Calls for ‘clarity and urgency’ from Government on plans for beavers

A charity which pioneered the reintroduction of beavers is now calling for greater clarity and urgency from the Government in relation to its national plans for the widespread return of the animals.

Devon Wildlife Trust says it welcomes the recent announcement from Government that Eurasian beavers will be given legal protection in England from 1st October 2022, and the publication of guidance in early September which outlines how beavers might be managed in the future.

However, the charity is concerned that the proposals lack ambition and detail. It warns that, in their current form, they will not deliver the widespread reintroduction of a species which scientific studies have shown can improve water quality in rivers, stabilise water flows during times of drought and flood, store carbon and boost other wildlife.(1)  

Harry Barton is Devon Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive. In 2015 the charity led a successful trial on the River Otter in Devon where England’s first wild population of beavers were reintroduced – 400 years after their extinction due to hunting and habitat loss. This trial was a great success and the Government subsequently agreed that the beavers on the River Otter could remain in the wild and spread naturally to other rivers. Harry said:

“A summer of record-breaking heat and drought has highlighted the urgency of making our landscapes more resilient to the unfolding climate emergency. Beavers have created green oases in our parched river valleys, because of their ability to store water through dam building and wetland creation.  And we know they can reduce peak flows in times of flood and help improve water quality. 

The Government’s recent announcements on protection for beavers and their management are good news, but they lack clarity and a sense of urgency.  We need a clear plan and timetable so these amazing animals can become part of the wildlife of rivers throughout England.”

The Wildlife Trusts and Beaver Trust is backing this call in a letter to Ranil Jayawadena, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. This asks Government to make five key actions to ensure beaver reintroductions can take place on a scale and at a pace which will bring maximum advantage to wider society. These actions include:

1. Publishing an ambitious strategy and timeline for beaver reintroduction in English river catchments.
2. Reconsidering the proposals for funding beaver releases into the wild. At present these impose prohibitive levels of upfront costs on groups wanting to reintroduce beaver populations.
3. Establishing a system of financial support which will reward the farmers and landowners who provide space for beavers and their wetlands.
4. Putting in place and then resourcing a network of Beaver Management Groups across England to support farmers, landowners and local communities as new beaver populations become established.
5. Confirming the futures of existing wild living beaver populations (including the Tamar in Devon and the Stour in Kent) outside of the River Otter, Devon. 

Sandra King, Chief Executive of Beaver Trust, commented:

“Beavers bring such an astonishing array of ecosystem services to our landscape, this truly is an historic day for the species in England. It is thanks to the hard work and determination of pioneering individuals and wildlife organisations that the recovery of this once-native animal is able to celebrate this milestone.

“It remains urgent and vital that the Government delivers a clear, ambitious policy and licensing guidance to support beaver restoration in the wild.  At the end of the day, if we are to welcome beavers back as a native animal our primary objective must be to target positive coexistence with beavers. A properly resourced, forward looking strategy will enable land managers and communities to do this.”

Ali Morse, water policy manager of The Wildlife Trusts, says:

“The Government’s recent consultation on the future of beavers in England showed significant support for their widespread reintroduction. Of more than 3,000 responses nearly 70% were positive about Defra’s plans for the return of beavers. Even among the minority who objected the most common reason given was that the pace of Government plans for their return was too slow! (2)

The return of beavers to rivers across England has public support and is line with the Government's own commitments enshrined in its 25-year Environment Plan and the legally binding target of its Environment Act 2021 to halt nature’s decline. What we need now is action.”

Beaver female - Photo credit Mike Symes

Beaver kits - Photo credit Mike Symes

Beaver female with kits - Photo credit Mike Symes

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Footnotes.

• River Otter Beaver Trial: Science and Evidence Report > CLICK HERE 
• Consultation Outcome: summary of responses and next steps regarding the Government’s public consultation on the approach to the reintroduction of beavers in England> CLICK HERE 

About Devon Wildlife Trust: Devon Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading environmental charity, with more than 36,000 members. The charity manages 60 nature reserves across Devon, including a range of beautiful landscapes such as woodlands, meadows, wetlands and heaths. Devon Wildlife Trust relies on charitable donations, grants and the generous support of its members and the general public to raise more than £5million every year. Money raised is spent maintaining our work for wildlife conservation and education in Devon, for present and future generations. More at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

TRIBUTES TO QUEEN ELIZABETH II 1926-2022.

