14th June  Classic Car Shine & Show at the Big Sheep from 10.00am to 3.00pm the North Devon Sports and Classic Car Club will join forces with the Ultimate Classic Car weekend organized by Unmissable Events to give you an opportunity to see some of the best classic cars in the South West. Visit website for more details 
17th June Boo Hewerdine Live at Tapeley Park with support from Roseanna Ball. BOO HEWERDINE is one of the UK's foremost singer-songwriters and producers. His work includes lead singer and creative force behind The Bible, formed in the 1980s, as well as solo recordings and work for film. He has also produced records by several artists, including a long association with Eddi Reader. He has been described as "one of Britain's most consistently accomplished songwriters". If you're a fan of truly great songwriting, this intimate gig is one not to be missed. Contact Ben Clarke neb1355@hotmail.com for details

Sunday 21st June Country Fair & Dog Show, Furze Park, Nr Winkleigh EX19 8PG 11am-5pm. A Fantastic Family Day out Adults £5 children under 15 Free. TEL NO: 01805 804347. EMAIL:suefolland@hotmail.co.uk. Visit website for further details. 

21st June Fathers Day at the Big Sheep every Dad who is accompanied by a full paying child (under 16 years) will be admitted FREE of charge. Visit website for details

Friday 26th June to Sunday 28th June The Mid Summer Charity Weekend which takes place at Hartland Abbey, raising money for North Devon Hospice and CRUK - all details can be found on www.abbeymidsummer.co.uk

Friday 26th June 2015 Mid Summer Charity Ball. Get dressed up and join us for a wonderful night out, in our beautiful marquee, enjoy the welcome reception, 4 course dinner, live music , grand auction, champagne bar and many surprises throughout the evening. For details visit www.abbeymidsummer.co.uk
27th June Armed Forces Day at the Big Sheep. FREE entry to all Armed Forces on Saturday 27th June. Enjoy a day out with your family on us, to say a BIG thank you. Please provide some ID upon arrival. FREE entry for immediate family, this includes children and spouses.

Saturday 27th June 2015 Hartland Abbey’s “Live at the Abbey”. Let us entertain you with a musical extravaganza, 3 course dinner and lots of fun surprises. For tickets/details visit www.abbeymidsummer.co.uk
28th June Dogs Trust Annual Fun Day 11am-4pm at Mullacott Equestrian Centre, Near Ilfracombe, EX34 8NA. Annual Fun Day including a Fun Dog Show, Have-a-Go Agility, games for kids and dogs, bouncy castle, BBQ and The Voice FM. IN AID OF: Dogs Trust. Contact EMAIL: Anita.McIntyre@dogstrust.org.uk Visit Dogs Trust Website 

28^th June Woolly's Birthday Bash at the Big Sheep. Excitement is mounting at the BIG Sheep’s award winning family attraction as staff get ready to plan a huge surprise party for Woolly, the BIG Sheep’s giant mascot. Visit website for details  

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

Photo Copyright P. Adams (All rights reserved)

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

Wild flowers get vicar's blessing

The wild flowers of one special churchyard in North Devon have received the blessings of their local vicar. On the morning of Tuesday 28th April a new wildlife meadow in the churchyard of the 13th century church of St. Petroc's, Petrockstowe, was formally blessed by the Reverend Susanna Metz before being opened with the presentation of a plaque on which part of the inscription reads: "This area is specially managed for the care of God's creations in need of a helping hand." Last year Devon Wildlife Trust, through its Nature Improvement Area project, began work with St Petroc's Parochial Church Council to improve the wildlife of the churchyard. Now an area has been set aside to allow native wildflowers to bloom and seed. Once the seeds have set, the area will be cut for hay and then 'recycled', by being fed to local livestock. The area selected contains no graves. The PCC have decided that initially a strip of ground will be allocated for the wildflower meadow for three years, when a decision regarding expansion of this area will be taken. A small team of local people has been appointed to keep an eye on its success monitoring the plant and insect life of the meadow. The Rev Susanna Metz blessed the wildflowers at a service attended by parishioners. She said: "On Rogation days in our team, we routinely bless our fields and farms, so it seems right to ask God's blessing on our efforts to secure a place for the insects, that are so vital for our food sources, to flourish. The church must be on the forefront of protecting the gift of creation - the environment - we've been given. We hope with this area to show how beauty, our own health, and the health of our world are interconnected." Chris Smith, Chair of St Petroc's Parochial Church Council, said: "With 98% of England's flower rich meadows having been lost in the past sixty years, every area of wild flower meadow, no matter how small, is helpful as a food source for bumblebees and butterflies, essential pollinators of our food crops." Lisa Schneidau, Project Manager for the Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area, said: "We are delighted that St Petrock's Church has decided to manage part of this churchyard for wildlife, for the whole parish to enjoy. Projects like this, which are started and driven by the local community, are an essential part of helping to restore, manage and celebrate Devon's natural landscapes. St Petroc's is to be congratulated for its valuable work for Devon's wildlife."

