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 

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