Wish you were here. Following in the footsteps of The Night Manager.

Hartland Abbey start their colourful season of events on the 6th March. Time to celebrate Mothering Sunday with the family and four-legged friends, get out in the fresh air and explore this beautiful valley on the Hartland Heritage Coast. The historic house, gardens and tea rooms will be open and if you want to follow in actor Tom Hiddleston's footsteps this is a chance for visitors to walk through the beautiful wild flowers to the sea and Blackpool Mill Cottage. Blackpool Mill Cottage was featured recently in Episode 2 of  BBC’s ‘The Night Manager’ a British-American television serial directed by Susanne Bier and starring Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Olivia Colman and Tom Hollander. It is based on the novel of the same name by John le Carre.  Last night's episode, set in Hartland, Devon saw Jonathan Pine (aka Jack Lindon) honing his bad boy skills, mixing it up with the locals on the mean streets of (yep) Hartland Village, winding up a local drug dealer in the garage and having a pint of Blue Anchor and a smashing time in the Anchor Inn. Other sequences included Pine racing in and out of the village on his motorbike, roaring his way up the hill climb from Hartland Quay, running up the rugged terrain from Blackpool Mill on the Southwest Coast Path and taking a cold shower under the waterfall at Blegberry after some strenuous undercover work. Crikey I bet you "Wish you were here"! (Article P. Adams 29/2/2016)

• Hartland Abbey
• Filming The Night Manager at Hartland Abbey
• The Night Manager - Catch Up with the BBC

Reviews

 The Guardian - Daily Mail - The Telegraph

• Wikepedia Stub - The Night Manager

MOTHERING SUNDAY & SPRING FLOWERS

6th March at Hartland Abbey from 11am–4pm.

Blackpool Mill Cottage was featured as ‘Barton College’ in the BBC’s adaptation of Sense and Sensibility

Explore the Hartland Heritage Coast with the North Devon Focus

Best foot forward for the Ilfracombe Art Trail.

What attracts artists to Ilfracombe? Beautiful architecture, huge Georgian terraces and gothic-style Victorian mansions, as well as cottages dating back to a time when Ilfracombe was a seafaring town. The dramatic coast has an abundance of sea birds and wild flowers, and inland the hills, woods, moors and rivers provide walks that can inspire anyone to stop and gaze. In 2012, Damien Hirst, an internationally known artist with strong links to the town created 'Verity', a 20-metre bronze/steel statue weighing in at 25 tonnes and she took her place on the pier. Following this wonderful gift to the town, new art galleries and shops started opening, including Damien Hirst's own gallery 'Other Criteria' and his restaurant 'The Quay' and an art renaissance ensued.

Ilfracombe Art Trail was the brainchild of Sue Hutchins, an artist from Bristol who moved to Ilfracombe 9 years ago. Bristol has many art trails and Sue thought that Ilfracombe would be an ideal place to host a similar event. Not only does it have an amazing array of talented artists but it has a good community spirit. After visiting Bristol's Easton Art Trail in 2014, Sue and her friend Jo Beech decided to launch Ilfracombe Art Trail. There was a lot of work to do and no money to do it with. But after generous donations from Ilfracombe's Town Councillors and the Ilfracombe Charity Book shop, Ilfracombe Art Trail was launched. A committee was formed, all women, the website was built and flyers designed. Local businesses offered their help free of charge, local radio and newspapers picked up the story and registration forms started coming in. The response was overwhelming, with some artists offering to share their houses with others who didn't have a venue of their own. Three house-owners let visiting artists use their homes even though they weren't exhibiting themselves. When Ilfracombe Art Trail opened its doors on 9th-10th May 2015, it had 27 open houses, 37 artists, 5 open gardens, Saturday night poetry in the Museum, Sunday night comic poetry in a pub, and 2 live bands playing in pubs. There was a poetry workshop, a 'meet the author' session in the Library, a willow-weaving workshop in the community garden and a large community painting happening in an artists' studio. There was even a group of wandering musicians who busked to entertain the crowds. As a sign of the event' s success, one venue counted 300 visitors through their door over the weekend.

Ilfracombe Art Trail 7th-8th May 2016 is proving to be even bigger, so successful that registration had to be closed early to maintain its ethos of an art trail that could be followed on foot over a weekend. With 29 venues, over 45 gallery-standard artists, free workshops (for adults and children), music and poetry, there will be something for everyone. It demonstrates that anything can be achieved if you have a group of dedicated, committed people and a town with a strong community spirit and a big heart. This is one event not to be missed.

ILFRACOMBE ART TRAIL 
7th-8th May 2016

For further information please contact Ilfracombe Art Trail on ilfracombe.art.trail@gmail.com 

or visit the website http://artilfracombe.co.uk.

