Butterflies at last. Butterflies count

I was beginning to wonder if the butterflies were ever going to return. Worryingly very few in numbers over the past couple of months.

I spotted the Speckled Wood in my wildlife friendly garden at the end of May. On my walks around coast and countryside I only saw a couple Orange Tips back in the Spring and very few Whites.

Yesterday I saw a good selection including

• Red Admiral (first I’ve seen this year)
• Gatekeeper (first I’ve seen this year)
• . Skipper (first I’ve seen this year)
• Comma (first I’ve seen this year)
• Large White
• Small White

There was also a solitary Brimstone among the many Gatekeepers fluttering around the beautifully sheltered Permaculture Garden at Tapeley Park.

I do the Big Butterfly Count every year, so I’m hoping my own garden count counts for something this year. I took the stunning Speckled Wood photo in  my garden at the end of May.

 

 Butterflies at last. Photo credit Pat Adams North Devon Focus

Large White - Photo credit Pat Adams North Devon Focus

Speckled Wood - Photo credit Pat Adams North Devon Focus

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 The Big Butterfly Count 2024 runs from 12 July - 4 August, spend 15 minutes in a sunny spot and help gather vital data to save butterflies and moths.

“Help the Butterfly Conservation take nature's pulse by joining the Big Butterfly Count. The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) we see.”
https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org

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Experience Watermouth Castle’s scare attraction: ‘Descend into Darkness'

A haunted castle with a twisted maze of horrors… This October, be first to experience Watermouth Castle’s first-ever immersive scare attraction:‘Descend into Darkness’… 

Watermouth Castle has a new owner. His desire: to create an amusement park for local people to come and enjoy and share his wonderful new home. Little is known about this mysterious benefactor. Some say he is eccentric. Some say he is mad. Some say he is… INSANE. 

Get ready to be spooked! Watermouth Castle, nestled in the heart of North Devon, is excited to announce its hair-raising Halloween scare event, promising thrills and chills for all horror lovers, fright fiends, and all those who love a good fright…

Do you dare to come face-to-face with terror...? With bone-chilling attractions, live scare actors, and heart-pounding themed areas, this event is not for the faint of heart. Join us if you dare for a night of spine-tingling fun, and unforgettable scares.

 

Do you dare to come face-to-face with terror…?

The castle’s multiple different immersive scare zones include:

• Cursed Forest: a bone-chilling woodland trail of howling wolves, clanking chains, and hanging trees

• Carnival of Clowns: this twisted fairground is a freakshow of horrifying jokers, bloody face paint and maniacal laughter…

• The Mad Maze: beware; a gang of the undead scarecrows have to come to life– and now they wander the twisted paths of the castle’s maze, looking for their next victim… you!

• Voodoo Valley: journey down the river of restless spirits; just make sure you don’t become yet another one of the lost souls trapped on its waters…

• The Haunted Castle: when the castle doors slam closed, you’ll find yourself trapped in a hellscape of cobwebs, cursed animatronics, and haunted robots. And only the bravest will dare to complete their journey with a descent intothe bowels of the castle itself – the demented dungeon…

 

Run by Catfish Productions, in partnership with Watermouth Castle. 

Not suit able for under 12s or wheelchair users. Under 16s must have an accompanying adult.

The experience lasts approximately one hour, For tickets and early bird rates. Contact  www.watermouthcastle.com

 

Water Mouth Castle Media Release

About Watermouth Castle

Watermouth Castle is a beloved attraction in Ilfracombe. The Castle offers a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors of all ages. From thrilling rides to enchanting play areas, Watermouth Castle is where memories are made and adventures begin.

Watermouth Castle is part of The Escapade Group which comprises indoor and outdoor play attractions including Hobbledown adventure park in Surrey, Hobbledown Heath in London, Gripped aerial adventure park in London, and indoor play centres Kidspace Adventures in Croydon and Romford.

 

Edenmore Nursing Home Commemorates D-Day with 1940's Party

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe, North Devon, recently hosted a heartwarming 1940's themed party to commemorate D-Day. This special event brought together residents (fondly referred to as family members), and team members in a nostalgic celebration that paid tribute to the fallen service men and women in Normandy.

The D-Day commemoration event was a collaborative effort, capturing the essence of the 1940s with authentic decorations, 1940’s music, and a little bit of dancing. Family members and team members dressed in polka-dots, headscarves, and khaki, with a prize awarded for the best-dressed. The home was decorated with patriotic bunting and Union Jack table cloths, evoking a feeling of life 80 years ago.

The home enjoyed for a traditional afternoon tea, within a vintage atmosphere. Edith Ozelton, a beloved family member, enjoyed a glass of Shloer, a non-alcoholic sparkling juice drink. The menu included homemade bread with jam and butter, Spam sandwiches, and of course, cake.

"Edenmore’s approach to life recognises the values, beliefs, and identity of each person," added Home Manager Gayle Cooper. "By understanding a person’s life history and journey, we strive to support the continuation of life of our family members.” “This event was a beautiful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the spirit of patriotism. D-Day 1940's party is just one example of the many ways Edenmore Nursing Home nurtures a warm and inclusive community atmosphere.

Edenmore Nursing Home Media Release 14 June 2024

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home please visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com