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Looking forward to an Eventful 2017

Reindeer in the city for charity Christmas event

Devon Wildlife Trust will be celebrating Christmas with its popular annual family event at the charity's Cricklepit Mill, in the heart of Exeter.

The converted medieval mill and garden will be open from 11am to 4pm on Sunday 11 December for the event.

Stars of the show at this year's Christmas at Cricklepit are likely to be the reindeer from a North Devon farm. Visitors will be able to pet and feed the reindeer before they see Father Christmas in his traditional green costume.

Children will also have the chance to create natural Christmas decorations out of willow and make bird feeders to give garden birds a nutritious, festive treat. A fun wildlife trail will also be set up in the garden.

Mince pies, hot drinks and live seasonal music will be available to keep visitors refreshed and entertained, while the charity's wildlife Christmas cards and  calendars will be on sale.

Devon Wildlife Trust's Jo Pullin, who is organising the day, said: 'Every year, we see dozens of families having a great time at Christmas at Cricklepit. It's a chance to have some fun, to explore one of Exeter's historic mills and help Devon's wildlife. Children will be able to take away new Christmas decorations they've made, as well as the memory of meeting reindeer in the city. The event always provides a welcome break from hectic Christmas shopping!'

Some of the activities are in gazebos in the garden, so visitors should wear warm clothing. Activities take place throughout the day, with no requirement to book places. Entry to Cricklepit Mill for this event is £2 per child and £1 per adult. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Devon Wildlife Trust's Cricklepit Mill can be found in Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AB - two minutes' walk from Exeter's historic quayside. There is no parking at the Mill, but on street parking and car parks can be found close by.

For more information about this event and the work of Devon Wildlife Trust visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Green Father Christmas, Reindeer and  children enjoying Christmas at Cricklepit - Photos copyright DWT (All rights resrved)

Extreme Beach Cleans

Reaching the parts that are hard to reach, the North Devon Coast AONB team, Skern Lodge and local volunteers are planning several events to remove marine litter washed up on the more remote parts of our coast.

“We are delighted to have funding from Tesco Bags of Help to involve the local community in protecting our wildlife and beaches by removing litter washed in from the sea,” said AONB Education Officer Cat Oliver. “Reaching the more remote beaches presents a number of challenges so we hope that combining the offer of a bracing walk or a chance to scramble down a cliff will inspire more people to help us clean up the beaches.”

The first ‘walk and beach clean’ is on Saturday 3rd December at Cockington Mouth from 10.00am to 3.30pm. This stretch of beach is a 45 minute walk south of Greencliff and north of Peppercombe, where the South West Coast Path dips down onto the beach (west of Abbotsham). Due to the remote location there is a phenomenal amount of marine litter stranded there that rarely gets taken away as there is no vehicle access. This is where Skern Lodge Outdoor Activity Centre comes in to provide the staff and a boat to remove the litter by sea. The National Trust, Keep Britain Tidy and Surfers Against Sewage are also supporting this event.

“We’re delighted to be able to work with the AONB team to share our skills, knowledge and equipment in looking after our outstanding coastline,” said John Watson, Skern Lodge General Manager. “We rely on the exceptional quality of the coast to bring people to North Devon.”

Plans for next year include a general beach clean, plus rock scrambling with Skern Lodge staff, at Hartland Quay on Saturday 25th February 2017. 

Marine litter on Cockington Mouth beach. Photo Copyright North Devon Coast AONB (All Rights Reserved)

Further information is on the AONB website calendar at www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk 

or contact catherine.oliver@devon.gov.uk