Real Ale Girls Power the St Annes Sofa Sessions. Free Live Music and Networking Evening at St. Anne's Art Centre, Barnstaple 16th February

North Devon Music Network's Lucy Betts and Dion Sears have been busy again organising the second North Devon Music Network Sofa Sessions which are being held on the 16th February at St. Anne's Arts Centre in Barnstaple.

The event will be a networking night for all lovers of live music including venues, performers and musicians. Performers on the night are up and coming and have been rarely heard before in North Devon. The sessions are free to play and attend.

The best outcomes are often the connections people make from the sessions. This event is being sponsored by The Real Ale Girls a North Devon firm run by 2 sister's who provide local real ale & cider to pubs, shops, hotels, festivals, weddings and parties.

Facebook event page:https://www.facebook.com/events/839412009502830/

Free Live Music and Networking Evening

February16th 7.30 pm St Annes Art Centre, Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1BH

 Contact: Dion Sears/Lucy Betts, St Annes Arts Centre
Facebook North Devon Music Network

Email: ndevonmusicnetwork@gmail.com

Barnstaple Stories - Short films uncover fascinating stories of life in Barnstaple

Do you remember Raymond's pasty shop in Barnstaple? Did you ever see elephants walking around town? How did Butcher's Row become knee deep in dough? 

Barnstaple Stories is a new collection of short films uncovering some fascinating stories Barnstaple life in days gone by. The project was commissioned by Barnstaple Town Council to record and share personal and family histories of life in the town.

Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of North Devon Moving Image who produced the films, says the project uncovered some delightful anecdotes "We held a drop-in event at Barnstaple's Guildhall in November, inviting people to come in and share their stories. The interviewees talked about their personal memories of growing up and living in Barnstaple and we were captivated by the little details of everyday life which are now just that - memories."

Reaction to the films has been really positive and the sharing event was such a success that Barnstaple Town Council have decided to run a monthly local history scrapbooking event. The first meeting will be at The Guildhall on Friday 4 March 2016 and is a chance for people to come along and bring their stories, photographs and documents. From the information gathered, the group will produce the Barnstaple History Scrapbook to preserve and share precious details of life in Barnstaple.

The Barnstaple Stories films are currently available on the North Devon Moving Imagewebsite http://www.northdevonmovingimage.org.uk/films.html and will soon be available to view on the touch screen display at St Anne's Arts Centre in Barnstaple.

Dick Raymond and Ian Irwin tell their Barnstaple Stories 

Peter Jewell talking to Amanda McCormack from North Devon Moving Image.

Free Flm Making Opportunity for Young People in North Devon

In association with education charity Into Film, St Anne's Film Club in Barnstaple is inviting young people between the ages of 11 and 14 to apply for a FREE film making course in Barnstaple.  Under the guidance of industry professionals the young film makers will learn about the film production process from research through to marketing and create a short film of their own.

Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of North Devon Moving Image (NDMI), who is leading the project says it will be a great hands-on learning experience for young people in North Devon "This opportunity has been made possible by funding from Into Film, a fabulous education charity whose overriding mission is to put film at the heart of children and young people's learning and cultural experience in the UK.  We are really excited about working with a group of keen young film makers and enabling them to develop their skills and share their creativity."

The project will take place at St Anne's Arts & Community Centre in Barnstaple on Tuesdays from 4pm to 6pm starting on 8 March 2016.

To apply please contact Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of North Devon Moving Image at northdevonmovingimage@outlook.com, telephone 01271 860610 or visit the website www.northdevonmovingimage.org.uk/news.  Closing date for applications is Friday 26 February 2016.

Critically acclaimed "Gigspanner" in concert at St Anne's Arts Centre, Barnstaple 17th February

Since his departure from folk-rock pioneers Steeleye Span at the end of 2013, legendary fiddle player Peter Knight has turned his full attention to his trio Gigspanner, and in the process has firmly established their burgeoning reputation as one of the most innovative acts on the folk/roots scene.

Justifiably met with significant critical acclaim, Gigspanner’s riveting new album ‘Layers of Ages’ sees the band blowing the dust from a collection of well-worn traditional music and song to reveal authentic moments of staggering originality and great beauty, and has been added to the Telegraph’s ‘Best Folk Albums of 2015’ list.

Hailed by Songlines magazine as “another milestone in folk’s rebirth of cool”, Gigspanner present a skilfully narrated program of material that goes way beyond the folk genres usual boundaries. Modern in interpretation yet classical in its virtuosity, it is music that continues to inspire audiences of all leanings, bringing them back for more.

Peter is joined by Roger Flack on Guitar and Vincent Salzfaas on Percussion for his concert at St Anne’s Arts Centre, Barnstaple on 17 February 2016. 

Gigspanner
Wednesday 17 February 2016
7.30pm doors, 8pm on stage
St Annes Arts and Community Centre, Paternoster Row, Barnstaple, EX31 1BH

ooOoo

Tickets - £12 in advance £14 on the door (if there are seats left!) from www.ticketsource.co.uk/StAnnesartscentre 

or the Heritage Centre Shop on the Strand in Barnstaple open Tuesday – Saturday 9.30am – 4pm Tel: 01271 373003

WHO SAID WHAT about #Gigspanner

• “Magnificent…a feast of imaginative music” The Telegraph
• "With his trio, Peter Knight breaks new ground and is second to absolutely nobody...ground-breaking, engaging, frequently astonishing, Gigspanner deliver a quite simply superb set"
  Maverick Magazine
• "Gigspanner has taken traditional tunes as a starting point and rearranged, orchestrated and improvised around them to create fascinating new works, leaving no doubt that Gigspanner’s increasingly impressive sound is like no other" Folk Radio UK
• “Gigspanner work together in musical genius” English Folksong and Dance Society Magazine
• “A glorious musical tour de force. Simply exquisite” -Spiral Earth

Second wave of marine protection welcomed by The Wildlife Trusts

Today, The Wildlife Trusts welcome the news that this Government is designating a
second phase of 23 new Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs) - including two sites along
the spectacular north Devon coast.  This historic move illustrates a renewed impetus
to protect the seas around our shores.

It follows on from the announcement of 27 MCZs in 2013 - four of those were Devon
sites - and is the second of three phases promised by the Government in order to
fulfil the remit of the Marine and Coastal Access Act.

One of the two new MCZs for Devon is Bideford to Foreland Point, protecting marine
wildlife along one of Devon's most popular stretches of coast, from the Taw estuary
to the cliffs of Exmoor. Locals and holidaymakers alike know the array of anemones,
crabs and fish to be found in the rockpools of Ilfracombe and Combe Martin, as well
as the opportunities to spot cetaceans from Baggy Point or seals in Lee Bay. Now,
for the first time, the rich marine wildlife of the north Devon coast has legal
protection from damaging activities.

The future of marine habitats off the north-west Devon coast also looks more secure
following designation of the Hartland Point to Tintagel MCZ today. The northern
section of this new protected area is home to mussel beds and reef-building
honeycomb worms.

Richard White, Senior Marine Conservation Officer at Devon Wildlife Trust, welcomed
the announcement:  "This is really good news for marine life in North Devon and all
the more welcome as the boundaries within Devon waters were put forward by local
stakeholders  -  conservationists and fishermen working together to protect the
future of their own 'back-yard'."

The location of the Bideford to Foreland Point MCZ was first proposed by local
people, including fishermen, recreational sea-users, conservationists and
scientists. Forming a Marine Working Group under the umbrella of the North Devon
Biosphere Reserve, this group used their local knowledge of north Devon's marine
environment to recommend Bideford to Foreland Point to the Government as a Marine
Conservation Zone. After several years of campaigning by Devon Wildlife Trust and
others, all the hard work has paid off.

But Devon Wildlife Trust recognises that the second round of Marine Conservation
Zones still leaves many important marine wildlife sites without protection. Richard
White added: "There is still much more to do if the network of protection around our
coast is to be completed.  We await news on the future of six Devon estuaries
proposed as MCZs and there is still the question of how areas important for whales,
sharks and dolphins are to be protected."

Nationally, the 23 new MCZs are diverse and special places and include cold water
coral reefs, forests of sea fans, canyons and sandbanks, and an astonishingly varied
range of submerged landscapes which support the stunning diversity of marine life
found in the UK.  They include Land's End, one of the South-West's most recognised
areas and renowned for its rugged coastline, and the Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds in the
North Sea, thought to be Europe's largest chalk reef.  All will contribute towards a
network of areas which is urgently needed to ensure a healthy future for our seas.

Joan Edwards, head of Living Seas at The Wildlife Trusts, said:  "We welcome today's
designation of 23 Marine Conservation Zones.  UK seas have the potential to be full
of incredible life and colour but continued destruction has reduced them to a shadow
of their former selves. Without these astonishing submerged landscapes there simply
wouldn't be any fish, let alone fantastic jewel anemones, seahorses, dolphins,
brittlestars amongst all the other wild and extraordinary creatures which are part
of a healthy marine ecosystem."

Marine Conservation Zones are a type of protected area at sea designated for
habitats and species of national importance, including fragile seahorses, rare
native oysters and even cold water coral reefs.  Such protected areas are a tried
and tested means of giving vulnerable species the time and space to recover.

