What's On Burton at Bideford. Exhibition: The Permanent Collection Curated by Community Groups

A fresh look at the Burton at Bideford’s Permanent Collection of art through the eyes of the town’s local community

A new must-see exhibition at the Burton takes a refreshing look at the gallery’s Permanent Collection of art and has been co-curated by three local community groups in collaboration with gallery staff.

Over the course of the past six months, Women’s First, Devon Recovery Learning Community, and the Burton Young Photographers, have had a unique opportunity to delve into the gallery’s store and take a closer look at their Permanent Collection.

Under the expert guidance of the Learning and Engagement team, participants were invited to explore works from the Collection in relation to their own personal stories and lived experiences. They were then encouraged to create their own art in response.

Participants learned a variety of skills in the process, including printmaking, photography and collage. The exhibition showcases participants’ work alongside rarely exhibited works from the Burton’s Permanent Collection.

In looking at art from the past from a variety of new and contemporary perspectives, we’re reminded just how relevant art is in our modern day world. The exhibition also highlights the importance of art and creativity to good mental health and wellbeing.

Carole Evans, Learning and Engaging Manager says,

This collection was left to the Burton for the people of Bideford to enjoy. What better way to do so than to provide opportunities for members of the community to spend time with the artworks, and then creatively respond? Through the eyes of the community groups, the paintings from the collection become more meaningful and more relevant to today’s society. The new work provides an insight into what concerns people who live here today, in particular the benefit of creativity to wellbeing.

 

In commenting about the project, one of the participant says,

Art is my passion. To be a part of this exhibition means everything to me. I would never have imagined I would be involved with something like this. It’s dreams coming true.

Women’s First is a project run by Encompass and aims to support women who are rough sleeping, sofa surfing or living in temporary accommodation.

Devon Recovery Learning Community is a free, open access service funded by Devon Partnership NHS Trust to support mental health and wellbeing.

The Burton Young Photographers are a group of 14 -18 year olds who have been meeting at the Burton on Tuesdays after school to learn the art of photographic portraiture through a series of free workshops funded by the Fine Arts Society.

  

The Permanent Collection: Curated by Community Groups is open daily from 22 May until 4 July. Admission is free.

 

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Burton at Bideford Permanent Collection: Estuary by Reginald James Lloyd © the artist

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The Permanent Collection Curated by Community Groups
22nd May-4th July

TAP HERE TO VISIT THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD WEBSITE

Burton Art Gallery and Museum, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon. EX39 2QQ  

Celebrating the King's Coronation at Edenmore Nursing Home, Ilfracombe

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe hosted its Coronation Party to celebrate the crowning of our King. Residents, who are fondly referred to as family members, celebrated in style with a special appearance from Edenmore’s very own King and Archbishop, along with Guardsmen.

Home Manager Gayle said, “It's wonderful to see both family and team members enjoying themselves while working together to create this momentous day for everyone”.

The team at Edenmore have been hard at work creating costumes ready for the coronation party with special Coldstream Guards uniforms handmade by team member, Teresa, ready to celebrate the joyous occasion. The creation marks the start of what’s to come for the team and family members, a party not to be missed.

Edenmore Nursing Home is a home based in Ilfracombe, North Devon. Its approach to life recognises the values, beliefs and identity of each person. Each person that may need support is unique and by understanding one’s life history, and one’s journey in life, the team at Edenmore Nursing Home create a place where everyone feels safe and never alone.

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home 

visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

International Nurses Day. Social Care Nursing: Bringing Humanity to Care

In the NHS, nurses are often faced with the overwhelming task of looking after the physical needs of a large number of patients at once. Unfortunately, this means they sometimes are not gifted the time to be able to provide the same level of individualised care that meets their emotional needs. This can lead to sedation being used to manage difficult situations, however, in social care, nurses are encouraged to take a more holistic approach in a more natural environment.

Today is International Nurses Day and we spoke with Lucy Hernaman, one of our Social Care Nurses at Heanton Nursing Home in Devon which is a part of Evolve Care Group. Lucy speaks from experience and teaches us how a nursing career in the care sector gives nurses the time and opportunity to deliver care steeped in compassion.

Putting an End to Institutionalised Care

I would love to see Nurses that have only worked within the NHS having placements in care homes like Heanton. What an education it would be, that they could take forwards into their careers with them. I know I wish I had been offered a placement like Heanton when I trained 15 years ago. I did have a caring background, but it was in a home located locally to me that was very institutionalised. Heanton is about as far from institutionalised as it could possibly be.

