Haven with A History

Spring at last and we've taken the opportunity to explore the Tarka Trail between Bideford and Meeth.Today we're walking from Petrockstow to Meeth, a now tranquil tree-lined section of what was once the old railway, originally built as a narrow-gauge freight line to carry ball clay to Torrington from the Marland and Meeth clay pits. We step off the Trail into the light and the haven that is Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve. Nature, with a lot of help from the Devon Wildlife Trust, has reclaimed what was once a barren, busy, noisy quarry producing clay for export.

The Devon Wildlife Trust purchased the 150 hectres of Meeth Quarry in 2012 and it opened as a nature reserve in 2013. Today the lunar landscape has been replaced by two huge lakes, grassland and woodlands containing coppiced Hazel and Ash together with mature Beech and Oak. The trees today are just bursting into life and I can see that it will be wildflower rich in the weeks to come a  haven for bees, butterflies and all manner of countryside critters. There are also boggy marshy ponds, pits and gullies which will attract dragonflies and damselflies. We saw a Blackcap high in one of the trees, heard Robins and Blackbirds. Another visitor was excited about spotting a Grebe on the lake, I could just about make out it’s pointy head amongst the Terns.

This was a short sojourn and I hope to return to spend the day exploring the rest of this wonderful reserve which is open to all with bike trails, easy access trails and picnic areas, a perfect day out for families, birdwatchers and nature lovers like me. As we return to the Tarka Trail we walk across to view another DWT Nature Reserve, Ash Moor, according to the detailed sign posts there's a good chance of spotting Red Deer, Orchids, rare butterflies and dragonflies.  (Article P. Adams 24 April 2016)

Peace and Tranquility at Glebe Lake

 

 Devon Wildlife Trust's Meeth Quarry Nature Reserve

Coppiced trees springing into life at Meeth Quarry

Meeth Quarry April 24th 2016

Perfect for Dragonfly Watching

Meeth Quarry 24th April 2016 - A Haven for all

Devon Wildlife Trust's Ash Moore Nature Reserve 

About Ash Moor. "In 2002, at the height of the terrible foot and mouth crisis, Ash Moor was chosen to be a vast burial site for infected cattle. Plans were made and the landscape was hollowed out in preparation. Fortunately, the burial site was never used. Today Devon Wildlife Trust cares for what has been transformed into a wonderful network of meadows, ponds and wetlands. This is now a top spot for wildlife".

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About Meeth Quarry is a former clay works located close to Hatherleigh within the Northern Devon Nature Improvement Area and the North Devon Biosphere. 'It incorporates six threatened wildlife habitats, supports 18 species of national importance and will provide a haven for a huge range of bird life, making it an excellent winter wildlife-watching destination for local communities '. 

 

Tap here to find out more about Meeth or any of DevonWildlife Trust 47 other nature reserves 

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Wikepedia Stub Petrockstow Railway Station  Torrington Railway Station

Tap here to read other posts about Meeth Quarry 
 
Located near village of Meeth 4 miles north of Hatherleigh EX20 3ER
Map reference SS 547 078
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DATE FOR YOUR DIARY
Fun for the family at Meeth Quarry Discovery Day between 10.30am and 4pm on Sunday 22nd May. 

Boost for beavers as project receives £150k

A national charity which aims to improve the quality of life for people and communities in the UK through its work with arts, environmental and community welfare organisations has given a major boost to one of Devon's most important wildlife projects.

The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust has provided £150,000 of funding to the River Otter Beaver Trial - an East Devon project which is measuring the impact of England's only breeding population of wild beavers. The funding will be used to support the next three years of the project.

The charity Devon Wildlife Trust is leading the River Otter Beaver Trial, in a partnership which also includes Clinton Devon Estates, the University of Exeter and the Derek Gow Consultancy. Devon Wildlife Trust's Mark Elliott is the Trial's manager. He said:

"The generous support of The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust is very welcome. It gives this unique and important project a firm footing. The River Otter Beaver Trial is a vital piece of work which aims to objectively understand what impact beavers will have on the local landscape and its wildlife, along with the impacts that are experienced by local farmers and the wider communities that live along the wonderful River Otter." Mark continued:

"Many people may have thought that the main task of the River Otter Beaver Trial ended when Natural England granted its licence in January 2014. However, this just signalled the start of a huge amount of work. The trial involves a great deal of scientific study and working with local communities, as well as animal welfare considerations and practical management. This all costs money. We estimate that the Trial will require around £500,000 during its lifetime to carry out its work. The support of The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust is therefore very good news." The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust (PDHCT) was founded in 1999 by businessman and philanthropist Peter De Haan. Since then it has provided £20million to arts, environment and community welfare projects throughout the UK. Peter De Haan, chairman and founder of the Trust said:

"PDHCT has a long history of supporting Wildlife Trusts in their quest to conserve and restore our national landscape. This innovative attempt to revitalise the beaver population in the River Otter has all the elements of a fantastic conversation project: lively community engagement, rigorous scientific monitoring of its progress, and an experienced team to see it through. We wish the Devon Wildlife Trust (and the beavers) every success!"

Eleven wild beavers are thought to be living on the River Otter. The animals and their signs have been seen regularly over the winter months up and down the River Otter from White Bridge, near Budleigh Salterton in the south, to the upper reaches of the river close to the Devon-Somerset border in the north.