Joan Edwards added: "We are pleased by this Government's commitment to addressing
the decimation of our seabed over the past century, and to delivering an
ecologically coherent network of Marine Protected Areas.  This second step towards
the completion of a 'blue belt' in UK seas is crucial in turning the tide on the
state of our seas but there's still work to be done.  We look forward to working
with Government and stakeholders to ensure these 50 MCZs are properly managed and to
achieve the much-needed ambitious and comprehensive third and final 'tranche'.  This
will be the start of turning our over-fished, over-exploited and currently
under-protected waters back into a healthy and sustainable environment."

The list of Marine Conservation Zones was drawn-up by sea-users, scientists and
conservationists, with Government committing to designating the sites in three waves
or 'tranches'.  The Wildlife Trusts, actively involved in every step of the process,
are buoyed by the achievement of another important milestone on the road to better
protected seas.  We are calling for anyone interested in protecting our seas to join
more than 8,000 other passionate supporters and become a Friend of MCZ's 

The 23 Marine Conservation Zones 

1. Coquet to St Mary's

2. Farnes East 

3. Fulmar 
4. Runswick Bay

5. Holderness Inshore 

6. Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds
7. The Swale Estuary

8. Dover to Deal 

9. Dover to Folkestone
10. Offshore Brighton 

11. Offshore Overfalls

12. Utopia
13. The Needles 

14. Western Channel

15. Mounts Bay
16. Lands End 

17. North-West of Jones Bank 

18. Greater Haig Fras
19. Newquay and The Gannel
20. Hartland Point to Tintagel 

21. Bideford to Foreland Point
22. West of Walney 

23. Allonby Bay

Become a Friend of MCZ's

Next Big Thing: Jack Garret, winner of the BBC’s Sound of 2016 poll announces UK Tour, forthcoming single and debut album.

Jack Garratt is pleased to announce details of a new single, Worry, to be lifted from his forthcoming debut album, Phase, released on the 19th February through Island Records. 

Worry is the song that started this incredible journey for Jack Garratt, some eighteen months ago. It was an undisputed highlight of a self-released debut EP that Jack put out back in 2014, and it’s long been an impressive highlight of the young British artist/producer’s live set. 

The unveiling of Worry coincides with the news today that Jack has been crowned the winner of the BBC’s Sound of 2016 poll. It smartly follows Jack being named the BRITS Critics Choice for 2016 at February’s BRIT Awards, and picking up the BBC Introducing Award at the BBC Awards back in December. 

The constant building and consequent success that Jack enjoyed in the UK last year was replicated across the globe too. Support slots in the UK and US with Mumford & Sons were also surrounded by sold-out dates of Jack’s own in the UK, US, and into Europe. It’s a live show that has mutated into a spectacle. Performing solo and armed with all the instruments Jack utilizes on Phase, it’s a breathtaking, multi-faceted performance that has already translated to far bigger stages (across the British and US arenas as a support act and at festivals), for which Jack is surely now destined to head by himself.

Soon after the debut album is released in February, Jack Garratt will head out on an eleven date UK/Ireland run, kicking off in Dublin at The Academy on the 30th March 2016, and concluding at a now sold-out O2 Academy Brixton in London on the 15th April. 

Remaining tickets for the UK/Ireland Spring tour can be found here: http://tickets.jackgarratt.com 

Pre-order Phase here: www.jackgarratt.com or from iTunes: http://jackgarra.tt/PhasePreorder4

Jack Garratt Live: 

• 30th March – The Academy, Dublin 1st April – O2 ABC, Glasgow 
• 2nd April – Liquid Room, Edinburgh 
• 4th April – University, Newcastle 
• 5th April – University, Leeds 7th April – O2 Academy, Bristol 
• 8th April – O2 Institute, Birmingham 
• 9th April – Albert Hall, Manchester 
• 11th April – O2 Academy, Oxford 
•  12th April – UEA, Norwich 
•  15th April – O2 Academy Brixton, London SOLD OUT 

www.jackgarratt.com

WHAT THE PAPER'S SAY

“A sonic assault of thunderous drums, deep bass and squalling guitar” – The Sunday Times

“A new direction in pop music” – The Telegraph 

 “Complex, multi-layered and impassioned.” – The Sun SFTW 

“Electro-folk sensation” – Q 

“A combination of incredible songwriting and multi-instrumental talents.” – Daily Star 

“Glacial electro beats and twinkling melodies. He’s created his own brave, new, rapidly expanding world.” – Evening Standard

Short Film: The Bideford Pilot - Out in the estuary whatever the weather.

Yes, the weather's dreadful but spare a thought for those whose work continues rain or shine, day or night and whatever the swell out in the Torridge estuary.  

The Bideford Pilot is an insightful and dramatic new short film showing the work of the pilot, Roger Hoad, who guides ships safely into Bideford, Appledore or Yelland.  In the film, Roger says "People from Bideford often open their curtains to find a ship down at the quay. They go to work while the ship is being loaded and the next morning it has vanished again."

The Bideford Pilot is one of ten short films in the Boat Stories series and local historian Peter Christie, who presented the Bideford premiere screening of the series, commented "I was delighted to see the films which really explored one of those parts of the North Devon economy that we all talk about yet very few see at first hand. It was especially good to see the film on Roger Hoad, the Bideford harbour pilot, whose essential work often happens at very unsocial hours (tides wait for no man not even Roger) and is often very challenging."

Before she began research on the film, Boat Stories producer Jo Stewart-Smith thought that escorting incoming ships over the notorious Bideford Bar would be the most difficult part of the pilot's job.  Jo commented "I know now that transferring the pilot on and off the big ships, gaining the trust of a new captain quickly so the pilot can effectively control the ship, guiding the ships up and down the tidal river through the narrow constantly changing channels and turning a 6,000 tonnes ship against a flood tide - are all tough, challenging tasks."

The work has its rewards as well as its challenges and crew member Thom Flaxman says "I get to see some lovely sunrises and sunsets and appreciate the beauty of the river at all hours of the day and night. Some winter nights the deck of the Pilot Boat is just a sheet of ice. When you're hauling on a line it's worth hanging onto the boat as there's nothing to stop your boots from sliding straight over the side."

John Pavitt is coxwain of the pilot boat and it's his job to keep Roger safe, positioning the boat so they are not in danger of squashing him or breaking his legs.  He tells us "For all the technology that has come along nothing has changed from the pilot’s point of view. He is still hanging on to a rope ladder on the side of the ship under any conditions and it’s the crew of the pilot boat that have to get him safely off and on..."

During the recent storm 'Frank' the pilot crew were out working in winds up to 30 knots, escorting the Celtic Warrior out from Yelland Quay. The ship's master was concerned that transferring the pilot down the long ladder would be too dangerous due to the pitching and rolling but as Roger Hoad said in typically understated fashion "in the event all went well and the crew did a good job in quite testing conditions."

Watching the film has had a lasting impact on Instow resident Jim McCormack "I can see the estuary from my garden and when I'm outside at night I look out across the bar and spare a thought for the Bideford pilot - remembering that dramatic scene in the film where he takes his life in his hands as he jumps from the small pilot boat onto a rope ladder dangling from the giant cargo ship."

You can watch the Bideford Pilot along with the other nine Boat Stories short films at www.boatstories.co.uk.

Magic Cooking. A new cooking club for children in North Devon

A new cooking club for children in North Devon will be launched at taster (!) sessions in Braunton and Barnstaple on 15 and 19 January 2016.

The Magic Cooking Pot is a cookery club for children aged 7 – 14 in North Devon and will be run by local charity South West Family Support. They plan to run 6 week courses after school in Braunton and Barnstaple, helping children to cook meals which can be taken home as a family dinner. The groups will be small and focussed so every child has the chance to get hands on experience and learn how to cook. The club will try out a new recipe every week, so that by the end of the course members will be confident and safe in the kitchen. The charity want children to find out more about food, flavour and where our food comes from, so there is a focus on healthy and more unusual foods – and tasting and experimenting is all part of the fun!

The income earned from the Magic Cooking Pot goes to support the charitable work of South West Family Support who help support families in North Devon when things are difficult to find a way to move forward.

The taster sessions on Friday 15 January in Barnstaple and Tuesday 19 January in Braunton are only £5 to cover the cost of tuition, ingredients and use of the venue. At the session everyone will be invited to join the club. Club members will receive an apron, the chance to book any of our courses and exclusive access to a secret page on our website. On the web page we share all the recipes we cook in our classes week by week and our members log on to add comments, their advice and make suggestions for extra ingredients or side dishes.

The Magic Cooking Pot can also run sessions for individual groups – so please do get in touch with organisers if you would like to request a session at a venue near you or for a group for your agency. Remembering that all profits will be reinvested in supporting families in need in the local area.

1st Taster Session 
  15 January 2016 4pm St Anne’s Arts Centre Barnstaple 

2nd Taster Session 
19 January 2016 4.15pm Braunton Academy 

Places must be booked in advance by contacting: South West Family Support booking@swfamilysupport.org.uk or text or phone to 07805 642268. 

The office opens again for the new year on 4 January 2016 

A six week course for members will begin at the end of January and run weekly at 4pm 

Places need to be booked in advance 

About South West Family Support

South West Family Support is a charity working with children, families in their communities. We help support families when things are difficult to find a way to move forward. The charity offer a flexible and creative family support service across Devon. Our family support workers offer practical and emotional strategies to support children and their parents and help coordinate support around them. South West Family Support formed in March 2001. As a social enterprise we invest all income back into our work with families. South West Family Support is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee.

Wildlife left guessing by mild winter weather

The mild weather is set to continue but as temperature records are broken and the ice rinks melt, Devon Wildlife Trust is asking us to spare a thought for our local wildlife.

Winter is a tough time for wildlife. It is a time of hibernation, migration and survival. But with temperatures reaching 14 degrees in Exeter at the beginning of the week, Devon's wildlife is not following its usual seasonal patterns.

The charity Devon Wildlife Trust is reporting some strange goings on at the 50 nature reserves it cares for across the county. David Wodehouse who helps manage DWT's Meeth Quarry nature reserve, near Holsworthy said:
 "The primroses are out at Meeth, normally a sign that spring is on the way. We also have marsh ragwort and wild strawberries in flower and our bee hives are still active."

Andrew Warren who has worked on The Trust's reserves for more than ten years added:
"Many of our winter birds including robins and song thrushes have been very vocal. I'm almost expecting to start seeing them collect twigs ready for nesting!" Birds do sing throughout winter but often in short bursts. The long songs being heard now suggest that these birds are thinking it might be time to find a mate and start breeding.

Devon Wildlife Trust has also been receiving reports that hibernating animals or those that normally lie dormant in the winter are being spotted out and about. Toads are one species that still seem to be very active this December. Some experts are concerned that this will have a knock on effect on toad numbers as female toads must go through a period of dormancy to develop their eggs ready for spawning in spring.

Sightings of hedgehogs are also being sent into the Trust with these prickly garden friends still being seen at people's garden feeding stations. Hedgehogs normally go into hibernation around October or November. Bats are another hibernating creature still on the move. East Devon based bat expert Sarah Butcher tweeted
"Common pipistrelle bat hunting over Devon Wildlife Trust Bystock Pools this evening. Bizarre for the shortest day of the year!"

Pete Burgess, Devon Wildlife Trust's Director of Development, Policy and Research said:
"Our wildlife has evolved over millennia to cope with our climate. As weather patterns change at an unprecedented pace, we are entering a period of great uncertainty. "It is unknown how our wildlife will cope with the recent mild weather. Everything has been delayed as if we are having an extended autumn, this is unlikely to have a significant long term effect unless it extends throughout the rest of the winter. If we have a mild spring followed by a cold snap, that's when you can have more serious problems."

Devon Wildlife Trust are asking members of the public to send in their unusual wildlife sightings via Twitter @DevonWildlife or Facebook. The Trust wants to get a clearer idea of the effect the weather is having on Devon's Wildlife. The charity advises that people help their local wildlife by providing a regular supply of fresh water and keeping birdfeeders topped up. To find out more about Devon Wildlife Trust visit devonwildlifetrust.org  

Photo Hedgehog copyright Adrian Evans (All rights reserved)

Photo  Robin copyright Chris Root(All rights reserved)

Fresh evidence of beavers discovered at four sites on East Devon river

Despite recent news headlines that a local beaver population had 'disappeared' from their East Devon home, a local wildlife charity is now claiming that it has evidence that they are very much alive.

In November the BBC reported the concerns of some local people that they had not had sightings of beavers on the River Otter for some weeks. This 'disappearance' was then reported by national newspapers. However, Devon Wildlife Trust has now come forward with evidence which shows that the beavers are still there, although they may have relocated their homes, known as lodges, along the river.

Devon Wildlife Trust is leading the River Otter Beaver Trial - a five year study of what is believed to be the first population of breeding beavers living wild in the English countryside for several centuries. The charity has said that it is currently monitoring four 'active areas' along the river where it has seen fresh evidence of the beavers' presence.

Mark Elliott is the Trial's manager and said:

"We knew the beavers had not 'disappeared' but it's good to be able to report recent evidence showing that they are still active on the river. Beavers are mobile animals and it's quite common for them to shift their lodges and feeding grounds. There's lots of room for beavers on this river so it's unsurprising that they have relocated from the places that we saw them last spring and summer."

The beavers have proved popular with local people and have also attracted many wildlife-lovers to East Devon after the animals gained national coverage when their story was featured on BBC's Springwatch programme. Devon Wildlife Trust's own series of beaver walks along the river were fully subscribed in 2015 and now the charity says it plans to run more next year to meet demand. However, winter is not the time to go beaver watching and any visitors are likely to leave disappointed. 