This is because Evolve Care Group have created their own model of care, which is probably the most holistic approach I have seen in my 20 years working in the care sector. Sadly, I feel that the NHS is behind the times with how we look after “at risk” people. The NHS are good at fixing a physical condition, but they have stayed with the same principles for decades and people just aren’t trained in how to look after someone with a Dementia. Evolve wants to change this and are challenging the status quo.

The Importance of Meeting Emotional and Social Needs in Dementia Care

When I first started at Heanton I had very little Dementia knowledge. I had worked in a home which had Dementia floors but I had not been taught to really stop and consider the person. I can think of so many incidents that involved people I have looked after before I came to Heanton where we never stopped to look at their behaviour and consider why they were behaving that way, it makes me quite sad. This is why the right education is so important in social care.

As a nurse at Heanton, I have been given so much more time to observe people and their behaviours. I soon found here that a person behaved a certain way for so many reasons, and that it was important to identify those reasons as people often don’t have the capacity to tell us themselves. This in turn has led to our residents, who we call family members, being able to live fulfilling lives without judgement or ridicule, and sometimes people have been turned away from other care settings due to being “too complex”, however will go on to lead fulfilling lives here with us.

Breaking the Mould of Social Care

In some homes I have worked in, people have been expected to fall into the homes schedule. For example, be up by a certain time, have breakfast, lunch, dinner and be in bed by a certain time. Heanton works the way it does because we allow our family members to live their lives as they wish. There is no strict routine here and they aren’t made to fit into a mould like many other homes I have worked in.

The fact that Evolve are prepared to break the normal mould of care is a big plus for me. Not everyone fits into the normal care home narrative. I know I certainly wouldn’t if it were me coming to live in a care home. If the team have a reason for going against the grain and can show why and how, then with risk assessments Evolve will support it.

Care without Sedation

I love Evolve’s stance towards medications and that it is always used as a last resort only. I also love that we NEVER restrain or “safe hold” a person as I have seen in previous jobs which created such a negative perception towards the team. Some of our family members have had hospital admissions and have been deemed difficult, physically aggressive and verbally aggressive. As a result, they are given sedation and are watched 24/7 by security services who are neither appropriate for this role or trained in mental health conditions. They will often make the situation worse and so it goes on.

I know there are perhaps times when restraint techniques might need to be used in order to keep someone safe, but in my two years at Heanton I have never once seen restraint used on a family member. It is very much our ethos to find out why an expression of behaviour occurred and to minimise the chances of them escalating rather than act once it has already happened. That isn’t to say that accidents and incidents don’t happen, they do, but our team are trained to understand why they happen so that in the future we can prevent them.

We have a team that have been given time to learn about each person, who can recognise risks so that these can be avoided in such a way that the family member isn’t even aware that they are being distracted from a situation. Sadly, this often creates a rod for our own backs, because in other homes and in funding worlds it is often called ‘a met need’. But what funders don’t realise is that far more work and skill goes into meeting that persons need than simply mopping up the after effects of an incident.

A Human Approach to Care

Overall, the thing I most love about my job is that I am allowed to love the family members as if they were my own family. Every job I have ever had has always called those we look after ‘residents’, ‘service users’, ‘patients’, such horrible titles, so impersonal and uncared for. It’s also so taboo to hug and kiss those we look after, “keep it professional”, but that is so old fashioned and is often what makes a person’s day. The people we look after are our equals and this is how we should care for them.

Evolve want to change the whole future of care, make it better and allow people to be better understood on a basic level. Every day I go home feeling as though my job and my life has been worth it because I have made someone feel loved and cared for and not just on a ‘social care’ level but on a psychological and emotional level. 

 

Devon residents urged to become 'bat detectives'

Wildlife enthusiasts are being encouraged to take part in one of Devon's biggest citizen science projects

The Devon Bat Survey returns this year with opportunities for nature lovers to get involved in one of the county's biggest citizen science initiatives. 

The Devon Bat Survey has run since 2016 and has clocked up millions of sound recordings of the flying mammals, contributing to conservationists' knowledge of bats and their habits. This vital information helps understanding about the health of Devon's environment which can then be used to help protect the bats. All UK bats eat insects, so they need conditions in which insects thrive including clean rivers, wildflower rich meadows, healthy woodlands and hedgerows.

This year, the Devon Bat Survey is especially keen to hear from people in North Devon, Torridge and the Blackdown Hills – areas where it has fewest records.

Lindsay Mahon works for the charity Devon Wildlife Trust and is the Devon Bat Survey coordinator. Lindsay said:

"The feedback we get from our bat detectives is amazing – people enjoy being involved and discovering which bats are living near them.  I am delighted that we have been able to open the survey more widely this year and offer more people an opportunity to get involved in helping these protected species.

We are looking for surveyors in Devon who have gardens or their own land in which they can safely put one of our digital bat detectors. The detectors themselves are small and come with full instructions. The survey is free to take part in, and people can sign up via the Devon Wildlife Trust website.

Taking part in the survey involves borrowing one of our bat detectors for a few nights, setting it up outside and letting it do the rest. Participants then upload the digital sound recordings to an online system. This then tells them which bats have visited their garden.

The survey is usually very popular, so my advice is to book early as the spaces fill up fast. We are extremely grateful to everyone who takes part, including the host centres which act as the collect and return points for the bat detectors. We simply couldn't run a survey of this scale without our host centres and citizen scientists."    

During its previous seven years the Devon Bat Survey has identified 13 different species of bat in Devon. Some of these are relatively common such as pipistrelles, but others, including greater horseshoe and barbastelle bats, are considered rare and under threat.   

Tammy Falloon, Managing Director of St. Bridget Nurseries, is acting as a Devon Bat Survey 'host centre' – one of the places across the county where detecting equipment can be borrowed. Tammy said:

"Being a host centre attracts new visitors to our garden centre and we are always looking to encourage people to find ways to attract wildlife to their gardens. The process of taking part is very simple, I did it myself with my family and the results are so detailed and interesting. I knew I had bats in my garden, but I had no idea there were so many different types!"

This year, the bat survey's data will again be helping the vital work of the Saving Devon Treescapes project.  This partnership project is led by Devon Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum, and is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.  The initiative is working with local communities to plant new trees to replace those lost to the destructive fungal disease known as ash dieback. The Devon Bat Survey is an important part of the project's citizen science activities providing vital insights into where bats fly and feed locally will help the project target its work most effectively.

Devon residents can find out more about taking part in this year's bat survey at https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/devon-bat-survey-2023.

The Devon Bat Survey runs from now until 6^th October.

Devon Bat Survey. Common Pipistrelle bats. Photo copyright Tom Marshall (All Rights Reserved)

Devon Wildlife Trust is the county's leading environmental charity, with more than 38,000 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

Coronation Weekend

The Coronation of The King and The Queen Consort will be marked with events across the country and a concert at Windsor Castle. Their Majesties want to encourage people to spend the Coronation Weekend celebrating with friends, families and their communities.

Read all about the king at  https://www.royal.uk/ 

The Coronation will be held on 6th May 2023 - https://www.royal.uk/coronation 

How to watch: details of how and where to watch the service are available at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport website. 

The Coronation Weekend - https://www.royal.uk/coronation-weekend

The Coronation Concert - On Sunday 7th May 2023, a special Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC and BBC Studios.

KING CHARLES III Official emblem of the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort. 

"The emblem pays tribute to The King’s love of the natural world, unifying the flora of the four nations of the United Kingdom; the rose of England, the thistle of Scotland, the daffodil of Wales and the shamrock of Northern Ireland. Together, the flowers create the shape of St Edward’s Crown, with which His Majesty The King will be crowned during the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6th May. The emblem has been designed using the red, white and blue of the union flag." 

About the designer "The official emblem of the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort has been unveiled by Buckingham Palace. Created by the internationally revered designer Sir Jony Ive KBE and his creative collective, LoveFrom, the emblem symbolises and celebrates the historic beginning of the new Reign.

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Devon County Council News. "More than 70 communities across Devon will be marking the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen this weekend. Hundreds of events are planned on Devon’s streets and community spaces, ranging from traditional street parties and lunches to live music events, fun-days, and galas." Read more>  http://soc.devon.cc/v7n2d

Torridge District Council Coronation Events around Bideford - Tap here for Discover Bideford website 

For North Devon & Exmoor Coronation events Tap here for visitdevon.co.uk

For events in Ilfracombe tap here for visitilfracombe.co.uk

Dog walking In the frame. Good Friday pebble dash on the beach at Westward Ho!