"Ahead of Her Majesty The Queen’s State Funeral, a new photograph has been released. 

The photo was taken to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee - the first British Monarch to reach this milestone. Today, millions will come together to commemorate her remarkable life". @royal.uk

State Funeral live https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001cnm3/the-state-funeral-of-hm-queen-elizabeth-ii-london

The official Platinum Jubilee portrait of the Queen as she marks 70 years on the throne. Credit: Royal Household/Ranald Mackechnie/PA

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The full order of service for Queen's state funeral

The order of service for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey has been released by Buckingham Palace.

Sky News: https://apple.news/AR96HjYFFTHSFwKMSeXjFbw

TRIBUTES TO QUEEN ELIZABETH II 1926-2022. 

Making a donation to one of Her Majesty’s many charities and patronages may be considered a fitting way of paying tribute to Her extraordinary legacy. Read further information on how you can donate and a list of Her Majesty’s charities and patronages. >https://www.royal.uk/charities-and-patronages

You can sign the Book of Condolence at

 @theroyalfamily  www .royal.uk

 

Queen Elizabeth II 1926 - 2022

The National Moment of Reflection took place at 8pm on Sunday 18th September. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/national-moment-of-reflection

September Highlights. National Theatre Live: 'Much Ado About Nothing' Outdoor screening at Arlington Court

Blackbeam Cinematic present the Southwest's first outdoor screening of The National Theatre Live, showing 'Much Ado About Nothing'.

Experience National Theatre Live on the big screen, in the open-air at Arlington Court, set in the picturesque grounds, surrounded by luscious green space and woodlands. 

Much Ado About Nothing Shakespeare's much-loved comedy of new beginnings.

"Crucially, it's a hoot" - Time out

"An exercise in unabashed slapstick" - The Times

Escape to the Italian Riviera with a cast including Katherine Parkinson (Home, I'm Darling, The IT Crowd) and John Heffernan (Dracula, She Stoops to Conquer).

Since the 1930s, the legendary family-run Hotel Messina has been visited by artists, celebrities and royalty.  When the current owner's daughter falls for a dashing young soldier, the hallways are ringing with the sound of wedding bells.  However, not all the guests are in the mood for love, and a string of deceptions soon surround not only the young couple, but also the steadfastly single Beatrice and Benedickt.

Following his award-winning productions of Romeo & Juliet, Twelfth Night and Antony and Cleopatra, director Simon Godwin returns with this irresistible comedy. Blu-ray recording of the live performance. 

Arlington Court is an unexpected jewel on the edge of Exmoor, set within idyllic surroundings, a complete family estate held by the Chichester family for over five hundred years. The house itself, built in 1823 and extended in 1860, has an austere facade. 

With stunning views of the estate Arlington Court provides the perfect backdrop for an evening of theatre with friends. 

National Theatre Live - 'Much Ado About Nothing'

Outdoor screening at Arlington Court - Saturday 24th September 2022 

Tickets available from: www.blackbeam.co.uk/tickets

Age recommendation: 12A

Short Film: National Trust short film screening prior to the main event. 

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Food & Drink: National Trust The Old Kitchen will be open serving a range of cakes, tray bake, scones, hot and cold drinks, wine, lager and gin & tonics. --------------

Gates: 5:30pm

Screening run time: 19.30 - 22.00 (to include interval) 

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Location: Arlington Court, near Barnstaple, EX31 4LP

‘False autumn’ spells trouble for wildlife, charity warns

The sight of trees turning golden-brown and the sound of fallen leaves underfoot is something usually associated with October and November. Yet in Devon/the South West autumn seems to have arrived two months early as many tree leaves are already changing colour and falling to the ground.

It seems that the dry, hot summer has ushered in what is known as a ‘false autumn’, in which some trees are abandoning their normal seasonal cycle and closing down prematurely in an attempt to survive by conserving water and energy.

A leading local nature conservation charity is now warning that this ‘false autumn’ may be a sign of wider problems for wildlife in coming months. Devon Wildlife Trust says that when October and November do arrive the usual bounty of wild foods may already be depleted, leaving a real risk of scarcity for birds and mammals.