 The Rev Susanna Metz and parishioners at the blessing of the wildflowers at St Petroc's church, Petrockstowe Photos copyright DWT (All rights reserved)

Final 24 hours to help protect north Devon's marine wildlife

The Government's public consultation on creating more protected areas for marine wildlife - including two sites off the north Devon coast - closes on Friday evening (24th April). That means there is still time for anyone who wants to see a thriving marine environment in the south west to add their support for creating new Marine Conservation Zones. Twenty three potential Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) have been included in the Government's current public consultation. Bideford to Foreland Point is one: this stunning section of coast, stretching from the mouth of the Taw estuary all the way into Exmoor National Park, is enjoyed by thousands of walkers every year. The marine animals living off this coast include the harbour porpoises and dolphins regularly spotted off Morte Point and Baggy Point, along with the array of colourful anemones and starfish seen in the rockpools of Ilfracombe and Combe Martin. 

Richard White, Devon Wildlife Trust's Senior Marine Conservation Officer, said: "The two new proposed MCZs at Bideford to Foreland Point and Hartland Point to Tintagel are home to a stunning variety of marine life. Their collections of corals and sponges form a beautiful backdrop to shoals of colourful fish. All will benefit from the protection provided by becoming Marine Conservation Zones." Public support for the creation of protected areas for marine wildlife played a significant part in the first designation of MCZs in 2013. That's why Devon Wildlife Trust is encouraging people who love the beach, the sea and the wildlife they support to take part in the final day of the Government consultation. 

Richard White commented: "Devon Wildlife Trust urges anyone who cares about the future of the South West's marine life to back these MCZs and take part in the government's consultation process. Responding takes 5 minutes online - but it's five minutes that could make a real difference for our precious marine life." 

Responses to the consultation on Marine Conservation Zones can be made until Friday evening on the Defra website at www.gov.uk or The Wildlife Trusts' website at www.wildlifetrusts.org/mcz

 Photo Beadlet Anemone copyright Paul Naylor (All rights reserved)

 Photo Harbour Porpoise copyright Colin Speedie (All rights reserved)

North Devon's Mind, Body & Soul Festival EWE2 Arena at The BIG Sheep Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th April

North Devon's inaugural Mind, Body & Soul Festival will take place at The BIG Sheep family attraction in Bideford on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April. With all the pressures of modern life it's so easy to feel stressed.... but what exactly is stress? Stress is a modern, widely used buzzword that's used to describe the pressure of modern day, leaving people unable to cope. This new festival will be like no other and promises to leave visitors feeling relaxed, pampered and give them all the tools they will need to lead happier and more fulfilled lives We may live in a world that has more appliances and technology to make for a more comfortable life than previous generations - but does that mean we have better and more fulfilling lifestyles? In today's busy world where more of us have to work in demanding jobs as well as raising a family we have very little time left over for ourselves and when we do find time, we feel guilty about enjoying some 'me' time and this undoubtedly plays havoc with our well-being. The Mind, Body & Soul Festival which is sponsored by 'My Town: Bideford' will give visitors an opportunity to come along to find out ways in which to nourish their mind, body and soul. There is already a wealth of exhibitors and activities planned for the event including yoga, tai chi, allergy testing, beauty treatments, relationship and personal life coaching, healing, pilates, holistic therapies, massage, physics, prayer and much more. 

