Get ready to celebrate B10 - North Devon's Biosphere Reserve 10th Anniversary

North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve celebrates the 10th anniversary of its designation this year. The anniversary (branded B10) will see individuals, organisations and businesses from around northern Devon contribute to an exciting programme of celebratory events in support of the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. From spring until autumn 2013 there will be entertainment, activities and presentations and with the variety of events on offer (and even a limited edition B10 beer!) there really will be something for everyone. North Devon Biosphere Coordinator Andy Bell says “Ten years is an important time for the Biosphere Reserve. As a new global accolade for our area's environment and culture, it takes time to get established. However, looking back, the community and Biosphere Reserve partnership have achieved so many things through the Biosphere Reserve that we should celebrate them and also look forward to what we can do in the next 10 years to keep this area world class." "Whether you are interested in the environment, the rural economy or interested in learning, the Biosphere Reserve has a facet that is of interest to you." The North Devon Biosphere catchment area follows the water from the source of the Taw & Torridge rivers (and smaller rivers running into the sea along the coast from Lynton to Hartland) down through the villages and towns of north Devon out to sea, to Lundy and beyond. The small towns of Chulmleigh, Witheridge, South Molton, Winkleigh, Hatherleigh, Torrington and their surrounding villages are within the Biosphere and are just as important to its existence and well-being as the world-famous Braunton Burrows sand dunes. It is not all about wildlife though, North Devon’s strong cultural and local identity are an important element in the Biosphere designation and the main message to its residents is sustainable living. Martin Wickham, of Marsdens Cottage Holidays, is a supporter of the Biosphere: "North Devon is more than just a pretty place - it is a place where our wonderful environment shapes every aspect of our lives and certainly supports tourism, the industry I'm involved with. As a family owned, locally-based business Marsdens is run by people who share a real passion for the area and care deeply about building a more sustainable future, which is exactly what the Biosphere Reserve is about. We are pleased to support it and have begun a pioneering customer donation scheme to do just that and hope that the B10 celebrations will encourage more people to support it and get involved." The events will be advertised locally and via the new interactive B10 website www.northdevonb10.org.uk. The events programme kicks off with RHS Rosemoor’s ECO FAIR on Saturday 6 April 2013. Just to add to the excitement there will be a free prize draw with some fabulous prizes donated by Biosphere business supporters and individuals in north Devon. There will be plenty of opportunities to enter the draw at B10 events and online from May to September 2013. 

View over Taw Torridge Estuary Photo copyright B10 North Devon Biosphere

UNESCO Biosphere Reserves are sites established by countries and recognised under UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme to promote sustainable development based on local community efforts and sound science. Biosphere Reserves seek to reconcile conservation of biological and cultural diversity and economic and social development through partnerships between people and nature. They are ideal to test and demonstrate innovative approaches to sustainable development from local to international scales. Local businesses can register their interest as business supporters via the Biosphere website: http://www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk/registration-for-businesses/  

For further information about B10 contact Amanda McCormack amanda.mccormack@devon.gov.uk Tel: 01271 860610 

For further information/quotes about North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve and the B10 celebrations please contact Andy Bell andrew.bell@devon.gov.uk Tel: 01271 388647 

Website:http://www.northdevonb10.org.uk 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NorthDevonB10 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NorthDevonB10

Notorious Street Performers MR WOODNOTE, LIL RHYS & EVA LAZARUS Live at the Factory, Barnstaple

Mr Woodnote, Lil Rhys & Eva Lazarus will be performing live at The Factory on Friday 19th April. Armed with a saxophone, loop pedals and practically whatever he can get his hands on; Mr.Woodnote creates every track, live on the spot, from scratch whilst Rhys and Eva drop their distinctive vocal flavors into the mix. Each with their own back story, Mr.Woodnote from Australia, Lil Rhys from Bristol and Eva Lazarus from somewhere in outer space, these three artists found each other through music and the bonds became as tough as the sounds they produce. Notorious street performances, heavyweight stage shows, regular collaborations and never playing the same set twice has been a driving force for the group and enabled their momentum to continuously build. They have supported, and collaborated with a wide array of acts including Dub FX, Foreign Beggars, Pete Philly, Dub Mafia, MC Xander, Snareophobe, Krafty Kutz, Joe Driscoll and Ill Skillz and relish any opportunity to make new and original music with creative and passionate artists. Their infectious and unique audio offerings have made them regulars at many home brewed festivals including Glastonbury, Shambala, Beatherder, the Edinburgh Fringe and also European events De Ski Dance and Loftas Fest. Support comes from The Breaks Collective bringing you a refreshing take on Hip Hop. They take inspiration from many styles of music including jazz, rap, hip hop, funk, soul, rock and R&B. Despite this wide range of influences the member of The Breaks collective knit melodies, beats and lyrics together to create unique musical and poetical flavor.

North Devons finest scratch turntablist Johnny Scratch with probably the largest collection of vinyl will be spinning some bad man tunes throughout the night.

Doors open at 8pm

Advance tickets £8 More on the door

Tickets available from: Beats Workin Barnstaple, Petroc Brannams Campus Reception, North Devon Theatres Box offices.

Online tickets available from: -www.undergroundtickets.net/event/379

Mr Woodnote

Mr Woodnote & Lil Rhys 'Space Dust' feat. Eva Lazarus

Countryside Mobility. The South West’s Beauty Spots Now Open to All.

The Countryside Mobility scheme, run by Devon charity Living Options Devon, is working to make the South West a truly ‘accessible’ tourism destination by improving access to the countryside for people with limited mobility. Based on the principle of urban Shopmobility schemes, ‘Tramper’ all-terrain mobility scooters and wheelchair accessible ‘Wheelyboats’ are now available for hire at more than 30 countryside locations across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Somerset with more to follow. James Maben, Countryside Mobility Project Manager said: “with such a varied selection of sites now involved, people with limited mobility have some fantastic opportunities to get out and explore the region.” “There is something for everyone – from wild Exmoor moorland to peaceful country parks and beautiful sections of the South West Coast Path.” “Feedback from people using the Trampers has been excellent and a number of our members have told us they planned a holiday in the region specifically as a result of the scheme being set up. This clearly demonstrates how the scheme is helping to make the south west a truly accessible visitor destination and I hope we can develop more partnerships within the tourism industry to improve accessibility at more visitor attractions.” The scheme has been supported with a grant from Natural England as part of its Access to Nature programme, funded from the Big Lottery Fund’s Changing Spaces programme. To hire Trampers people need to join the Countryside Mobility membership scheme which is £10.00 per year or £2.50 for 4 weeks. Becoming a member means people receive proper training in how to use the equipment safely and includes use of all Tramper sites in the South West. The equipment can be used by anyone who has a permanent or temporary mobility impairment that makes walking difficult. People do not have to be registered as disabled or have a Blue Badge. 

Full details about the scheme, the sites, and how to become a member can be found on the website www.countrysidemobility.org or by telephoning 01392 459222.
TRAMPER

 WHEELYBOAT