Devon Wildlife Trust has seen evidence of the ‘false autumn’ at many of the 60 nature reserves it manages across the county.

The Trust’s Steve Hussey said:

“Our staff and volunteers have reported seeing lots of trees whose leaves have turned brown prematurely. Many trees are also shedding their leaves two or even three months ahead of when we’d expect them to. A member of our nature reserves’ team told me that in the 30 years he’s been working on his sites he’s never known it to be drier and for so many trees to have experienced leaf loss so early in the year.”

Leaves which are turning prematurely brown and being shed are signs that a tree is stressed and attempting to conserve water which would otherwise be lost in the normal process of photosynthesis. It is a problem which is especially acute in young trees which lack the deep root systems that older trees use to reach water.

Steve Hussey said:

“For some trees this may be the last straw – the long dry spell will mean they won’t be able to survive. For others, it could mean they are weakened and more open to tree diseases in the future.”

Devon Wildlife Trust has also had other reports of the ‘false autumn’, with blackberries, hawthorn berries, hazelnuts and other fruits appearing much earlier than usual. Some other reports have suggested that the lack of rain in the summer has also made many wild fruits smaller and ‘less juicy’ than normal.

Steve Hussey said:

“A very early and thinner, less bountiful wild harvest will present a further challenge to many of the birds and mammals which rely on a diet of berries, nuts and seeds to build-up their reserves of body fat before the onset of winter. Take dormice, as just one example: these are animals which must maximise their bodyweight in October and November in order to have a better chance of surviving their long winter hibernation. To do this they will consume large numbers of high fat foods, especially hazelnuts, during autumn. But if those hazelnuts and other hedgerow fruits have already been and gone in August then that presents them with a real problem.

Nature’s timing is everything for our wildlife. The climate crisis is bringing with it seasonal weather patterns which our wildlife is just not adapted to. Our long, hot summer and the ‘false autumn’ will have a knock on for many species right into the real autumn months and beyond.”

Despite some recent rainfall, Devon Wildlife Trust is advising that the public continue to put out a regular supply of water in their gardens and to make this available at ground level for animals including hedgehogs and badgers, as well as in traditional bird baths off the ground. Regular feeding of garden wildlife with a range of high energy foods is something the Trust also advises.

 

Some trees are shedding their leaves earlier in an attempt to conserve water and energy - Photo credit Chris Maguire

 

Dormouse – one of the species which may be badly affected by the ‘false autumn’ - Photo credit: Terry Whittaker

Devon Wildlife Trust is the county’s leading environmental charity, with more than 37,000 members. The charity manages 60 nature reserves across Devon, including a range of beautiful landscapes such as woodlands, meadows, wetlands and heaths. Devon Wildlife Trust relies on charitable donations, grants and the generous support of its members and the general public to raise more than £5million every year. Money raised is spent maintaining our work for wildlife conservation and education in Devon, for present and future generations. More at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

September Highlights. Blackbeam Outdoor Cinema are Back at Baggy Point

After a sell out event in 2021, Blackbeam Cinematic Outdoor Cinema are returning to Baggy Point, Croyde with The Sequel! Two dates of Premier Outdoor Cinema on Friday 16th & Saturday 17th September 2022. Working in partnership with North Devon National Trust, Surfing England and Plastic Free North Devon to deliver another spectacular event.

With a stunning back drop, premium quality Cinema and audio experience screening Endless Summer II, along with some awesome hand picked short films. Don't miss out on this years aspirational Cinema event located at the beautiful Baggy Point, Croyde.

Friday 16th September 2022

Endless Summer II - Bruce Brown - 1994 - PG

Bruce Brown, king of surfing documentaries, returns after nearly thirty years to trace the steps of two young surfers to top surfing spots around the world. Along the way we see many of the people and locals Bruce visiting during the filming of Endless Summer.

Endless Summer II more than lives up to the hype of being a sequel, following in style from the original but taking a leap in quality and cinematography. An awesome film if you surf or not! 