Diana Brook, creator of the hugely popular 'The Mind, Body and Soul Workout Guide' and guest speaker at the festival believes that looking and feeling great on the outside starts with promoting health on the inside and says, "Our thoughts, emotions, nutrition, work, and family life all influence our wellbeing. By increasing awareness of the mind, body, and soul, we can gain a fresh perspective on how to care of our health and begin healing." Diana who is a natural health & healing practitioner based in South Wales will inspire visitors with her talk on Coloured Light Therapy. Diana's aim will be to encourage individuals to become aware of the healing energies of light to promote physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing' 

Rick Turner, director of the BIG Sheep and brains behind the Festival, is confident this inaugural festival will prove to be a huge success and lead to the development of an annual festival and said, 'We want our visitors to enjoy the wide range of experiences at our Mind Body & Soul Event and, at the same time, feel confident that they are in good hands. All our exhibitors have been recommended to us so we are confident we have created a safe, honest and ethical environment that allows visitors to come along secure in the knowledge that they will be treated with respect, that they can trust the advice or service they require and that they will enjoy their day. As well as having an opportunity to talk to therapists there will be a series of taster sessions, workshops and talks for visitors to enjoy.' Rick has been surprised by the level of interest that the event has generated to date and adds. 'Taking care of our physical and spiritual needs is an important element in caring for our whole selves and I'm sure those attending the Festival will be able to enjoy happier and more fulfilled lives.

North Devon's Mind, Body & Soul Festival EWE2 Arena at The BIG Sheep Saturday 25th & Sunday 26th April. If you would like to book a physic reading or any of the tasters session on the Mind, Body & Soul Festival log on to www.thebigsheep.co.uk and book your space.
 

Photo copyright thebigsheep (All rights reserved)

Tap here for more Spring and Summer Events at the Big Sheep Family Attraction  

NORTH DEVON'S MIND BODY AND SOUL FESTIVAL Meet the Exhibitors

MEET THE

   EXHIBITORS   

NORTH DEVON'S MIND BODY AND SOUL FESTIVAL

SATURDAY 25TH AND SUNDAY 26TH APRIL

   

Devon's Large Attraction of the Year 2014 

RELAX AND UNWIND....

Meet the exhibitors that will be joining us at our  Mind, Body and Soul Festival on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th April. Book your treatments and tickets!

More information on all our amazing exhibitors coming this week!

North Devon Hypnotherapy 'North Devon Hypnotherapy' provides clinical hypnotherapy and spiritual hypnotherapy, helping with the stress and anxieties of every day life. Book your Hypnotherapy taster sessions and Hypnotherapy group talk

Christine Manley Christine Manley offers allergy testing and reflexology using a simple and non-invasive method to identify intolerances. Book your admission tickets today Christine will be offering allergy taster tests during the weekend

North Devon Tai Chi/ Tui Na 'North Devon Tai Chi' offer classes in Tai Chi, Tui Na. They will be offering Tui Na full and taster sessions. Tui Na is a form of Chinese massage which is used to treat skeletal and muscular problems as well as internal organ and mental issues.     Book your Tui Na taster sessions

Teeki UK    'Teeki UK' take water bottles and turn them into clothes, giving them purpose again through an eco-friendly process. Book your admission tickets to see Teeki UK's collection

North Devon Therapeutic Massage 'North Devon Therapeutic Massage' offer an enjoyable healing tool which promotes good health and well being. Book your admission tickets North Devon Therapeutic Massage will be offering sessions to book on the day

Celia Estella Celia is a gifted Clairvoyant, Medium and Healer, specializing in matters of the heart and soul. Book you admission tickets Readings can be booked with Celia on the day

R and R Spa

'R&R Spa' a luxury North Devon haven where you can enjoy a range of gentle therapeutic treatments  which will leave you feeling Relaxed - and ready to get back on top of your job and busy family life.

Book your Indian Head Massage taster with R&R Spa

LOCAL MUSICIANS PLEASE NOTE. Competition Soundtrack on Your Road Trip

Fantastic opportunity for local musicians to put the perfect Soundtrack on this video and be in with a chance of winning £2000's worth of studio time. The music can be in whatever style you feel inspired to create – for example, electronic dance music (EDM), heavy metal or orchestral as long as it’s inspired by the video and fits its exact length. The competition ends on April 17. Travelsupermarket.com have filmed five road trips in five different locations around the UK, here is the one for the Atlantic Highway. Good luck everyone...

