Local wildlife records centre launches training days Devon Biodiversity Records Centre is this month launching a new programme of training courses focused on two of the county's most important wildlife habitats. The two-day courses are ideal for conservation professionals and consultants, as well as people just wanting to improve their botanical skills. Morning sessions are based at Woodah Farm in the Teign Valley, and then site visits are to nearby County Wildlife Sites and Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserves which are all known for their rich biodiversity. There are two courses planned; a Woodland Plant ID course in May and a Grassland Plant ID course in July. Each course costs £160 + vat (early bird fee) and is conducted over two days. The courses will focus on providing trainees with a better understanding of the habitat's ecology, survey methods and the necessary plant identification skills. Topics also covered during the courses will be habitat management techniques and how to identify invasive species. Ian Egerton, Devon Biodiversity Records Centre's Manager, said: "We have considered running training courses for some time as our survey staff have a high level of botanical experience and expertise specific to Devon's habitats. We were also keen to ensure that local courses were available at high quality sites in the county, so that travel could be kept to a minimum for both the environment and people's budgets. It's important that conservation professionals can add to their Continual Personal Development and we can also help train the next generation of wildlife enthusiasts who may be environmental students or budding botanists". For more information about the courses and to book a place visit www.dbrc.org.uk
Devon Wildlife Trust's (DWT) is offering its popular adopt a species scheme this month suggesting to supporters that it is a great alternative gift for Valentines Day. The adopt a species scheme, launched in 2009 through the DWT website, www.devonwildlifetrust.org and allows people to support the Trust's conservation work in Devon, protecting habitats and species for future generations to enjoy. People can choose to 'adopt' from a list of five lovable species: dormouse, otter, dolphin, bat and hedgehog. With each £20 donation, purchasers will receive a soft toy of their chosen species along with a welcome letter, fact sheet, certificate, a postcard of the species, a fun activity book, a pack of six colouring pencils and an update letter after six months. DWT's Phoebe Grubb said: 'This is a great way for people to support our work - adopt a species makes the perfect gift for nature loving adults at this time of the year! The packs come with great little cuddly animals and are a really nice way to show your love for someone special.' The money raised through the scheme goes towards the costs of carrying out conservation work throughout the county benefiting these species and the habitats that they need to thrive. To adopt a species today, visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org or call Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244.
While winter winds bite and the first snow flurries settle on the frozen ground I thought it would be a good time to look back on some of the highlights of 2011. The sun definitely shone on Hartland Abbey in July when it was visited by the BBC Antiques Roadshow. The programme was aired on the 8th of January and attracted over 6 million viewers. There are a host of other events at Hartland Abbey including the annual Spring Wildflower Walks. I went to my first Snowdrop Sunday in February 2008 now Snowdrop Sundays, Daffodil and Bluebell Days are firmly fixed on the North Devon Coast and Country Calendar. Hartland Abbey, the ancestral home of the Stucley Family, is located in a sheltered steep-sided valley flanked by a fast running stream and ancient woodland. From the majestic house a long meadow sweeps down to Blackpool Mill Cove and the sea. On Open Days the public are allowed to use the private footpath which meanders down to the beach between this tranquil meadow and the woods. This is a great walk for four-legged friends and all generations of the family. The not so nimble can stick to the footpath while the more agile can venture up through the woods via designated paths to explore the Summer House and the Gazebo beyond. The Gazebo is perched on the hillside high above the South West Coast Path and Blackpool Mill Cottage, location for BBC1's film adaptation of Jane Austen's "Sense and Sensibility". Blackpool Mill Cottage, became Barton Cottage and was, for a while, home to the Dashwoods. On Daffodil Sunday, a cold day in March we checked out the newly restored Summer House, and were delighted to find a log fire burning in this now inviting cosy hideaway. Although the big draw is the historic daffodils at this time of year there are also plenty of narcissus, primrose, dog violet and great swathes of pretty wood anemone. The ornamental cherry was flowering and huge buds were emerging on the old Rhododendron and Magnolia. On the way out we stopped to take shots of vibrant Spring Squill. April 25 and we are back for the Bluebell Walk. Spotted a Buzzard aloft, a little red Robin, small white, orange tip and speckled wood butterflies and heard a Peacock. Three donkeys loped down to see us off at the gate, black sheep were bleating on the upland while white sheep and lazy cattle snoozed on the meadow beside the Abbey River. The Summer House, now bathed in dappled light, is surrounded by fresh green woodland ferns and bluebells. The legendary bluebells, which stretch from the Walled Gardens to the sea, were magnificent carpeting the banks either side of the path, the blue haze continuing upwards through the woods. The Bluebells were accompanied by Red Campion, Ransom (Wild Garlic), Lesser Stitchwort, Speedwell and Dog Violet. Down at the beach a loud rolling surf was crashing on the rocks. Amazingly wild flowers thrive on this windswept coast. Thrift Sea Pinks and Kidney Vetch poke out from the crags and the cliff meadow is dotted with Sea Campion, Devils-bit Scabious, Daisies and Lesser Celandine. Blackpool Mill Cove sits between Hartland Quay and Hartland Point on the South West Coast Path and the coastal hills are covered in golden Gorse at this time of year. After the bracing walk back up the meadow, beside the Abbey River, it was time for a well-earned cup of tea. There was a selection of homemade cakes, cream teas and our pasties arrived piping hot from the Abbey Kitchen Aga. Happy Days!
Don’t miss the next episode of BBC Antiques Roadshow from Hartland Abbey on 26th February
Hartland Abbey Wild Flower Walks 2012 11th and 12th February 2012 from 11 am-4 pm Snowdrop Weekend Saturday 17th and Sunday, 18 March 2012, from 11am-4pm Daffodil Days and Mothering Sunday Sunday 22 to Sunday 29 April 2012 from 11am to 5pm Bluebell Week *All cream teas and home-made cakes served in the old Abbey kitchens in aid of St. Nectan's Church Visit Hartland Abbey websitefor all special event information, House and Garden Opening times. Article by Pat Adams North Devon Focus Explore the Hartland Heritage Coast with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour
