SPRING IS NIGH. Birdwatching in North Devon

The birds are getting lively, the Blackbirds are trilling at dawn - I expect they are getting ready for the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch which starts today. Here is a beautiful Robin posing for me in the sunshine at Rosemoor last Saturday. Leave a comment if you'll be taking part.

Not sure about the timing, as last year there is heavy rain and another named storm (Storm Ingrid) on the way today in the Southwest which seems to be par for the course for the Big Garden Birdwatch so a good oportunity to have a cup of coffee and count the birds through the window.

Want to attract a variety of birds? By far the favourite food for most of them are Sunflower Hearts but its best to have a variety of birdfood and always keep birdbaths filled up as they need water and love splashing about preening and fluffing their feathers at this time of year

My tips to encourage all types of birds to your garden.

Sunflower hearts - Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Sparrows, Blue Tits, Great Tit, Coal Tit, Greenfinch, Starlings will take over the feeding stations at this time if year.

Peanuts - Blue Tits, Woodpecker, Sparrows, Chaffinch, Robin
 

Niger Seed - Goldfinch, Blue Tit

Sunflower Seeds - Bullfinch
 

Meal Worms - Loved by ground feeders including Robin, Blackbird, Dunnock and Wren
 

Fat balls, Suet cake - all the birds love this

 

Attention -  its time for the Big Garden Birdwatch. Photo copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus

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"Big Garden Birdwatch is the UK's biggest citizen science wildlife survey. By taking part, you can help us understand how our garden birds are doing right now.

Join the world's largest garden wildlife survey 23th-25th January 2026" - Find out more at  RSPB 

Big Garden Birdwatch is the UK's biggest citizen science wildlife survey. By taking part, you can help us understand how our garden birds are doing right now.

Annual Schools Exhibition launch event at the Burton at Bideford

The Burton at Bideford Annual Schools Exhibition launches 2026 with a diverse range of artworks showcasing the talent, imagination and creativity of young people aged 4-18 from the local area. With no set theme, the exhibition is a glimpse into the inspirations and concerns of our next generation of artists. It is also a celebration of their teachers and the contribution of art to encouraging creativity and innovation across the curriculum. Submissions are accepted from schools and colleges across Torridge and neighbouring boroughs, and include artworks in a variety of media. An awards programme organised by The Arts Society North Devon spotlights outstanding entries in the exhibition and culminates in an awards ceremony. You are warmly invited to help celebrate the opening of the exhibition at the gallery on Friday 30th January, 4pm–6pm.  Speeches at 5pm, refreshments kindly provided by Asda.

Artwork from 'The Annual Schools Exhibition', 2023. ----------------------------------- Launch Event The Annual Schools Exhibition - Burton at Bideford Friday 30th January, 4pm – 6pm Exhibition dates: 30th January – 15th  March 2026 👀👀👀 The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2QQ  Tel: 01237 471455 open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 11am-4pm  Entry to galleries is FREE

Craft4Crafters & Stitching4All returns to Westpoint in March

If you love stitching, quilting, sewing, textiles, and making of all kinds, you won’t want to miss The Craft4Crafters Stitching4All Show at Westpoint Arena this March.

It’s a brilliant few days of inspiration, shopping, learning, and meeting fellow makers and packed with creative energy and some familiar faces from the world of sewing and craft.  Expect an exciting mix of UK craft and textile traders, a huge workshop programme for all abilities, and a fantastic line-up of textile and craft celebrities.

Show Features

An amazing Quilt and Textile Exhibition from South West Quilting groups featuring their new textile challenges

Crafting celebrity Stephanie Weightman who specializes in crafts arts and textiles.   Plus local and world renowned textile artists.

BBC Sewing Bee winners and past contestants will be attending, running stands across the show — a great chance to say hello, pick up tips, and discover new ideas for your next project.

Over 60 craft and textile workshops and demonstrations daily, including Easter Workshops, create wonderful gifts for friends and family.

Whether you’re hunting for beautiful fabrics, quilting supplies, tools, patterns, or simply a fresh dose of creative motivation, this is the perfect day out for Devon’s artist and maker community.

 The Craft4Crafters & Stitching4All Show at Westpoint Arena

Dates: Thursday 26th – Saturday 28th March 2026

Opening times: 10:00am – 5:00pm daily

Parking: Free parking on site

Full refreshments available, including a restaurant plus catering and cafés

Visit craft4crafters.co.uk to book your tickets and find out more. 

Join us at the ultimate stitching event of the year!