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 

Leaving a natural legacy. Will for Wildlife Week 15 - 21 October 2012

From cuckoos to curlews, gifts in wills can help Devon Wildlife Trust protect some of our most precious animals and natural places. During Will for Wildlife Week, from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 October, Devon Wildlife Trust is encouraging wildlife-lovers to leave a legacy that will help protect nature for future generations. Across Devon, Devon Wildlife Trust manages 48 special wild places including wetlands, wildflower meadows and urban wildlife nature reserves. A gift in someone's will can play a vital role in allowing this work to continue. Recent legacies received by Devon Wildlife Trust have been put to good use helping provide summer nest sites for swifts, restoring ancient hedgerows, creating homes for dragonflies and improving public access at nature reserves. Devon Wildlife Trust works to protect our species and habitats which are under threat and gifts in wills, of any size, can help with this work. Someone who remembers Devon Wildlife Trust in their will could help to create a new nature reserve, help with work to protect much-loved plants and animals such as providing riverbank homes for otters, or support our work to educate and empower local communities to take action for wildlife. Sir David Attenborough, President Emeritus of The Wildlife Trusts, said: "A legacy to your local Wildlife Trust is a very special gift that can do remarkable things to help the wildlife treasures on your doorstep. Please, consider remembering The Wildlife Trusts in your will." Dan Smith of Devon Wildlife Trust, added: "We believe many people would like to write, or update, their will to reflect their current situation but simply haven't got round to it yet. A clearly written will, kept updated throughout your life, is essential to ensure that your wishes are respected." Anyone considering leaving a gift to Devon Wildlife Trust in their should first contact The Trust's Dan Smith on 01392 279244 or email him at dsmith@devonwildlilfetrust.org

Photo copyright Bryan Thorne

 

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