Move to protect Devon's endangered mussels

New conservation project to protect rare and endangered freshwater pearl mussels One of the UK's rarest wildlife species is set to get extra help in one of its last strongholds in north Devon. Devon Wildlife Trust has recently launched a project to safeguard our freshwater pearl mussels on the river Torridge. The river Torridge has the 4th largest remaining population in England, but the mussels are threatened due to the poor health of our watercourses.

This Biffa Award funded project, with the Freshwater Biological Association (FBA) as the lead partner organisation, will be looking at methods to protect and enhance our existing populations as well as offering support and advice to landowners and communities for methods of reducing river pollution. Gillian French, Biffa Award Programme Manager said "This project is an exciting opportunity to save one of the most long-lived animals from extinction; the freshwater pearl mussel can live for more than 100 years and is internationally protected".

The project will run for three years and is part of a broader approach to improve water quality and river health in north Devon. Izzy Moser, the new Freshwater Pearl Mussel Officer said 'Thriving freshwater pearl mussel populations are a good indicator of healthy watercourses. Healthy watercourses are vital for providing clean drinking water, maintaining biodiversity, supporting local fisheries and communities and meeting the new stringent standards for bathing waters' 

Freshwater pearl mussels are a long-lived species with a fascinating lifecycle, of which part is spent attached to the gills of Atlantic salmon and brown trout. These long-lived mussels were once numerous across Devon and much of the UK, however, they are not thought to have bred successfully in the river Torridge since the 1960's and as a result, are in serious decline. 

A small amount of money is available for workshops, one to one advice and grants for habitat improvement work or farm infrastructure enhancements. The overall aim of these workshops and grants is to reduce the amount of sediments, nitrates and phosphates entering the watercourse, therefore improving water quality. 

The Devon Wildlife Trust project incorporates a range of partners including Westcountry Rivers Trust, North Devon Biosphere Reserve and the Environment Agency. Together, these teams will be working to monitor populations, enhance reproduction and improve water quality. 

Project officer Izzy Moser is now calling on landowners and farmers, particularly those who farm along the main River Torridge to get in touch for advice on riparian management and the potential for grant support. If you would like to find out more, or are interested in getting involved, please email Izzy at imoser@devonwildelifetrust.org

 Freshwater pearl mussels on the Torridge. Photo copyright Julian Payne(All rights reserved)

August Highlights. A celebration of North Devon Coast and Countryside events

Lazy days of Summer, not if you're organising an event in North Devon. There is a lot happening around Bideford Bay with Gig Racing and Lifeboat Weekend down along Clovelly and once again those crazy aviators will be flinging themselves off the pier at Ilfracombe. Hartland Abbey are hosting their outdoor theatre season for those who enjoy somewhat quieter, more refined entertainment. Kid's favourite cheeky little piggy, Peppa Pig, is back by popular demand and will be visiting The BIG Sheep, on Bank Holiday Sunday 30th and Monday 31st August. Meanwhile over at Great Torrington the Torrington Cavaliers have been putting the finishing touches to their replica of "Trumpton", the village from the popular children's BBC TV series in the 1960s. Amazingly after all their hard work they will be burning it to the ground on the 29th August, all for charity of course. It's carnival time for Appledore and many of the villages around and 2015 marks the 130th Appledore & Instow Regatta which is running from 30th July until the 17th August. Finally if you have read the book or seen the film and would love to see the place that inspired ‎Michael Morpurgo's War Horse then pop over to Iddesleigh and join The Parish Walk - War Horse Valley.