The beavers first hit national headlines in 2013 when they were filmed by an amateur film maker. Since then the animals have proved very popular with local people. A series of guided 'beaver walks' to see field signs of the animals drew more than 300 people last year. The River Otter Beaver Trial plans to repeat the walks this summer. More details will appear at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

European Beaver. Photo copyright Ben Lee (All rights reserved)

ABOUT The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust Founded in 1999. 

The Peter De Haan Charitable Trust aims to improve the quality of life for people and communities in the UK through its work with arts, environmental and community welfare organisations. Since then the Trust has donated more than £20 million to organisations working in these areas. Led by businessman and philanthropist Peter De Haan, the Trust operates under a venture philanthropy model, working closely with the organisations it supports financially and organisationally to increase their capacity and impact. Until recently the Trust targeted a significant proportion of its resources towards the youth arts charity IdeasTap, as well as select UK wildlife trusts, and community projects surrounding its South London offices. The Trust will not exist in perpetuity, as the founding Trustees planned for its reserves to be gradually spent over a 20 year period from its date of constitution. The Trust is not open to unsolicited applications.

Boat Stories Films Continue to Make Waves for North Devon

The boat stories series of ten short films is continuing to make big waves for North Devon. 'Fishing for Clovelly Herring' has been chosen by the jury for Plymouth Film Festival on 13-15th May. Selected from over 450 submissions, this lively film will be shown as part of the Sunday brunch session and is up for best documentary, best of the south west and the people's choice award. This whole series is being shown this week at Exeter Phoenix before the feature length documentaries at the UK Green Film Festival, billed as a nationwide celebration for film lovers and green thinkers. In April the films were shown at the inaugural and colourful Ilfracombe Film Festival. Amanda Gartshore festival organiser says 'Boat Stories were a big hit with the festival audience. "Some seeing them for the first time loved them because they featured people they knew and others who'd already seen them came to watch them on the big screen." Last autumn two of the films were part of the official jury selection at Bath Film Festival. Jo Stewart-Smith, director and producer of the films says 'it's fantastic to see the Boat Stories buzz continuing, long after we sailed on our last filming trip. Once again I want to thank all the talented local cameramen, Simon Vacher, Matt Biggs, Mark Brindle, Stu Gaunt and Rich Stevenson and our sound assistants, Josh Hawker and Oscar Adams plus the ten versatile musicians we worked with - a different one for each film - together we made a great team."

Jo has been showing the films and revealing some of the adventures of cast and crew at a series of talks in packed village halls for Beaford Arts. The final talk is at High Bickington on Friday 13th May. Stephen Perham star of the film Fishing for Clovelly Herring will be chatting about his experiences alongside another boat stories star Thom Flaxman, relief coxswain and crew on the Bideford pilot.

Recently Glorious Oyster (of food and farming awards fame) partnered with Treyhill farm to show the films at a fundraiser for Sea-Changers. Several festivals are coming back for seconds. The films will be on show for the second year running at the Westward Ho Fish Festival in June and at Sea Ilfracombe and Appledore Book Festivals in the Autumn. Jo adds, "I want to remind local businesses, tourist and activity centres and groups of friends that they are welcome to show these films. They make great entertainment for those rare, rainy evenings we get in North Devon!"

Boat Stories DVDs are available from many tourist information centres, museums and galleries in Appledore, Bideford, Braunton, Clovelly, Ilfracombe, Mortehoe, Westward Ho! and Woolacombe or from the website www.boatstories.co.uk

Stephen Perham leaving harbour in Dad’s old boat Neptune 
“herrings rise to the light” Clovelly
Photos copyright Jo Stewart-Smith (All rights reserved)  
Tap links below for tickets:

 Plymouth Film Festival
 Exeter Phoenix UK Green Film Festival
 Beaford Arts Boat Stories at High Bickington Community Centre

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Boat Stories films were part funded by Northern Devon FLAG (Fisheries Local Action Group,) Bideford Bridge Trust, Tarka Country Trust, Fullabrook CIC, The Clovelly Estate, the West Country Rivers Trust and North Devon Plus
Boat Stories was hosted by Amanda McCormack from North Devon Moving Image CIC: a community film making organisation creating, collecting and sharing short documentary films about life in North Devon. 

Rare 'white blackbird' lands in North Devon

A rare albino blackbird has been spotted in Hatherleigh, North Devon. The 'white blackbird' was discovered by Devon Wildlife Trust's Jo Pullin in her back garden. Jo, who has worked for the conservation charity for 14 years, picks up the story: 

 "My children and I spotted something unusual in the undergrowth at the edge of our garden. We went to investigate and soon discovered it was a white blackbird. It looked like it had only just recently left the nest." 

"I've seen birds with odd colouring before, but never a completely white blackbird. It really stood out and looked very vulnerable." 

Albinism in birds is not unusual. It is caused when the normal pigmentation of feathers is missing. However, in most cases birds show patches of white feathers or dull colouring. This partial albinism, as it is called, is relatively common. But what was rare about the case of the Hatherleigh blackbird was that it lacked all colour, even in its eyes. It belonged to a condition which is much more unusual and is known as being a true albino. The story of the white blackbird may not have ended well. Its unusual looks may have meant it lived a short life. 

