Hartland Abbey trails. A walk amongst the wild flowers to the sea.

Spring has sprung and what better way to celebrate the end of a stormy winter than a wildflower walk from Hartland Abbey to the sea. 

Although the sun didn’t come out on Sunday we did dodge the rain and enjoyed the sights and sounds of the season on our Bluebell Day walk. The bluebells looked spectacular on the top path which winds along through ancient woodland to the Gazebo overlooking Blackpool Mill Mouth and the Atlantic Ocean. Good to do a circular walk and return on the lower path to view the Bluebells from all angles.

On our circular walk we passed Donkeys Munching, Black Sheep and Lambs gamboling on the meadow and heard the occasional wailing of the resident Peacock. We also saw a variety of wildflowers, some earlier than normal in this sheltered location. Bees humming and birds chirping - we spotted two White Butterflies and a Red Admiral, a Buff-tailed and a Red-tailed Bumble Bee. 

A constant Chiff-Chaff..ing in the background as we passed abundant Primroses, Red Campion, Greater Stitchwort and Dog Violet and the emerging Ramsons on the trail verges. The vibrant golden Gorse brought us to the end of the trail at the Gazebo. From the top trail we could take in the glorious view over to Stoke Church and the Pleasure House Folly up high on the South West Coast Path lit with wisps of white, a very good year for the Blackthorn blossom. 

As we passed by the famous Blackpool Mill Cottage (a popular film location) the coastal meadow and cliffside were spotted with Thrift Sea Pink, patches of Sea Campion, Scurvy Grass and Kidney Vetch. 

Hartland Abbey certainly took the brunt of two storms in the Winter, flooding came with Storm Bertie and tree falls with Storm Darragh so congratulations to Lord and Lady Stucley and their team for making sure the Abbey, grounds and gardens were ready to welcome guests in March. While walking we saw uprooted and fallen trees, a sad sight but nature fights back and the new light will encourage new life on the woodland floor.

We spent so long photographing the Bluebells we didn’t have time to visit the Walled Gardens this time but if you are planning a trip there check out Hartland Abbey website for details on the famous Hartland Abbey history, Collections, Exhibitions, the Shrubbery and Walled Gardens. We did have time for a slice of Salt n Carmel cake from the Old Kitchen Tearooms.

Natural resting place

Bluebell Haze

Wildflowers along the way

From the Abbey to Blackpool Mill Cottage and the sea

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Visit Hartland Abbey website for information, Open Air Theatre Season, Special Events and opening times -  https://www.hartlandabbey.com

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Find out about life and stormy times at the Abbey 

https://www.hartlandabbey.com/lady-stucleys-blog-page/

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Bluebell Daze. All photos copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus

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Heanton Nursing Home celebrates three Spectacular Days!

Heanton Nursing Home in Devon recently came alive with three unforgettable days of celebrations, bringing together residents (fondly referred to as family members), the vibrant local community and dedicated team members, both past and present. At the centre of the celebrations was the much-anticipated Spring Day of Happiness on 20th March —an exciting day that captured the warmth and the true spirit of life at Heanton.

Celebrations began on the 19th of March with the grand opening of the pod ‘Heanton Retreat’—a heartfelt transformation of a former PPE storage used during the pandemic. Now a beautifully designed retreat, the space offers bathroom and kitchen facilities, a cozy mock-up bedroom, and a peaceful meeting area. It provides relatives and visiting professionals a welcoming place to rest or connect, especially during the most sensitive moments.

‘Heanton Retreat’ stands as a symbol of resilience and care, embodying Heanton’s commitment to creating a comforting and welcoming environment for all.

Home Manager Abi Deniford led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with help from one of Heanton’s family members, and reflected on the meaning behind the space: “Some mentioned how our relatives would benefit from the peace and tranquillity, particularly during the loss of a loved one. It became clear that we all share the same purpose, and I couldn’t be prouder of the collective care and compassion that define our home.” As the sun set, the celebrations truly came alive with pizza, music, and plenty of dancing.

The following day, Heanton’s Spring Day of Happiness welcomed lots of visitors including relatives, past team members, local councillor Graham Bell, church representatives including Caroline Raby, and Devon County Council’s adult social care team, and many friends.

The warm weather made it a perfect day for the outdoor celebrations. Homemade food was available, with one of Heanton’s chefs serving Indian dishes that proved incredibly popular. The Head of Maintenance prepared Romanian kebabs and cabbage rolls on a tabletop grill, and the kitchen team put together a spread of delicious homemade cakes, smoothies, and sandwiches.

The day was packed with entertainment, including live music from local musician Roger Colome, Chair Zumba with Roberto, and a DJ set from Robin of RBM Entertainment. Creating a festive atmosphere that brought everyone together.

Adding a splash of colour—literally—were the lively Holi tents, where bursts of natural powders symbolized fresh beginnings and the next chapter for those who come to live at heanton. The afternoon was lively, with the activities tent and lawn games offering plenty of opportunities to get involved. It wasn’t long before the dance floor came alive, with family members joining in. The energy, laughter, and sense of community made it a day to remember.

After two lively days, 21st March offered a calmer change of pace, with a tea party held for family members and relatives. With soft background music, cakes, and sandwiches, the afternoon gave families more time to connect in a peaceful setting. For many, it was a lovely way to unwind and enjoy quiet time together. Families from different houses came together, exchanged stories, forming new friendships, bringing the three-day celebration to a heartwarming close.

Across all three days, the emphasis remained on community, celebration, and creating familiar, welcoming experiences. Whether through lively celebration or quiet reflection, these moments capture what matters most at Heanton, feeling at home and being part of something meaningful.

Exmoor Zoo Brings the Wild to Edenmore Nursing Home

Edenmore Nursing Home recently invited Exmoor Zoo into visit their residents (fondly referred to as family members), bringing an incredible array of animals in as part of their educational roadshow.

Portia, the zoo’s educational officer, introduced family members to a Royal Python, Meerkat, Stick Insect, Giant Snail, and Praying Mantis! Now, some may have been scared off by this visit, but not the Edenmore family, and for those who chose took part it was such an incredible social engagement opportunity. The visit encouraged conversation, curiosity, and reminiscence among family members, many of whom have a lifelong love of animals.

A Familiar Connection with Animals

For Alan, animals have always been an important part of life. Having previously owned foxes, the chance to hold and interact with some of the zoo’s creatures brought back fond memories. His daughter, Sue, shared how much these experiences mean to him, reflecting the value of continuing familiar interests and passions in later life.

Bringing Nature Indoors

The presence of animals in the home provides more than just entertainment, it offers comfort, sensory engagement, and opportunities for connection. For those living with a Dementia, engaging with animals can be particularly calming, helping to spark memories and meaningful moments.

Edenmore Nursing Home is committed to ensuring family members have access to inclusive and community focused activities that make everyday life feel familiar and purposeful. Partnering with community organisations like Exmoor Zoo allows family members to engage with the world around them in ways that feel natural, personal, and enjoyable.

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For more about Exmoor Zoo and their educational outreach, visit: Exmoor Zoo Facebook 

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For more about life at Edenmore Nursing Home, visit: www.edenmorenursinghome.com