A Summer of Wild Adventure

A Local wildlife charity is launching a summer of wild adventure by welcoming nature-lovers of all ages to a series of family-friendly wildlife events.

From pond-dipping in east Devon to wildflower walks on Dartmoor, rockpool rambles to bat detecting, Devon Wildlife Trust is offering easy ways to enjoy a wild summer.

The programme of events kicks off at DWT Bystock Pools nature reserve near Exmouth on Tuesday 26 July. DWT's annual Discovery Day event, organised as part of East Devon Heath Week and sponsored by South West Water, is a highlight of the summer for many families. All activities - bug-hunting in the meadows, story-telling walks through the heath, pond-dipping in the pools, crafting animal sculpture from willow - are free and there is no need to book places.

A series of evening walks at Bystock Pools will also be held next week. These twilight tours bring visitors closer to the nocturnal life of glow worms, nightjars and bats. Booking is essential for the evening walks on 01392 279244.

Dartmoor's wildlife takes a starring role at the DWT Bellever Moor & Meadows Nature Reserve Discovery Day on Friday 29 July. This site, near Postbridge is one of Devon Wildlife Trust's newest nature reserves. Explore the wildflower-rich upland hay meadows between the East Dart River and Laughter Tor, enjoy far-reaching views and discover the wildlife that makes a home on the high moor.

The Bellever event also offers something for all ages, whether you enjoy a gentle botanical amble or want to let the children run wild with a bug hunting net!

Devon Wildlife Trust's Jasmine Atkinson is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Discovery Days:

'Bystock and Bellever are both beautiful spaces for wildlife, and people too! If you've never been to a Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve before, these days are the perfect opportunity to get into nature and explore wild places. And if you're a regular visitor this is your chance to discover the hidden world beneath the water and in the meadows.'

'Our nature reserves are home to an amazing array of wildlife. We will be watching dragonflies dancing over Bystock's ponds and listening to the click-clack of stonechats on the heathland.'

'At Bellever Moor and Meadows traditional Dartmoor hay meadows support butterfly species such as meadow browns and gatekeepers whilst linnets and skylarks sing overhead.' 

More information on Devon Wildlife Trust events this summer can be found online at www.devonwildlifetrust.org/whats-on or by phoning DWT on 01392 279244.

Pond Dipping with Devon Wildlife Trust - Photo copyright Rog Hamling (All rights reserved)

Bellever Moor & Meadows Nature Reserve - Photo copyright DWT (All rights reserved)

Tales of the Riverbank with Liz Shakespeare

Do you ever consider how important the River Torridge is for those who live in or near Bideford? We tend to take it for granted yet it is a constant presence and we are very aware of its tides and different moods - placid at high tide on a summer evening, dark and menacing after a storm.

The Torridge has inspired many writers, including Charles Kingsley and Henry Williamson. On Thursday 14th July at Walter Henry’s Bookshop in Bideford Liz Shakespeare will be giving a talk with readings as part of the 'Tales of the Riverbank' project. Come along and have your eyes opened to the wonders of the Torridge!

Tickets £3 from Walter Henry's Bookshop 

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 Local author Liz Shakespeare will be out and about this summer signing copies of her Devon books. 

• Sunday 17th July. Book signing at the Clovelly Maritime Festival. 
• Monday 25th July. Book signing at Woolsery Show. 
• Wednesday 27th July. Book signing at Dunster Country Fair 
• Thursday 28th July. Book signing at Launceston Show.
• Wednesday 3rd August. Book signing in the Craft Marquee at the North Devon Show. www.northdevonshow.com 
•  6th and 7th August. Book signing at the Dartmoor Folk Festival. www.dartmoorfolkfestival.org.uk 
• Thursday 11th August. Book signing at Okehampton Show. 
• Thursday 18th August. Book signing at Chagford Show. www.chagfordshow.co.uk 
• Thursday 25th August. Book signing at Holsworthy Show.  
• Sunday 4th September. Signing books for the Clovelly Crab and Lobster Festival. 
•  Saturday 24th September. Liz will be appearing at the Appledore Book Festival.

New Devon attraction welcomes 20,000th visitor and looks forward to many more

A new East Devon attraction has attracted its 20,000th visitor as it prepares for a busy summer season. Seaton Jurassic was only opened in early April but its mix of quirky displays and interactive exhibits aimed at families already seems to be a hit. Owned by East Devon District Council and operated by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust, Seaton Jurassic has brought visitors and the attention of the nation's media to the town of Seaton.

One glowing review in The Guardian newspaper spoke of the journey through prehistoric time that visitors to Seaton Jurassic could enjoy as being "educational entertainment at its very best", before giving the attraction a star rating of 9 out of 10. The Independent newspaper also gave Seaton Jurassic a big thumbs-up before advising visitors to "come soon before the crowds catch on."

But high numbers of visitors don't seem to worry Seaton Jurassic's manager is Mike Ruiter, who said:

"It's been a busy first few months since our opening and so much has happened. We had a very special guest, HRH the Princess Royal, join us for our opening and since then we haven't looked back. We've now welcomed more than 20,000 visitors through our doors. The reactions and feedback from people have been wonderful. People seem to be really enjoying Seaton Jurassic, its exhibition galleries, gardens, shop and café."

Visitor numbers so far has seen Seaton Jurassic surpassing expectations. Devon Wildlife Trust had estimated that 15,000 people would pay to enter the attraction in its first three months, but this target was comfortably beaten. Mike Ruiter added:

"We have had people from as far as London and Falmouth visiting for the day. Many local families have become repeat visitors taking advantage our offer of paying once for an annual pass. One family told us they had returned 10 times! To me this highlights the interest in the Jurassic Coast and its magnificent natural environment. What we offer at Seaton Jurassic is a great way for people to begin to discover the story of this fascinating coastline."

East Devon District Council's Leader, Councillor Paul Diviani, said:

"I am delighted at the public's response to Seaton Jurassic and it is immensely rewarding to see the enjoyment they are getting out of this unique visitor attraction. But most importantly, the success of Seaton Jurassic will contribute hugely to the regeneration of Seaton itself, both inwardly through the local community and by attracting businesses to invest in the town. With its spectacular Jurassic Coast setting and wonderful natural assets, Seaton has an exciting future ahead."

Visitors to Seaton Jurassic over the summer holidays can expect to be entertained at a series of special events. Falconry displays, sea stories, talks about Seaton in World War Two and a chance to help build a giant sea monster are all on offer. All are free (entrance charge to Seaton Jurassic applies). For the full calendar of Seaton Jurassic events and to plan your visit go to www.seatonjurassic.org 

Seaton Jurassic can be found on the Underfleet, Seaton, EX12 2WD, next to the Seaton Tramway. It has a pay and display car park just 100 metres from its entrance and excellent public transport links with the X53 Jurassic Coast bus stopping at its door. Further details about making a visit to Seaton Jurassic can be found at www.seatonjurassic.org

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Seaton Jurassic is owned by East Devon District Council and operated by Devon Wildlife Trust. 

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Tap link for more posts on Seaton Jurassic including the visit of  Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal on 14th April 2016.