 Tap link for Soundtrack Competition Details when you view the video.

Leave a comment if you like this

Nature: This general election's missing issue?

West Country's leading nature charities unite to put nature on the agenda The National Trust, RSPB and The Wildlife Trusts are calling on people across the West Country to put nature at the heart of debate in the run up to May's General Election and encourage candidates to support nature. Together the three charities have produced South West Nature 2015 - a new website that details landscapes, wildlife and the issues these face, across all 55 Westminster constituencies in the south west. 

Speaking for the partnership, Harry Barton (CEO of Devon Wildlife Trust) said; "Nature is the missing issue from this general election. We need greater political commitment to nature's recovery and fundamental changes in how we value, use and interact with nature. This is as relevant to the stunning wildlife we have in our seas as it is to our internationally famous landscapes. What happens in the next parliament, and the decisions our elected representatives make, are going to be crucial to the nature we cherish and depend on." 

The charities are encouraging people to visit the website - www.swnature2015.org - or to find it on their local Wildlife Trust website, and discover the big nature issues where they live, then ask their local parliamentary candidates to show that they care about nature and that they will work individually and within their party to look after wildlife and natural spaces. 

Sarah O'Brien, South West External Affairs Advisor speaking for the National Trust said: "The South West has some of the country's most stunning landscapes and richest habitats, all surrounded by our world class coastline. Our natural environment is important in its own right, but it also underpins our economy, health and our wellbeing. Yet nature is in decline. It is vital that we halt this decline and secure nature's recovery in a generation, not only for its own sake, but for what it does for us." 

Simon Brenman speaking for The SW Wildlife Trusts said: "Our environment is under more pressure than ever before. The State of Nature report published in 2013 found that 60% of UK species we know about are in decline and many of the "free", but invaluable, services provided by nature are under threat, such as pollination, resilience to flooding, clean water supply, and food production." 

The charities, who have the support of hundreds of thousands of people across the West Country, say that nature is crucial to our economy, health and wellbeing.

Mark Robins, speaking for the RSPB in the South West said; "The West Country trades on the relative quality of its natural environment. It's one of the principle reasons why people choose to live, work and do business here." "But we need leadership, not only to commit to the recovery of nature, but also to make the most of the opportunities a thriving natural environment provides for healthier and more prosperous communities".  

To find out more visit www.swnature2015.org

'Nature is crucial to the South West's future prosperity, but are our politicians doing enough to safeguard it?' 

Photo:Devon Wildlife Trust's Emsworthy nature reserve, Dartmoor copyright Simon Williams (All rights reserved)

SCHOOL WORK EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT PRODUCES CAPTIVATING SURF FILM

A North Devon teenager has produced a captivating short film about local surf forecaster Trev "Toes" Lumley during his work experience week at North Devon Moving Image (NDMI). Fifteen year old Tom Taylor, who is a student at Pilton Community College in Barnstaple, says "When I saw the work experience blog on the North Devon Moving Image website I knew that this was the right place to go. Film making is a career I want to go into when I'm older so this was the perfect opportunity to see what it involves and what it takes to do film making." "I chose to make a film about the North Devon surfer and owner of Eyeball Surfcheck Trevor Lumley. Surfing is a much loved sport locally as much as it is around the world so I felt it would be interesting to make a film about it." Tom shot his film at Putsborough Beach where Eyeball Surfcheck have one of their webcams. In the film Trev describes his passion for surfing "It's like a really strong drug, it's like being addicted to something that you just can't let go." He also talks about the dilemmas he sometimes has with the surf reporting which brings surfers from far and wide to catch North Devon's waves, saying "I feel like Dr Frankenstein sometimes, like I've created a monster."
Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of North Devon Moving Image enjoys working with enthusiastic students like Tom "Outreach and skills sharing is a big part of what we do here at NDMI. It is really rewarding enabling young people to achieve their dreams. Tom really threw himself into the project and showed a lot of creativity and quick thinking which is essential in documentary film making. He even co-produced the music which has turned out to be a really key element in this film's success." "This was a real experience of the community film making business for Tom. As well as researching and producing his own film, Tom found out what it is like to run a small business and juggle time and money to maximise output."
Amanda thanked North Devon Councillors Brian Moores, Colin Payne and Chris Turner who are all supporting the NDMI Outreach programmes with funding from their community grants this year "Without these generous contributions we would struggle to offer opportunities like this to North Devon's next generation of documentary film makers."
Tom summed up his week at NDMI "Working at North Devon Moving Image has been brilliant. I have had a real insight into what film making is about."