Saturday 1st August Clovelly Gig Regatta. Gig racing is exciting and strenuous, with crews reaching speeds of nine knots in North Devon's powerful tidal waters. You're assured and exhilarating day's racing. So come along and cheer on the brave crews!
Saturday 1st August  The South West Birdman Competition sees crazy aviators and would-be pilots hurl themselves off Ilfracombe Pier into the icy waters below - all hoping to "fly" the furthest and be crowned champion of the event. Visit Website for details
Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August Lifeboat Weekend, in aid of the R.N.L.I. This popular event is a celebration of the Clovelly lifeboat. The Lifeboat House will be open to visitors. On Saturday afternoon there will be a sponsored swim from Bucks Mills to Clovelly, followed by a barbecue. Sunday will be a fun-packed family day with games, competitions, entertainments, food and drink and music. During the day the Clovelly lifeboat will be launched and in the evening there will be a curry, quiz and live music.
Tuesday 11th August 5pm Illyria Theatre - The Sorcerer's Apprentice at Hartland Abbey. The original boy-wizard story was most famously told in Disney's Fantasia, where the title role was played by Mickey Mouse! Bored of chores, the apprentice waves a wand and a broom magically fetches water. But what is the spell to make it stop? In desperation he saws it in half and everything spirals out of control… This show features the original music by Paul Dukas (as used in Fantasia); more water then you have EVER seen in a play before; and eye-popping magical illusions designed by the world famous illusionist Paul Daniels. Exciting, magical family fun for all ages 5+! Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre
16th August Appledore Carnival Visit website for details
Tuesday 18th August 5pm Cambridge Touring Theatre - Robin Hood, The Musical at Hartland Abbey. "Most enjoyable. ...colourful costumes ...an extremely funny and lively family show. The Stage. Come and have a joyful, fun-filled time with your family as you watch this hilarious musical show full our usual zest and vim! Boys and girls are invited to come along dressed in their best Sherwood fashion. Robin? Marian? Sheriff? Knights? You'll meet them all.
Pre Performance Workshop There is a 45 minute drama workshop where your child can play theatre games with the actors. Age 5-10. Please check with the ticket office whether the workshop will be running and whether there is availability. Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre
Tuesday 25th August 7pm Illyria Theatre - The Three Musketeers at Hartland Abbey. All for One - and One for All! Young D'Artagnan is desperate to join Athos, Porthos and Aramis as an elite Musketeer of the King's Guard. To prove himself he plunges headlong into a thrilling adventure to restore the Queen's honour, survive the machinations of scheming Cardinal Richelieu, race the clock to save the hapless Mme Bonancieux and cross swords with the deadly Milady de Winter. Set against a sweeping panorama of 17th century France at war, this production is a whirlwind of excitement, broad comedy and ingenious story-telling. Romance! Swashbuckling! Intrigue! Murder! Betrayal! Revenge...! It's got the lot! Suitable 8+  Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre
Saturday 29th August Great Torrington Cavaliers charity bonfire and firework spectacular. The Great Torrington Cavaliers have built a replica of "Trumpton", the village from the popular children's BBC TV series in the 1960s. The village scene features all the famous buildings including Trumpton town hall, the fire station and most importantly, a working version of Windy Millers windmill! Visit website for details
Monday 31st August 7pm Heartbreak Theatre - Emma by Jane Austen at Hartland Abbey. In true Heartbreak style, the adaptation of Jane Austen's 'Emma' is introduced and performed by a group of artists who tell the story in the hope that the Romantic nature of Austen's writing inspires their portraiture and landscape skills. Hartland Abbey Open Air Theatre Season in conjunction with the Plough Arts Centre
Sunday 30th August Parish Walk around War Horse Valley. A circular guided very interesting walk through War Horse Valley on PRIVATE LAND finishing with a cream tea, approximately 4 miles long and is estimated to take 2hours. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome. Anyone unable to walk is invited to come for a cream tea, there will be plenty of car parking. Adults £5 to include cream tea, grand draw, excellent prizes. From Parsonage Farm Iddesleigh EX19 8SN. IN AID OF: The Friends of St James Iddesleigh. Contact suefolland@hotmailco.uk. Tel: 01805 804347

 For more North Devon Events see Local Press: What's On North Devon Gazette - North Devon Journal  

Great Torrington Cavaliers replica of "Trumpton" - Photo Copyright P. Adams (All rights reserved)

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North Devon Tourist Information Centres
Barnstaple Tourist Information Centre, North Devon Museum, The Square, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX32 9LS
Bideford Tourist Information Centre, Burton Art Gallery, Kingsley Road, Bideford, EX39 2QQ 
Braunton Tourist Information Centre The Bakehouse Centre, Caen Street, Braunton, North Devon, EX33 1AA
Combe Martin Tourist Information Centre Cross Street, Combe Martin, North Devon, EX34 ODH 
Holsworthy Visitor Information Centre: The Memorial Hall, Holsworthy, 
Torrington Tourist Information Centre, Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington   
lfracombe Tourist Information Centre The Landmark Theatre, The Seafront, Ilfracombe, North Devon, EX34 9BX
Lynton Tourist Information Centre Lynton Town Hall, Lee Road, Lynton, North Devon, EX35 6HT T
South Molton Tourist Information  1 East Street, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3BU 
Woolacombe Tourist Information Centre The Esplanade, Woolacombe, North Devon, EX34 7DL 
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Click here to add an event go to North Devon Focus Coast & Country Chronicle Community Calendar 
(We advise that you check with venues to ensure events are taking place, to confirm details dates & times)

Meet the Author. Bideford's Liz Shakespeare will be out and about this Summer

The name of Liz Shakespeare has become well-known in the South-West as an author who brings to life the people, history and landscapes of Devon.

Liz was born and brought up in Bideford and has a long Devon ancestry which she feels has given her a good understanding of Devon and its people. Her most recent book, All Around The Year, is a collection of twelve poignant stories, deeply rooted in the Devon countryside, and each linked to a month of the year from January through to December. For each story, she has created a character whose life is influenced by the landscape around them. With stories set in North, South and Mid-Devon, All Around The Year is popular throughout the South-West and beyond.

She relied on historical research for inspiration for her previous books, The Turning of the Tide, a true story of a young Clovelly mother confined in Bideford Workhouse, Fever: A Story from a Devon Churchyard, and The Memory Be Green: An Oral History of a Devon Village. She is currently working on a novel based on the life of the Bideford Postman-Poet Edward Capern.

Liz will be signing copies of her four books at Launceston Show on 30th July, in the Crafts and Gifts Marquee at the North Devon Show on August 5th, Okehampton Show on August 13th, Chagford Show on August 27th, Holsworthy Show on August 27th and Clovelly Crab and Lobster Festival on September 6th.

Further details of Liz’s books can be found on her website www.lizshakespeare.co.uk

 

Photo copyright Liz Shakespeare (All rights reserved)