Steve Hussey from Devon Wildlife Trust commented on its likely fate: 

"Being pure white isn't a great survival strategy for a blackbird, particularly as a fledgling. When you've just left the nest you want to be as inconspicuous as possible to avoid the predatory eyes of cats and sparrowhawks. Added to this, part of the condition of albinos often means they have poor or little eyesight. I fear that this little chap's life was probably a very brief one." 

Jo Pullin seemed to confirm this distinctly off-colour prediction for the white blackbird. Jo said: 

"We looked for the blackbird the next day but couldn't see it anywhere." 

Spring is the time when many people find baby birds in their gardens. Despite their vulnerability the advice of Devon Wildlife Trust is to leave them well alone, while keeping pet cats and dogs away. 

 The whiteBlackbird of Hatherleigh. Photo: copyright  Jo Pullin (All rights reserved)

Celebrate woodlands as sensational spring story starts to unfold

The Wildlife Trusts are urging everyone to get out and enjoy one of nature's wonders: our woodlands.

Woodland in springtime is one of the great spectacles of nature, full of birdsong, wildflowers and the soft bright green of new leaves. The Wildlife Trusts believes that they are a spectacle not to be missed. It's why the charity is urging people to visit their local woodland in the coming weeks.

Steve Hussey, from Devon Wildlife Trust, said:

"A walk through a woodland during Spring offers opportunities aplenty to indulge your senses, and tune in to the wild, as the story of Spring unfolds; from the arrival of migrant birds to the unrolling of Bluebell carpets. Our message to people is to get out there now and enjoy this uplifting, free experience. Do not miss one of nature's most wonderful seasonal events."

Bill Oddie OBE, The Wildlife Trusts' Vice President, offers his advice on the best time to visit a woodland for the first time:

"Early spring, when the shapes of the branches are still clear but spangled with new buds. The birds are singing and you can see them, which isn't so easy once the trees are in full leaf. When the sun shines through those trees it can be just like the lights at a music concert. Even when raining, it's fabulous!"

April sees our woodlands spring to life. Listen for the great spotted woodpecker, and their smaller rare cousin the lesser spotted woodpecker, now drumming - beating out the rhythm of the season. Watch the darting and twisting flights of pied and spotted flycatchers as they hunt for flying insects.

Devon Wildlife Trust's nature reserves at Dunsford (near Exeter), Warleigh Point (near Plymouth) and Halsdon (near Hatherleigh) are all excellent places to see and hear woodland birds this spring. Under foot, a carpet of colour is quietly and steadily unfolding. Over the space of a few weeks in spring, from mid April onwards, bluebells set our woodlands ablaze with their bright blue flowers. The UK is home to more than half the world's population of Hyacinthoides non-scripta, making the bluebell our unofficial national flower, and their presence is a sure sign of very old woodland. The Wildlife Trusts care for hundreds of the finest bluebell woods, wonderful places to experience the sights, sounds and smells of spring. The Wildlife Trusts look after more than 400 woodlands across the UK - from flower-strewn ancient woodlands to wild coastal woods, damp and rich in lichen and moss. If the wood you visit is a remnant of ancient woodland, there could be carpets of wood anemones, followed by wild garlic and bluebells. Devon Wildlife Trust's Scanniclift Copse (near Chudleigh), Andrew's Wood (South Hams) and Lady's Wood (near Ivybridge) are all great places to see woodland flowers this spring. To help people explore their local woodland this spring The Wildlife Trusts have produced a guide to discovering favourite woodland walks and great places to see bluebells, ancient and unusual trees and woodland butterflies. All are available at www.wildlifetrusts.org

Bill Oddie concludes: "How to get the best out of a wood? Take photos, all through the year, in different light and weather, both close up and wide. Notice shapes and textures. Look at a wood as a work of art, which it is!"

Pied Flycatcher - Photo copyright Neil Bygrave (All rights reserved)

 A Devon woodland with bluebells.- Photo copyright Kevin New (All rights reserved)

Tap link to find a Nature Reserve near you

Brother Strut; the critically acclaimed funk and soul band play The Factory 19th May

If you are a fan of anything funk and soul this is a night you would be insane to miss! As individuals Brother Strut have performed on records that have accumulated over half-a-billion sales, as a collective they form Brother Strut; the critically acclaimed funk and soul band. 

“You will wait a very long time indeed to see anything better, I can’t think who can top this” says Blues and Soul Magazine, awarding their debut album an astonishing 10/10.

 

The general public responded to the album with similar enthusiasm and the album entered the UK iTunes chart at number 2. Subsequent recording deals in the USA, Italy, South Africa, South East Asia and Australia followed. Whilst the band also featured in the top ten of the album charts in the UK and Italy, Craig Charles play listed it on his award-winning BBC6 Music, Funk and Soul Show.

Producer and sax player Stevie Jones assembled the bunch back in 2012, shunning the manufactured ‘X-Factor generation’s’ pursuit of fame at any cost. However, Brother Strut are far from just a recording studio band; From Van Morrison, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Madonna to Sting, George Michael, Amy Winehouse and Tina Turner to name but a few, Brother Strut’s members honed their prodigious talents on some of the world’s most prestigious stages alongside an array of music’s most cherished icons.

Indeed, the stage remains the band’s spiritual home. Peerless showmen as well as musicians, Brother Strut pride themselves on their ability to deliver unparalleled live shows. Composed of some of the finest and funkiest musicians around, Brother Strut includes Steve Pearce (bass), Frankie Tontoh (drums), Otha Smith (electric guitar), Sam Tanner (keys/lead vocals) and Stevie Jones (Saxophonist/keys).

As Saxophonist and producer Stevie Jones notes, Brother Strut are focused on delivering exceptional live performances of “awe-inspiring” quality and their unswerving dedication to this ethos has been the catalyst behind the band’s success.

Taking their album on the road, two spectacular sell-out tours followed. Gaining notoriety for their ‘barnstorming’ sets, Brother Strut’s passion for live music has endeared them to an audience who seek real music amidst the music industries increasingly corporate soul.

To this end, the band release their music through their own label Brother Strut Records. With their freedom intact, Brother Strut only take directions from their inspirations: funk, blues, American soul music of the 1960’s and ‘70’s and stunning live music.

Local support from Loney

Brother Strut at The Factory, Barnstaple 

Thursday 19th May
DOORS: 8pm PRICE: £10 Standing only
MINIMUM AGE RECOMMENDATION: All ages. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
ADVANCE TICKETS: Online tickets available from www.thefactoryvenue.co.uk
Physical tickets available from Beatsworkin, Queens Street, Barnstaple and North Devon Theatres box offices

Box office booking fees may apply.

The Factory Petroc Brannams Campus Oakwood Close Barnstaple Devon EX31 3NJ 

M +44 (0)7446 692751

Seaton Jurassic welcomes Princess Royal

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal was in the East Devon seaside town of Seaton on Thursday 14th April visiting the town's newest tourist attraction, Seaton Jurassic.

She arrived by helicopter in the early afternoon following an earlier engagement at Dartmouth Royal Naval College.

On arrival The Princess waved to onlookers who had lined the streets around the town's Underfleet. She then spent an hour touring Seaton Jurassic's exhibition halls, meeting children from the local Seaton Primary School and representatives of the many organisations that have been involved in getting the £4.4million attraction off the ground.

The charity Devon Wildlife Trust is Seaton Jurassic's operator and its Chief Executive Harry Barton escorted the Princess on her tour. The charity's Harry Barton said:
 "It was such a pleasure to show Her Royal Highness around Seaton Jurassic. I was struck by how interested she was in the local area and the wonderful natural heritage we have in East Devon. Her Royal Highness was very impressed by the commitment from local people and volunteers helping Devon Wildlife Trust run the Centre. I hope it encourages everyone to feel as proud of Seaton Jurassic as I am."

Seaton Jurassic is a flagship project for East Devon District Council, who own the centre. The Council's Leader Cllr Paul Diviani and its Chief Executive Mark Williams spent time with the Princess discussing the project and its importance to the town's economy. Cllr Paul Diviani said:
 "The Princess Royal was fascinated in how the project has evolved. We were very proud to be able to explain that East Devon District Council is the main funder of Seaton Jurassic which is already making a positive difference to the local economy. It is a unique project and we believe it will be a catalyst for the further regeneration of the area."

The Princess concluded her visit by unveiling a plaque which formally marked the opening of Seaton Jurassic. Afterwards, in a short speech, Her Royal Highness offered her congratulations to all the partners involved and said:
 "Seaton Jurassic is a real achievement and you have set a fine example in what you have done here. I would like to think that others will follow."

Mike Ruiter is Seaton Jurassic's manager and said:
 "The Princess' visit has been a wonderful culmination to a busy opening three weeks at Seaton Jurassic. We've been delighted by people's response. We've had almost 10,000 people visit us and the feedback we are getting about the visitor experience we're offering, our café and shop have been very encouraging. My message to everyone out there is if you haven't already visited us, come and see what we're all about."

Seaton Jurassic is open seven days a week, 10am to 5pm. For more information go to www.seatonjurassic.org 

 Princess Royal giving her address at Seaton Jurassic - Photo copyright
Matt Austin/Devon Wildlife Trust (All rights reserved)

Top: Pupils from Seaton Jurassic await HRH arrival 

Bottom Left: HRH meets Seaton Jurassic's manager Mike Ruiter (left) and Devon Wildlife Trust Chief Executive Harry Barton; 

Bottom Right: HRH is shown Seaton Jurassic's time machine by its creator Lloyd Turner. 

Photos copyright Matt Austin/Devon Wildlife Trust (All rights reserved)

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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. 

Tap link for further details about making a visit to Seaton Jurassic 

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

Casting off down the cobbles. Clovelly Yarn Bomb set to make a colourful July

Visit Clovelly during the month of July and enjoy discovering the yarn-bombed areas of the famously picturesque fishing village
 

The *tight-knit* community of Clovelly residents have been busily preparing a ‘blooming’ lovely project ~ yarn-bombing the village, with the help of people from all over the UK & abroad, who are donating beautiful yarn samples!
 

Celebrity Design Guru Laurence Llewelyn Bowen is pictured with his white knitting which will have pride of place in a very special, secret feature of the Clovelly Yarn Bomb which will be revealed in July!
 