Mark Elliott explained:

"Beavers are largely nocturnal animals so they are difficult to see during winter when the nights are long. However, they will still be busy at this time building their lodges, preparing for mating in January and the birth of their kits in May. At this time we're keeping the locations of the new beaver sites a secret to ensure that disturbance to the animals and local landowners is kept to a minimum."

In February 2015 it was established that nine beavers were living on the River Otter. In May it is known that a breeding female gave birth to three kits taking the total to 12. This family were seen by many people throughout summer close to their lodge on a stretch of river near Ottery St Mary.

Devon Wildlife Trust is keen to record sightings of beavers to help it with its ongoing work monitoring the impact of the animals on local communities, local landowners and wildlife. Mark Elliott said: "

As we move into the New Year and the daylight hours lengthen beavers will be active at dusk and dawn. If people do see them then it's important they let us know so that we can get a clearer picture of the beavers' numbers and locations."

People with information can let the charity know if they see a beaver via email on beavers@devonwildlifetrust.org and mailto:beavers@devonwildlifetrust.org with details of the date, time, exact location and whether the beaver has a coloured ear tag.

The River Otter Beaver Trial receives no government funding. Devon Wildlife Trust is urging people to offer their support via its website www.devonwildlifetrust.org/devons-wild-beavers-appeal

Recent beaver activity has been found at four places along the River Otter in East Devon. Photo copyright DWT (All rights reserved)

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

It's been an event full year. Thanks for visiting hope you drop by in 2016.

Don't forget to feed the birds and wildlife over the festive season.

Big Garden Birdwatch 2016 is from 30th-31st January

Charity wins top green award

The environmental achievements of a Devon-based charity have been recognised with a top international accreditation.

In the past year Devon Wildlife Trust has targeted the impact it and its 80 staff have on the environment. As a result the charity has been able to reduce its gas consumption at its Cricklepit Mill headquarters in Exeter by 55%. Its electricity consumption across all its properties has also been reduced by 20%. A hydro-turbine installed at the Mill is also helping The Trust generate 40 kilowatts of its own clean, green electricity each day from water power - equivalent to around 50% of the building's total supply.

The Trust has also substantially reduced the amount of waste which goes in its dustbins, increasing its recycling rates from 45% to a whopping 89%. These positive changes have brought recognition with them. After a rigorous audit, Devon Wildlife Trust has just seen its top international accreditation for Environmental Management Systems, called ISO14001, renewed by the British Assessment Bureau. Stuart Hodgkiss has led the charity's drive to reduce its carbon footprint and other environmental impacts. Stuart said:

"Because of our work with wildlife we need to be an organisation that minimises any impacts on the local environment. Over the last two years we've reviewed every area of our work. The changes we've made have often been straightforward but they have made a good deal of difference. Our energy consumption is something we've worked especially hard to reduce and by turning down the ambient temperatures in our buildings, fitting 'smart' meters and installing low energy computers we've made real progress." Stuart added:

"Getting recognition with the award from the British Assessment Bureaux shows we're heading in the right direction. We're now looking to other areas where we can do better. For example, in March 2016 we're opening a visitor centre in East Devon. Seaton Jurassic will have a café and shop and in both we're putting in place a sustainable procurement policy. This will mean that our visitors can buy with confidence in the knowledge that their food and gift purchases will combine high ethical standards with low environmental impacts."

Another area of The Trust's work which will come under the green spotlight will be its use of vehicles. In 2015 staff trialled a number of electric vehicles and the charity now has a plan to begin to replace some of its conventional petrol cars with zero-emission models.

'Staff at Devon Wildlife Trust have increased recycling and composting to a whopping 89% of all waste.'

North Devon's nature feels benefit from Biffa Award

Some of North Devon's most stunning and wildlife-rich nature reserves have benefitted from £500,000 of Biffa Award funding as a Flagship project - money made available through the Landfill Communities Fund.

The support has allowed the charity Devon Wildlife Trust to make vital improvements at 11 of its nature reserves in North Devon. Sites at Meresfelle, Volehouse Moor, Mambury Moor, Stowford Moor, Veilstone Moor, Stapleton Mire, Ash Moor, Dunsdon, Vealand, Meeth Quarry and Ashmoor have all seen work undertaken to make positive changes for local wildlife.

Among the highlights Biffa Award has helped The Trust to restore and recreate nearly 50 hectares of 'species rich' grassland - an important home to wildflowers including orchids, ragged robin and birdsfoot trefoil. 250 further hectares of existing grassland is now in better long-term management. Five kilometres of traditional Devon hedgebanks have also been rebuilt, restored and replanted with trees including hawthorn, blackthorn, ash and oak. Wildflower seeds have been harvested from 50 hectares of existing Culm grassland to be spread on sites elsewhere. The project also saw 300 metres of the historic Bude Canal restored and re-watered at The Trust's Dunsdon National Nature Reserve, near Holsworthy. The canal is now home to frogs and dragonflies.