Tom's film is now part of the North Devon Moving Image collection and available to watch on the NDMI website http://www.northdevonmovingimage.org.uk and YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpBF315n8us

Photo: Trevor Lumley with young film maker Tom Taylor (15) from Pilton Community College

A dark day and bright night at Meeth Quarry nature reserve

Devon Wildlife Trust together with the North Devon Astronomical Society are inviting members of the public to join them for a unique viewing of the solar eclipse followed by star gazing at Meeth Quarry nature reserve. The event will take place on Friday 20 March. Experts will guide visitors through the solar eclipse using professional equipment. From 8am onwards the North Devon Astronomical Society will be at Devon Wildlife Trust's Meeth Quarry nature reserve with their hydrogen alpha telescope which filters light making it safe to look at the sun. Viewers will be able to see sun spots and spectacular prominences, these are huge loops tens of thousands of miles above the surface of the sun large enough the fit the earth through. Stuart Bartlett form North Devon Astronomical Society said "This partial eclipse seen in the South West, is a rare opportunity not to be missed. The moon will block out our view of the sun by approximately 93% which will create a noticeable dark sky". Stuart warns people not to look directly at the sun or through cameras or optical equipment at any time as this can cause permanent damage to eyes. All safety equipment, including solar film for binoculars, will be provided at this event. The solar eclipse will be at its maximum just before 9.30am but Devon Wildlife Trust invites visitors to arrive from 8am onwards. Jo Pullin from Devon Wildlife Trust said "bring a deckchair and enjoy our bacon butties while you watch this two hour spectacle." 

A separate star gazing event follows in the evening from 7.30pm looking at constellations and planets with North Devon Astronomical Society's telescopes. Jo Pullin said "Meeth Quarry nature reserve is easily accessible but far away from street lights and other light pollution which provides the perfect place to view the night skies at their best." Hot drinks and soup will warm viewers but wrap up warm and sturdy footwear is essential, torches advisable. Each session costs £3 per adult, children are free. Visitors are asked to bring solar viewing glasses if possible although some will be available to borrow. If there is cloud cover, the solar eclipse event will not take place and star gazing will be postponed until Sat 21 March. For updates on the day phone 01837 811889. 

 Photo: Andromeda Galaxy copyright Stuart Bartlett (All Rights Reserved)

Meeth Quarry DWT nature reserve is on the southern edge of the village of Meeth on the A386 between Hatherleigh and Great Torrington. Follow the access road for half a mile and the car park is on the left. Nearest postcode is EX20 3EP Check the Devon Wildlife Trust website for more information http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/whats-on/ 

A little Spring Bounce

I took this video of an incredible display from a male Blue Tit last Spring. Such a big effort from a teeny bird. He started what I think was his courting ritual in April, jumping to the log, fluttering up and down the window then across to the feeder and back again, the only sound "tappity tap" as he collided frequently with the window. Marvin's visits started early morning and went on for hours each day. For three weeks the ritual continued until he finally found his soulmate.

Spring has arrived early this year, as I am writing this I am thrilled to say Mr. Blue Tit is back again and has started his merry dance once more, I would like to think it’s Marvin. Around and around isn’t nature fantastic.