The village will look even more colourful than usual, with knitted donkeys, seaside garlands and crocheted ‘cobble-cosies’ plus much more. This unusual project is part of Clovelly's entry to the ‘Britain in Bloom’ competition and is in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust.
 

Yarn Bombing is a type of street art that employs colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn rather than paint or chalk. Yarn installations can be easily removed if necessary.
 

Co-ordinated by Clovelly Silk in conjunction with the Clovelly Community Gardening Group
 

Clovelly is a place which people all over the world hold very dear to their hearts and thanks to social media, the group are inviting people to donate knitted and crocheted samples and contribute to this unusual project.
 

The Clovelly Silk workshop is offering a centre-piece for some very special knitted work indeed. Not to be missed, the breathtakingly beautiful and inspiring knitted creations of Alison Murray, All2Knit, will be on display at Clovelly Silk, in the Craft Yard, which is situated next to the Donkey Stables. Alison Murray has worked tirelessly to inspire her team of local knitters, who have created awe-inspiring pieces which have travelled the UK and abroad, raising money for charity.
 

In October 2012 Clovelly suffered a flood. As a torrent of muddy water rushed down the famous cobbled street, it left a trail of destruction. The misery of the flood failed to dampen the spirits of Clovelly residents and as people pulled together, Clovelly Community Gardening Group was formed. The clean up and recovery was so swift and profound that Clovelly entered the annual South West In Bloom competition. A regional competition which is part of Britain in Bloom, the largest horticultural campaign in Europe. Taking part in the competition has inspired many exciting projects over the past few years with a real emphasis on the pride and community spirit which is so strong in Clovelly.
 

Our chosen charity is Devon Air Ambulance Trust. As a village which is difficult to access, we are acutely aware of the invaluable work that the service provides. The D.A.A.T. helicopters are able to get to most of Devon within 10 minutes and the whole of Devon within 15. It now costs £5.5million every year to keep Devon’s two Air Ambulances operational.

Clovelly Yarn Bomb

in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust

From the 1st - 31st July

Clovelly village, North Devon 

Normal admission charges apply. 
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ABOUT
Clovelly Silk

All2Knit
ClovellyDevon Air Ambulance Trust 

Swingrowers play The Factory 29th April

Hailing from Sicily, this six piece quintet fuses electronic beats to their jazz/gypsy jazz stylings. They are one of Europe's pre-eminent electro-swing bands and it's a rare treat to have them appear in North Devon on Friday 29th April.

Swingrowers signed to Brighton based label Freshly Squeezed. Known for their mixture of jazz, swing manouche and dance/electro, they have extensively toured Europe and North America, opening sell-out shows for Parov Stelar, Chinese Man & Caravan Palace. On top of delivering official remixes for Caro Emerald and Swing Republic, Swingrowers also boast musical collaborations with The Lost Fingers, Gypsy Hill, DJ Pony Montana and have had their own songs remixed by Bart&Baker and Jamie Berry.

Following on from their debut album ‘Pronounced Swing Grow’ers' in 2012, Swingrowers have released their most recent album ‘REMOTE’ in early 2015. Swingrowers are one of the most exciting rising talents within the retro music scene and “a band maturing at a rapid pace”.

Come out swing, and stomping to live electro beats. With an explosive sound that reverberates back through time. Let’s show them a proper welcome!

Support from: Bicycle Repair Man

Doors: 8pm Friday 29th April

Tickets: Standard Entry £8

Physical tickets available from Beatsworkin, Barnstaple & North Devon Theatres Box offices.

Online tickets available from www.thefactoryvenue.co.uk

NB Minimum age recommendation: Under 16s to be accompanied by an adult

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The Factory Petroc Brannams Campus Oakwood Close Barnstaple Devon EX31 3NJ 

M +44 (0)7446 692751 www.thefactoryvenue.co.uk

Clovelly Lectures: " Does the United Kingdom have a future and what can be done to preserve it? "

Clovelly Lectures runs a lecture forum on World Affairs, International Relations, Security & Defence and Science & Technology. The venue of this Forum is Clovelly on the stunning coastline of North Devon; a soft background to ask hard questions.

It seeks to provide a global positioning of British relationships and influences, with an emphasis on and analysis of Government policy and its direct impact on British lives.

Now in its 5th year, Clovelly Lectures has found in Devon a responsive audience. There is a curiosity and interest in listening and discussing matters that affect our lives in a fast, changing and confusing economic and political world. The attendance at these lectures has been enthusiastic and overwhelming.

Our latest Lecture coming up on Saturday 14th May 2016 looks at;

‘Does the United Kingdom have a future and what can be done to preserve it?’ a hot topic of debate with the EU referendum in June.

Former Attorney General and Present Chairman of the Parliamentary Intelligence and Security Committee Dominic Grieve QC MP is speaking at Clovelly. Appointed to the opposition front bench in 1999 as spokesman on Constitutional affairs and moved to the Home affairs team covering criminal justice in 2001 before being made shadow Attorney General by Michael Howard in 2003. In 2008 he was made shadow Home Secretary and shadow Justice Secretary in 2009. After the General Election of 2010 he was appointed a Privy Councillor and Attorney General holding that office until July 2014. Mr Grieve is currently a member of the Standards and Privileges Committee of the House of Commons. His work in Parliament on civil liberties and the Rule of Law was recognised by two awards - Parliamentarian of the Year in 2005 and in 2014 by a Lifetime Achievement award from Liberty. He has specialised on issues relating to Law and Order, civil liberties and international affairs as well as having an interest in environmental issues. In 2015 he was appointed Chairman of the "Parliamentary Committee for Security and Intelligence."  

