TAKE PART IN THE BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH THIS WEEKEND

The world's biggest wildlife survey, Big Garden Birdwatch, now in its 34th year, is nearly here and you could help make it the biggest one yet! Please help the RSPB create a 'snapshot' of bird numbers in your area simply by counting the birds in your garden (or local park) for one hour at any time over the weekend of 26-27 January.  Big Garden Birdwatch helps the RSPB understand how garden birds are doing, so the more people who take part, the more they can learn. Register today and make submitting your results on the weekend quicker and easier. Plus, you'll also get £5 off your next purchase on the online shop as a thank you (offer runs until 3 February 2013).

BE PREPARED: MAKE TIME FOR WINTER

Make Time for Winter, that's the message from the Highways Agency. You never know when you might need an Emergency Pack! It’s easy; just gather together the items below and pack in the car at the start of the winter season, leaving you concentrate on more immediate matters, like how you are going to get there…
Your emergency kit should include:
• Ice scraper and de-icer
• Torch and spare batteries
• Warm clothes and a blanket
• Boots
• First aid kit
• Jump leads
• Mobile phone charger
• Food and a warm drink in a vacuum flask
• A shovel
• Reflective warning sign
• Road atlas
• Sunglasses (the glare off snow can be dazzling)
Don’t forget to take any personal medication too

For more handy tips when driving this winter visit www.highways.gov.uk/winter

Time for a North Devon Break. Focus on Bucks Mills

Happy New Year from the North Devon Coast & Country Chronicle Time for a North Devon Break. Let's explore the quieter side of Bideford Bay around the pretty coastal village of  Bucks Mill. Bucks Mills is a hide-away village on the Atlantic Heritage coast just off the A39 Atlantic Highway between Bideford and Clovelly. Mainly comprising holiday cottages, once associated with three famous families, the Careys, The Pine-Coffins and The Braunds. This is an ideal base for South West Coastal Path Walkers with dramatic stretches to Peppercombe and Westward Ho! in one direction and Clovelly to Hartland Point in the other. No facilities in the village itself but excellent local produce and general stores sold at Bucks Cross Post Office Stores. There is a large car park before you get to the village, located down a long and winding road through ancient woodland. Excellent sandy beach with rock pools at low tide so perfect for family breaks. Nearest holiday park is Bideford Bay, just passed the post office stores, which has excellent facilities for families. Ideal location for families and walkers. Points of Interest: Church of St, Annes for Cream Teas in the Summer season and nature walks through Bucks Woods and the South West Coast Path, Lime Kiln, ancient Quay. Bucks Mills Car Park EX39 5DY: - Bus Service: 319 Barnstaple via Bideford to Bucks Cross. North Devon and Bideford Bay Area Map

• Explore Bucks Mills with the North Devon Focus Picture
• Stay Melinda's Cottage, 5 Forest Gardens, 5 minute walk from the beach
• Places to Stay North Devon