Severn Sands - last passage through the Marshes

After being tossed by stormy seas, the Severn Sands dredger has finally come to rest at Yelland. The massive hulk was originally docked at Fremington Quay in March 2007 and remained there until 2008 until it broke its moorings during storms, by January 2009 it had become a wreck beached beyond the Quay. This year it broke its moorings once again when exceptionally high tides flung it across the far side of the estuary where it settled on the riverbank at Heanton Court. The floundering wreck and it’s perilous cargo has put local shipping and the environment in jeopardy and the problems have been highlighted in the local news for some time. Last week, in an operation overseen by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, the dredger was towed back across the estuary to the big old jetty at Yelland where it is planned to remove all hazardous materials and clean it up before it is safely dismantled. The hulk, pictured Sunday 10th October, is located, just off the Tarka Trail, in a peaceful, scenic spot beyond the RSPB nature reserve Isley Marsh. Isley Marsh is made up of saltmarsh and intertidal mudflats on the southern edge of the Taw Torridge estuary and lies largely within the estuary SSSI. It is an important haven in the busy estuary for undisturbed feeding and resting birds, especially the wintering flocks of ducks (such as teal) and waders (including significant numbers of curlew, greenshank and dunlin). In recent years, numbers of little egret have increased and, in winter, it is often possible to see spoonbills. NB. RSPB Isley Nature Reserve: Visitor access is restricted to public footpaths, largely outside the reserve itself, but allowing expansive views across the estuary and the surrounding farmland. There is no public parking within two miles, although the Tarka Trail runs along the south side of the reserve, allowing easy foot and cycle access along this former railway track. Click here to find RSPB Nature Reserves in Devon and Cornwall

Alongside "Severn Sands" photo copyright B. D. Adams



Click here to view more photos of the Severn Sands at Fremington Quay

In the Area and across the estuary Home Marsh Farm, Instow, Lower Yelland, Braunton Biosphere

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Championship weekend at South West Extreme

North Devon's South West Extreme Centre was the stunning venue for the blue ribbon mountain bike event “The National Championships”. The two day event saw round five of the National 4x Series (NPS) and the UK's top riders including previous National Champions and professional riders Will Longden and Scott Beaumont were among those who competed. The course was built by International rider, Will Evans. This superb location, set on high ground above The Big Sheep at Abbotsham with panoramic views of Abbotsham Village, Greencliffe and the Kenwith Valley was ideal for spectators who were able to watch the non-stop downhill racing from the start to the finish line. The riders reached speeds of up to 35mph and tackled obstacles such as; double and table tops jumps, a rocks garden, logs, steps, and both flat and burned (banked corners). The track also features a 'Pro-line' on the final straight, with three HUGE 8-10m gaped jumps. An estimated 200 riders raced on the Sunday for the National title in there respective category; Jeuvenile, Youth, Junior, Masters, Vetrians and the Main/ Pro event Senior. A misty morning gave way to glorious sunshine which added to the friendly family occasion, it was Free entry for spectators and the High Ropes centre and climbing wall provided additional thrills and a more lofty view of the event. In between races, local caterers, Priors Fryers served up much needed refreshments including delicious chips, bacon rolls and burgers. 

Photo Pat Adams

Photo B. Adams

Photo B. Adams

Photo Pat Adams

For more about Southwest Extreme & the Ultimate High Centre Click here

For more about the Big Sheep Click here

Explore Abbotsham with the North Devon Focus Picture Tour

Will Longden & Katy Curd are your 2010 National 4x Champions

BRITISH CYCLING

RACE RESULTS

Nature reserves pick up boost from landfill tax

A leading South West conservation charity has this month been awarded £10,000 to help fund work at two of its flagship nature reserves. The Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) has been awarded the money by Pennon Environmental Fund. It will go towards conservation work at DWT's Old Sludge Beds nature reserve near Exeter and Halsdon nature reserve near Dolton in north Devon. The work at the reserve in Exeter will help fund new visitor information boards for the Old Sludge Beds which is a small 5 hectare wetland site adjacent to the River Exe. The work will also include installing new sections of boardwalk to help visitors get around the site more easily and a leaflet to describe all the wildlife which people will be able to see there. At the 57 hectare Halsdon site situated on the River Torridge, the money will go towards putting in new fencing along the 1 mile stretch of river edge. The fencing will prevent the cattle that graze the meadows from damaging the riverbank. The money will also help with extending the ponds adjoining the meadow. DWT will also be sowing green hay over an area of around 1 hectare to improve the biodiversity value of the grassland. Matt Boydell, DWT's Land Management Manager said: "This is a significant boost for us and will help us improve these important reserves in Exeter and North Devon. Managing nature reserves for the benefit of wildlife is an expensive business and we welcome this new funding that will allow us to add major upgrades to these hidden gems." For more information about these sites visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Halsdon Nature Reserve, near Dolton