Clovelly Lectures 

" Does the United Kingdom have a future and what can be done to preserve it? " 

Speaker Dominic Grieve QC MP 

Saturday 14th May, at Clovelly Visitor Centre EX39 5TA. 

For times and prices visit http://www.clovelly.co.uk/clovelly-events 

For further information, tickets or to subscribe to mailing list, please contact clovellylectures11@gmail.com or call Clovelly Estate Office Tel: 01237 431200

The Queen’s 90th Birthday Cruise with Northam Lodge

This year the MS Oldenburg will be hosting a special Birthday Cruise organised by Northam Lodge, to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday. This will take place on Friday June 24th and will depart from Bideford Quay at 7.30pm. Boarding will take place as from 6.45pm and the cruise lasts for about 2 hours. The Alan Lewis All Stars Jazz Band will be providing the entertainment, no doubt including some rousing patriotic music.

Tickets cost £15.00 per person and please contact Mark or Fiona on 01237 477238 or email info@northamlodge.co.uk  or  TAP HERE for more information

Northam Lodge is a Devon charity for providing services for people with learning difficulties and their carers

Riverfly volunteers ready for another busy season on the River Torridge

A volunteer project which is keeping a close check on the health of one of North Devon's best-loved rivers is about to begin another season.

The River Torridge in North Devon is the focus of a project which has brought together 50 local volunteers whose job it is to take regular samples of its water between April to September. The samples are then analysed to look for signs of life in the shape of invertebrates - water-living mini-beasts - known as riverflies.

The work of the volunteers is providing an important regular check on the river's health. The volunteers collect their samples at points along the watercourse. Their efforts, which began in 2014, is allowing a better assessment of the Torridge's water quality and is acting as an early-warning system with which to detect pollution incidents. Data collected by the volunteers is also being shared with the Environment Agency and will help to direct future land management locally.

Izzy Moser from the charity Devon Wildlife Trust, which is overseeing the project, says:

'It's fantastic to see communities coming together to protect local streams and rivers which are so valuable to us all. Our network of volunteers is one of best Riverfly networks in the country. Last year they collected more than 290 samples, about 12% of all the national data.'

The initiative is named 'Riverfly' after the water-living invertebrates that spend a large part of their lifecycle in rivers and still waters as larvae, before emerging in their masses as short-lived adult flies. Since riverflies are very sensitive to changes in habitat and water quality, they are good biological indicators for overall river health. Riverflies are also a vital link in the aquatic and land-based food chain, providing a food source for many fish, birds, insects and mammals.

Understanding local water quality is seen as vital for the futures of protected local species such as the endangered freshwater pearl mussel. North Devon has the only remaining populations of these mussels in southern England and through the Biffa Award funded 'Restoring Freshwater Mussel Rivers in England', Devon Wildlife Trust's Izzy Moser has also been working on the River Torridge with a number of volunteers to survey and improve conditions for the aquatic animals.

2016 is the third year of the Torridge Riverfly Partnership which was set up by the North Devon Biosphere and Devon Wildlife Trust. Riverfly monitoring is a great way to get your hands dirty, enjoy nature and collect valuable data to better understand the health of the watercourse. Izzy Moser says: 'This year, we are hoping to recruit more volunteers and perhaps extend the scheme into the River Taw catchment. We are also planning to deliver a training event to support new volunteers with the survey programme. If people are interested they can contact Matt Edworthy by email at biosphere-mailbox@devon.gov.uk or by phone on 01271 388647.'

The Riverfly project has been supported with funds from the North Devon Fisheries Local Action Group and Torridge District Council.

 Riverfly volunteers taking samples from the River Torridge in 2014:

A Taste of the Sea. Down along Clovelly

Make a date in your diary for the Clovelly Seaweed Festival in aid of the North Devon Hospice.  Its launch in 2015 was a great success and the fun will be repeated this year on the 12th June. Clovelly's Seaweed Festival is held to promote seaweed for its immense health and nutritional benefits as it is hugely versatile. The Quay kitchens down along Clovelly Harbour will be preparing a surprising variety of dishes and stalls will be selling a range of seaweed products along with demonstrations, crafts and talks.

There will also be plenty of entertainment for both adults and children to enjoy, such as Seaweed foot spa's and massage, Sciency workshops with Sarah Hotchkiss from CyberColloids exploring the types and uses of seaweeds, The National Trust & North Cornwall seaweeds craft activities (bring your own plastic bottle to make an under the sea miniatuere garden), Facepainting & Henna tattoo's. The Seaweed Health Foundation will provide information on the benefits of human food quality seaweed for food and health. Also Emma Gunn will be doing talks, providing tasters and the chance to buy a signed copy of her book.

There’ll be street entertainers and live music throughout the day which is included in the admission charges. 

You will be amazed at the world of seaweed. Bring your own and ask the experts what is the best use for your particular selection.