Saturday 17th September 2022

Jaws 2 - Jeannot Szwarc - 1978 - PG

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water

Set 4 years after the shark attacks that left Amity Island reeling, Sheriff Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) finds new trouble lurking in the waters. Mayor Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) wants to rid the beach town of the stain on its reputation. But the disappearance of a pair of divers suggests that all is not right. When Sheriff Brody voices his warnings about holding a sailing competition, everyone thinks it's post-traumatic stress. That is, until a shark fin cuts through the water.

Police chief Brody must protect the citizens of Amity after a second monstrous shark begins terrorising the waters.

Food  & Drink

During the event our very own Blackbeam Gintermission Bar will be open serving refreshing Gin & Tonics and Prosecco - you can pre order your drink to collect at the Blackbeam Bar when you purchase your cinema tickets online. A small selection of other drinks available to purchase on the day.

• Stoned Pizza will be on site serving up delicious wood fired pizzas, so come hungry, their pizzas really are as good as they look.

• The National Trust horse box will be available to keep you refreshed with hot and cold drinks and sweet treats 

Our good friends at Korev are kindly giving away a free can of cold Korev lager to the first 200 cinema ticket holders. 18+ to claim free Korev promotion. You may be asked for ID we operate at think 25 policy 

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Intermission music 

Curated by Dave Howell from Fat Cat Records and 130701 record label. Expect an eclectic mix of modern classical soundscapes to take you on a sonic journey between cinematic screenings. 

Short films

Screening a selection of handpicked short films that have links with the Northern Devon coast, surfing and the environment.

• Tom's Dream  - Presented by Studio Erma & directed by Jonny Dry

• Korev – commercial short

• Plastic Free North Devon - What Will You Do? Directed by Claire Moodie & Anne-Marie Everleigh

• dryrobe® Presents 'Rise Fierce - Sophie Hellyer produced by Mikey Corker

• Surfing England - 2022 English Surf SUP champs

• Surfing England - Sam Hopkins - SE JUNIORS at the Wave

• Richard Gregory for the National Trust - ' Why I Surf '

• The National Trust - High Brown

• Dark Side Of The Lens - Mickey Smith

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Location: Baggy Point, North Devon behind the National Trust Car Park, EX33 1FF

What3words: ///establish.stuns.miracle

Advance tickets available via - https://www.seetickets.com/tour/blackbeam-cinematic

Ticket add on available: Gintermission pre-paid 

Tanqueray Gin & Fever Tree Tonic

Ultimate Fizz - Prosecco

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More info> www.blackbeam.co.uk/blackbeam-outdoor-cinema/

 

Gates open: 18:00 - Screening starts: 19:30 

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Summer Signings. Devon author, Liz Shakespeare bringing new life to Devon's past.

One Devon author is looking forward to a busy summer. Liz Shakespeare, who specialises in breathing life into true stories from Devon’s past, will be attending a number of events this summer to sign copies of her books and to talk to members of the public.

Liz said, ‘Writing is a solitary activity, so I really look forward to opportunities to meet readers when I give talks or attend book signings throughout Devon.’

She has written six books set in Devon, bringing to life the stories she finds in old newspapers, on gravestones and in parish records. Liz has a long Devon ancestry which she feels has given her a good understanding of the county and its people. Her most recent book The Song of the Skylark tells the true story of a young girl who was sent out as a parish apprentice to work on a remote Devon farm.

‘I am currently working on my seventh book,’ Liz said. ‘Each book takes around three years to research and write, so it will be a while before this one is ready to publish.’

Liz will be signing copies of all six of her books at the following events:

• Magpie Marquee at the Mid-Devon Show on July 23rd
• North Devon Show on August 3rd
• Appledore Food and Craft Market on August 6th
• Hartland Farmers’ Market on August 7th
• Okehampton Show on August 11th
• Chagford Show on August 18th
• Ashwater Show on August 20th
• North Molton Country Fair on August 21st
• Holsworthy Show on August 25th
• Torridge Art and Craft Market on August 27th
• Lustleigh Show on August 29th
• Appledore Food and Craft Market on September 3rd
• Clovelly Lobster and Crab Feast on September 4th

Liz’s books can also be ordered post-free from her website www.lizshakespeare.co.uk

Author, Liz Shakespeare and her Books from Devon

 

Devon author, Liz Shakespeare at the Mid-Devon Show 2019.

Liz’s books can also be ordered post-free from her website

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