Devon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve Officer Steve Threlkeld has worked on the project for the past three years. Steve said: "Funding from Biffa Award has made a crucial difference. For some time we've had a long list of improvements that we wanted to make to our North Devon nature reserves but without help we would have struggled to undertake them. Now it's very rewarding to see the positive changes that the work has made for local wildlife. To see wildflowers growing where they were once lacking, to see dragonflies flying over a new stretch of canal that you have created and to see a new Devon hedgebank planted up and growing, is very satisfying."

Local people have benefitted from the funding too. Much of the work carried out has been done by Devon Wildlife Trust staff in conjunction with local contractors, bringing money and work to the rural economy. Local volunteers have also played a key role, while The Trust has also organised a series of 16 public events showcasing the work done, its techniques and the benefits it can bring.

Matt Boydell, Devon Wildlife Trust's Land Manager said: "Our work under the Biffa Award is now in its final phase but its legacy will last. It's helped us improve our North Devon nature reserves and we believe it's been an example of positive land management for wildlife. We've learned a lot of lessons which will shape how landscapes are managed in the future."

Gillian French, Head of Grants, Biffa Award said: "We're really proud to have been a part of this incredible habitat restoration project across Devon. Over the past three years we have enjoyed our visits to Devon Wildlife Trust's Meeth Quarry nature reserve, and others to see how Landfill Communities funding has helped restore this unique landscape. "

Harvesting wildflower seed at Vealand nature reserve near Holsworthy

Clearing the bed of the historic Bude Canal at Dunsdon National Nature Reserve with the re-watered canal after work was completed 

Photos copyright Devon Wildlife Trust (All Rights Reserved)  

Charity and Kew Gardens combine to preserve Devon's trees

Devon Wildlife Trust has spent this autumn conducting a very different kind of harvest. 

The charity has been collecting seed from Devon's ash, hawthorn, blackthorn, holly and other trees at some of its 49 nature reserves as part of a national project to aimed at protecting the UK's woodlands. Devon Wildlife Trust is a partner in the UK National Tree Seed Project, which has been set up by Kew's Millennium Seed Bank, and made possible with funding generated by players of the People's Postcode Lottery.

Tree seeds collected as part of the project will be safely banked in the underground vaults of Kew's Millennium Seed Bank - forming the UK's first national collection of tree seeds. These will then play a vital role in conservation work to protect UK trees and woodlands, including against pests and diseases such as ash dieback. The collections, and associated data, will be available to researchers working on solutions to tackle the many threats facing our woodlands.

Speaking during National Tree Week (28th November - 6th December) and taking a break from collecting ash seeds, known as keys, from its Sourton Quarry nature reserve, near Okehampton, Devon Wildlife Trust's Andrew Warren said:

"We're proud to be contributing to a project which is protecting the genetic diversity of Devon's trees. Many people will be familiar with the threats that face our trees and woodland landscapes, for example, sudden oak death and ash dieback have both hit the headlines in recent years. Our work collecting the seeds of these and other Devon tree varieties is a step towards creating a kind of safety deposit for the future."

Clare Trivedi, UK National Tree Seed Project Co-ordinator, said:

"Almost all of the nation's favourite trees species - from oak to ash to beech - are affected by a variety of pests and diseases. We are thrilled that Devon Wildlife Trust is working with the UK National Tree Seed Project. This project is really important for the future of our trees, wildlife and landscape - but we cannot do it all by ourselves. Contributions from partners such as Devon Wildlife Trust are absolutely vital to help us ensure all areas across the UK are covered."

The UK National Tree Seed Project was launched in May 2013 and has a list of priority native trees and shrubs targeted for collection. This priority list gave ranking to individual species according to their conservation ratings, prevalence in the landscape and vulnerability to pests and diseases. Species on the list include ash, Scots pine, common alder, common beech, silver birch and yew. 

Devon Wildlife Trust's Andrew Warren said: 

"The seeds we are gathering today are just one of several collections that we've undertaken this autumn. Because Devon Wildlife Trust's nature reserves include many of the county's most treasured landscapes we're ensuring that we are getting seeds which come from each of Devon's corners - north, south, east and west. The collected seeds will act as a living legacy, recording the genetic make-up of our local trees in the early twenty-first century." 

 'Close up of holy berries - one of the species of tree seed that Devon Wildlife Trust has been collecting for Kew Gardens' Millennium Seed Bank'  Photo copyright DWT (All rights reserved)

For more on Devon Wildlife Trust's work visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org