Also from 3pm the New Inn will be hosting an afternoon street tea-party, in celebration of the Queens 90th! With Cream teas, sandwiches, "make your own bunting" arts & crafts and live music! 

A Taste of the Sea. A selection of photos from Clovelly Seaweed Festival 2015 by P. Adams

Clovelly Seaweed Festival, Sunday 12th June 2016
Clovelly Harbour,
10 am to 5 pm
For further details contact Clovelly Visitor Centre. 

Tel: 01237 431781.- www.clovelly.co.uk
Clovelly News and Events

Seaton Jurassic to open doors for first time on Saturday 26th March

A £4million visitor attraction is set to open its doors to visitors for the first time this Easter.

Seaton Jurassic is based in the East Devon coastal resort of Seaton. It hopes to attract thousands of visitors to experience its unique telling of the story of life and particularly how it has evolved on the Jurassic Coast over the past 250 million years ago.

Mike Ruiter, Seaton Jurassic's manager said:
'We are very excited about the prospect of opening. Our staff and local volunteers can't wait to greet the first visitors when we open our doors at 10am on Saturday 26th March. We think Seaton Jurassic offers a unique experience for visitors. They can certainly expect something very different to what already exists along the Jurassic Coast.'
 
In the past weeks trial sessions with invited guests have already proved Seaton Jurassic own take on local natural and geological history to be a hit with people of all ages.

Mike Ruiter said:
'We've had people tell us they were amazed by our interactive exhibits, wowed by the detail of them and what we've managed to fit into the space available.' Seaton Jurassic promises to take people on an adventure back across 250 million years to the beginnings of the Mesozoic period. It charts the struggles of local life to adapt and survive in changing and often hostile environments. Visitors are being promised 'time travel' and the prospect of coming face-to-face with the creatures and characters who have been part of the Jurassic Coast's story. But there's a more tranquil side to Seaton Jurassic. Visitors can also expect a café with two huge palm trees at their centre along with a menu of good food and drink sourced using local suppliers. A shop and wildlife garden completes the experience. Seaton Jurassic is marking its opening with a packed programme of entertainments and events. On Saturday 26th March there will be storytellers, face painters and more. Sunday 27th March sees a Jurassic-themed Easter Egg Hunt. While on Easter Monday 28th March a special expert-led guided walk will unlock the secrets held in the rocks of the local landscape. These events signal a spring and summer programme the full details of which people can see at www.seatonjurassic.org 

Seaton Jurassic is owned by East Devon District Council. Councillor Paul Diviani, Leader of East Devon District Council, said that the centre - at the very heart of the world-renowned Jurassic Coast - marks another step in the regeneration of the town. He said: 

'Seaton Jurassic is a top attraction which will bring in thousands of visitors and, in turn, will boost the economy of Seaton and East Devon too.' 'We're very proud to be the main funder of such a unique project and we believe it will be a catalyst for the further regeneration of the town itself.' The operator of Seaton Jurassic is Devon Wildlife Trust. 
The charity's Chief Executive Officer, Harry Barton, said: 
'Seaton Jurassic is a project that has been more than a decade in the making. Seeing it for real, brand new, dramatic and sparkling in the spring sunshine, is an absolute thrill. And like all great treasures, the best bits are inside! I am just so grateful for all the support from the local community. I really hope they are as proud of the end result as I am.' 

Seaton Jurassic will open its doors for the first time at 10am on Saturday 26th March. Entry costs £8 for adults and £5 for children, with family tickets priced at £18. The entry fee covers return visits for a year. 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! 

Young people enjoy Seaton Jurassic's interactive displays at a recent trial day  

Photos copyright Matt Austin (All rights reserved)

 Further details about making a visit to Seaton Jurassic can be found at www.seatonjurassic.org Seaton Jurassic has received generous support from Devon County Council, Heritage Lottery Fund, Coastal Communities Fund, Seaton Town Council, Garfield Weston Foundation, Fine Family Foundation, Seaton Visitor Centre Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and Jurassic Coast Trust.

Troubadours Come to Town. Wildwood Jack to play at St Anne's Arts and Community Centre in Barnstaple

The travelling acoustic guitar and ukulele duo Wildwood Jack will be playing at St Anne's Arts and Community Centre in Barnstaple on Tuesday 22nd March as part of their UK tour.

Described by Netrythms as “genuinely uplifting” with “intensely adept acoustic guitar stylings” the duo showcase a unique blend of fingerstyle guitar and ukulele that draws influences from folk, country and world music. Over the last two years they've played as far afield as Bangkok, Hanoi and New Zealand. European dates have taken them from street festivals in Croatia, Germany and Italy to a circus tent in Austria as well as two tours of Denmark.

Adam says “'Wildwood Jack' is our name for the independent spirit of music that knows no boundaries and that's very much reflected in both our music and our troubadour lifestyle”.

Their sound has been described as a mix of Paul Simon, Ry Cooder and Nanci Griffiths and their wide repertoire draws from an eclectic songbook as well as instrumentals and original songs.