Window on the World: A short vido clip by P. Adams (2014)
Photo: Marvin's return 10/3/2015

Charity promises biggest ever Mother's Day bunch of flowers

Devon Wildlife Trust is offering a very special Mother's Day treat - and the good news is it's free. The charity cares for 50 of Devon's top places for nature and at one of these - Dunsford, near Exeter - this year's Mother's Day is set to coincide with the peak of its famous display of wild daffodils.
Devon Wildlife Trust's Steve Hussey said: 'Dunsford nature reserve contains one of England's biggest collections of wild daffodils. Every March these flowers bloom and together their delicate yellow flowers provide a spectacular natural spectacle. This year the signs are that the flowers will be at their best in the middle of the month, making it the perfect place for a Mother's Day stroll on Sunday 15 March.' Steve Hussey said: 'With the River Teign running through its heart, picturesque woodland walks and wonderful wildlife Dunsford attracts more than 40,000 visitors a year. It's a very special place at any time but in spring with the daffodils on show it makes the perfect place to take Mum and the rest of the family.'
The scene at Dunsford wasn't always so rosy. In the 1960s the wild daffodils were in steep decline as many were picked by unthinking visitors. There were even regular advertised 'daffodil picking' trips run by coach companies to the beauty spot. However, concerted campaigning by local people and a change in law to protect wildflowers means that this problem is largely a thing of the past.
Today it is the job of Devon Wildlife Trust's Andrew Bakere to look after Dunsford. Andrew said: 'We find that visitors today are very respectful of the wild daffodils. I think many realise just what a special natural event they are. Today people are content to just come and marvel at them.' Recently Andrew has been hard at work with the help of volunteers and funding from the English Woodland Grant Scheme to clear glades in Dunsford's riverside woodland. These glades are now providing light and space for the daffodils to grow. Andrew said: 'It's been hard work but rewarding. The wild daffodils last year were the best I've seen for years and we're hoping to top that display for Mother's Day this year. And it's not just the flowers that have benefited - birds including pied flycatchers breed here and use the glades to hunt insects in, while butterflies including silver-washed fritillaries bask in the warm, sheltered spots which they provide.' Dunsford's wild daffodils will be in bloom until the end of March.
Dunsford nature reserve is on the B3212 just inside the Dartmoor National Park boundary between Moretonhampstead and Exeter. Its main entrance is close to Steps Bridge over the River Teign. Like all of Devon Wildlife Trust's 50 nature reserves it is free to enter. For more details on Dunsford nature reserve visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org 

Daffodils at Dunsford. Photo copyright Kevin New. (All Rights Reserved)

"What is our rural landscape worth to us?" - five conversations - one play

The Common Charter Hall, Okehampton, March 14th, 7.30pm

Beaford Arts and China Plate present The Common. Spring 2014, five writers went to North Devon to explore what the rural environment means to its people. They got to know old farming families, incomers and returnees. They met rural life in mugs of tea at farmhouse kitchen tables, on windswept hills, under rusting barn roofs and from 'backies' on a farmer's quad bike. These encounters and conversations fed the writing of The Common, a performance work of five dialogues about life and land. Two performers (Charlotte Melia and Martin Hyder) play ten characters examining their relationships with each other and the landscape which connects them with life itself. 

Rural arts organisation and cultural ambassadors for North Devon's Biosphere Reserve, Beaford Arts initiated this project. "In north Devon, we've always known the value of our land." says Mark Wallace, Director of Beaford Arts "Now, as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and as one of Natural England's Nature Improvement Areas, we're increasingly under the national and international spotlight. But it's the rural communities, living with the land for generations, who made this landscape. This new show is about the values we still hold in common - about the voices which should still be heard." Six months on from its world premiere in North Devon, The Common is going on tour to four other NIAs - Meres & Moses, Morecambe Bay, Birmingham and Wild Purbeck. The Common is a local play with national significance, it captures the environmental zeitgeist and its universal relevance makes for vital viewing in every rural community. One of the five writers, Inua Ellams, said "It was a job of listening, of conversations that were heart breaking, overwhelming, passionate and multi-layered. When it came to writing, I didn't know where to start, but an idea crystallised after I met a farmer, his wife and two sons." "They told stories and anecdotes to illustrate how complicated a process it would be. How there are some aspects of the land that simply cannot be valued, that are (by that definition) priceless. He referred to us as townies, and he and his colleagues as country folk. He did not like townies. As a black African I'm used to prejudice, I found it refreshing, dare I say thrilling, to be prejudiced because of where I lived rather than the colour of my skin. As we talked and I asked the right questions, he began to relax and slowly 'you townies' became 'those townies'. We 'othered' them so we could point and laugh."
Talking about her part in the development process, another of the writing team, Charlotte Josephine explains "The piece I wrote was mainly inspired by meeting photographer Rosie Anderson. I read her charming 'personal post on a place called home' on her website on the train down and knew we'd be friends. Her passionate post about the closing of Hatherleigh Market really struck a chord with me. It's heart-breaking when we sacrifice tradition, community and culture for financial gain." 