Tickets are £6 and available from the Heritage Centre shop on the Strand in Barnstaple or from 01271 373003. Also online with a small booking fee www.ticketsource.co.uk/StAnnesArtsCentre

Wildwood Jack,

St Annes Arts and Community Centre 

Paternoster Row, Barnstaple EX31 1SX 

Tuesday 22nd March

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Wildwood Jack
Inventive Acoustic Folk and Roots
"Engaging, uplifting and filled with memorable melodies and clever hooks" R2 Magazine
www.wildwoodjack.com
www.twitter.com/wildwoodjack
www.facebook.com/wildwoodjack

Funding for community projects.

If you’re looking to get a community project off the ground, the North Devon Coast AONB’s Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) is now open to applications for grant funding. 

A total of £25,000 is available this financial year, with up to a £5,000 grant for individual projects. The priority themes for this year are for projects which will help provide a greater understanding and knowledge of the coastal and inland geology of the North Devon AONB and its biodiversity, including all wildlife, plants and habitats. In addition to this, other projects which meet the priorities of the AONB Management Plan 2014/19 are also very welcome. 

The North Devon Coast AONB Sustainable Development Fund is a regional grants scheme, funded by Defra for projects of all sizes. It is available to individuals, charities, community groups and businesses that have a project idea that will improve or benefit the North Devon Coast AONB both now and in the future. 

Over the last few years, the SDF has helped fund a variety of projects including the installation of solar panels on a community centre, a cycle/recycle scheme, a Bioblitz, coastal educational opportunities for schools and the ‘Glorious Oyster’ seafood shack, recently nominated as a finalist for BBC Food and Farming Award. 

“SDF grants enable the AONB to support community projects which have a positive and direct local impact, and which meet local needs” said Terry Green, SDF Panel Chairman. “The fund aims to encourage and support community based projects with particular focus on the environment, community and/or local economy. This year we hope once again that SDF funding will provide the financial stimulus without which worthwhile and deserving projects might not get off the ground.” 

You do not have to live or work within the AONB to be eligible for the SDF grant, but you will need to be able to demonstrate that your project will have a positive impact within the North Devon Coast AONB. There is a short application form for grants up to £500, and a full application for projects requesting over £500, which must also provide match funding of cash or in-kind contributions. Applications are invited from now until December 2016 with spend and project delivery completed by the end of January 2017. 

For guidance and application forms:

 http://www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk/grants_and_projects/grants-for-local-communities 

Or contact: 

Gigha Klinkenborg on 01271 388647 or gigha.klinkenborg@devon.gov.uk

The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) supports projects that bring environmental, social and economic benefits to the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The fund aims to support projects which develop and test new methods of achieving a more sustainable way of life in this area of great beauty and diversity. North Devon receives this money from Defra because this area is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)

 This spectacular coastal area, which covers some 66 square miles from the boundary of Exmoor National Park at Combe Martin to Marsland Mouth on the Cornish border, was designated as an AONB in 1959

 Further information about the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty can be found on www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk or www.explorethecoast.org

Rosa Rebecka in Barnstaple this weekend

Rosa Rebecka is currently touring her one-woman show Travel’s With My Grandmothers’ Guitar which tells the story of her great grandmother’s guitar, an extraordinary 110 year-old instrument that she has recently inherited. Storytelling, newly composed songs and family favourites, heartfelt singing and numerous instruments tell a universal story of love and loss spanning four generations. The concert at St Anne’s Arts Centre in Barnstaple on Saturday will feature original acoustic material and Swedish folk music, performed with warmth and passion on voice, guitar, and other instruments... beautiful music in an ancient setting.

Born to a Swedish mother and an American father, Rosa Rebecka grew up among the lakes and forests of southern Sweden. Coming from a musical family, she sang with her parents and siblings from an early age. She began to write songs and poetry at the age of five, and later learned to play the flute and guitar. She left Sweden for Devon in 1998 and spent three years at Dartington studying music, composing songs and playing with her fellow students.

Not only an outstanding vocalist but also a truly original and innovative songwriter, Rosa Rebecka continues to produce finely crafted songs which mix haunting narrative storytelling with a playful lyricism and sublime musicality. While her Swedish roots are never far below the surface, and she acknowledges the folk tradition of her adopted land, she has a timeless sensibility all her own. Her music owes as much to female singer-songwriters of her parents’ generation, such as Joni Mitchell, as it does to the centuries-old troubadours she loves.

Rosa’s performances are sometimes unusual, often intimate, always memorable. She writes for a bewildering array of instruments, which she sometimes makes her audience play for her. She loves to engage with an audience, whether drawing them into a story with song or getting them clapping and stamping to the exhilarating rhythm of a Swedish polska. “I think being a performer is an art in and of itself,” she says “it’s in meeting with an audience that the songs come to life.”
Tickets are £8 in advance from the Heritage Centre shop on the Strand in Barnstaple or from 01271 373003. Also www.ticketsource.co.uk/StAnnesArtsCentre
There isn’t a bar but you can bring along your own drinks.

Rosa Rebecka
St Anne's Arts and Community Centre, Barnstaple on Saturday 12 March 2016
Doors Open at 7:30pm Music Starts at 8:00pm
Ticket Price: £8.00* via www.ticketsource.co.uk/StAnnesartscentre
*small booking admin fee of 50p applied by the website 

Or can be purchased in person from Barnstaple Heritage Centre open Tuesday – Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm or 01271 373003 without a booking fee Or on the door for £9 
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Tap here for Rosa Rebecka Website
Tap here to listen to Rosa Rebecka