The Common will be performed in Charter Hall, Okehampton, March 14th, 7.30pm Tickets are free but limited so booking is essential. Bookings through Eventbrite: 

Beaford Arts The Common - Photos copyright (All rights reserved) 

Read previous post about The Common 

 Beaford Arts www.beaford-arts.org.uk China Plate www.chinaplatetheatre.com

A wild life is a better life says charity

A Wild Life is a Better Life - all the evidence is there Sir David Attenborough highlights why the natural world is so important to us all South West charity wants to hear all about people's wild lives!

When we stop and think, we all know that nature is good for us - but how often do we stop and think? Devon Wildlife Trust is launching My Wild Life today which encourages us all to stop for a minute to reflect on what wildlife means to us and think about how to make wildlife part of our everyday lives. If we did this, not only would wildlife benefit, but so would we - because contact with nature is good for us. Those people lucky enough to live near and experience green spaces have a 50% chance of being more healthy - both physically and mentally and are 40% less likely to become overweight or obese.

Sir David Attenborough has travelled the world in search of wildlife but in London where he lives he can watch stag beetles flying in his garden and marvel at ancient trees in London's parks. Sir David, The Wildlife Trusts' President Emeritus, says: "Contact with nature should not be the preserve of the privileged. It is critical to the personal development of our children." This is why Devon Wildlife Trust is restoring wildlife and wild places in the county's towns and cities as well as in its wonderful countryside, and why we are encouraging people from all walks of life to share their own personal stories about what nature means to them.

Sir David Attenborough is one of hundreds of people taking part so far, alongside students, nurses, families, volunteers, teachers and many others from across the UK. From today his, and other stories, can be found at www.mywildlife.org.uk where people can add their own story and discover wild places near to them. Sir David continues "People turn to nature in moments of joy and in moments of sadness. We are part of the natural world: we depend on it for the air we breathe and the food we eat. The Wildlife Trusts are helping people to understand their role in the natural world and their dependency on it. This is essential if we are going to speed nature's recovery." 

Simon King OBE, The Wildlife Trusts' President, said: "People across the UK benefit from the work The Wildlife Trusts do - from nature therapy projects to forest schools, the thousands of wild places we care for and our work bringing back wildlife and natural processes to landscapes. We've always known that contact with nature can make a big difference to people's lives. The evidence is now building to back this up. We hope these stories inspire others to think about their relationship with the natural world and to make nature part of their life." 

Imogen, 15, from Exeter has been volunteering for Devon Wildlife Trust for the past six months and her story features in My Wild Life. Imogen says: "I volunteer for The Trust as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Award and I chose the charity because it looks after the things that I really care about. I love Devon as a place to grow up in. I body-board and swim in its seas, I love the feeling of freedom I get from walking on Dartmoor and I like sharing these spaces with its very special wildlife." 

Steve Hussey from Devon Wildlife Trust explained the thinking behind the My Wild Life campaign: 'The South West's landscapes and nature are what underpins our quality of life - they make this a special place to be. Unfortunately, in our busy daily lives we sometimes lose sight of this and the things that really matter. With My Wild Life we're asking people to stop, think and then tell us what their connection to nature is. We're interested in hearing all about people's wild lives!' Everyone can share their stories of the wildlife and wild places which matter to them and why, using #MyWildLife on twitter, facebook and Instagram. 

* Find inspiration - explore stories about people and nature at mywildlife.org.uk, including Sir David Attenborough's. 
* Share your wild life - share your 'Wild Life' and what nature means to you. Upload your story at mywildlife.org.uk or use #MyWildLife 
* Wild is better, pass it on - read and share our '10 Reasons Why Wild Is Better' infographic at mywildlife.org.uk 
* Make nature part of your life - see our ideas for putting the wild back in your life mywildlife.org.uk 
* Discover Devon's best Wild Walks at www.devonwildlifetrust.org/wild-walks/ 
* Start your wild life at one of hundreds of Devon Wildlife Trust events this year http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/whats-on/