The weather had cleared at last and what bettter way to spend a Good Friday than on the beach at Westward Ho! It was Easter Bank Holiday and we didn't really think we'd find a place to park near the slipway but we were lucky. Fantastic weather, billowing clouds amid blue skies and gleaming sands, a perfect dose of vitamin sea, the walk topped off by our first Hockings of the year. I was photographing the sky above the Pebble Ridge when the little dog walked into the frame, there were lots of dog walkers about enjoying the beach before the Summer season restrictions.

"From the 1st of May to the 30th of September Torridge District Council will once again be introducing a restriction for Dogs on sections of Westward Ho! beach and the promenade.

The restriction helps create different usage areas on the beach to ensure that different groups engaged in different activities can all safely access and enjoy this popular resort. It also helps the authority to meet the criteria for the annually assessed Blue Flag Award, which is highly prized and important to bathers and the local tourist industry." TAP HERE to visit torridge.gov.uk for Dog Walking Zones)

Before exploring the coast and countryside with your pets also see advice from Devon Wildlife Trust

Devon Wildlife Trust asks the public to keep dogs on leads to protect nature . > Read post

Photo copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus

 North Devon Focus promoting North Devon Coast and Countryside since 2002

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North Devon Focus on Local Artist Sarah Flannery

Introducing Sarah Flannery who quite literally draws inspiration from the North Devon scenery.

A West Country born and bred artist who moved to North Devon over 20 years ago having been seduced by the glorious coastline.

From a young age Sarah always knew she was going to be passionate about art. Many happy childhood years were spent sitting at her parent’s dining table surrounded by paper and paints.

After completing her secondary education she then went on to study art and design, specialising in fine art. Here her love of painting and drawing really began to flourish.

Sarah predominantly paints animal themed art, however she also enjoys painting other subject matter. 

Sarah explains

"Living in such a lovely area of the country it is impossible not to draw inspiration from the stunning North Devon scenery and I especially enjoy painting seascapes.

I work with various mediums producing different artistic styles and I have a particular interest in working with genuine gold leaf. "

Examples of Sarah's work can be viewed on her facebook artist page C4C Pet Portraits (www.facebook.com/c4cpetportraits)

JCT27 - OPENS ITS DOORS FOR THE FIRST TIME - 7th, 8th and 9th APRIL

Barnstaple's new and only dedicated grassroots music venue opens this weekend with world class DJ - Stanton Warriors, local favourites The Rasscals and first edition of regular open mic night hosted by On Track Audio .

Friday 7th April - Stanton Warriors: Support from Tommy Deaves - EZPZ
The Stanton Warriors’ irresistible and inimitable sound has consistently remained the soundtrack to some of the world’s biggest and best parties over the past thirteen years; from East London warehouses, Miami boat parties and illegal Detroit raves, to the stages of Coachella, Glastonbury, Burning Man and Ultra, selling out global tours and topping DJ lists along the way. In the studio, Bristol’s Mark Yardley and Dominic Butler have honed a trademark, uncategorisable sound that is at once all their own, but also utterly indefinable, leading to high-profile releases on XL Records, Fabric, Cheap Thrills, Central Station and Universal, alongside official remixes for everyone from Daft Punk and Fatboy Slim, to MIA and Gorillaz. This phenomenal output and remarkable longevity has ensured the Stanton Warriors legendary status amongst not only their fans, but also their peers, as they remain fresh, original and relevant; obstinately dancing to beat of their own drum and helping to pave the way for new talent.

“Stanton Warriors always deliver, this latest track just takes it to a whole other level.” - ZANE LOWE, BBC RADIO 1

“Stanton Warriors' Bring Me Down is pretty much the perfect garage beat. Everything about that song – the vocal line, the chords, the melody – is totally original.” - DISCLOSURE

“Oh my Gosh, SO good! This is the kind of music that makes you literally want to go mental on the nearest dancefloor. As tried and tested on my living room carpet!” - ANNIE MAC, BBC RADIO 1

Saturday 8th April - The Rascals
The Rasscals perform for the first time at JCT27, Barnstaple's new live music venue! The Rasscals are an independent covers band formed by four good friends from North Devon with a shared passion for incredible live music. Providing the best live music possible, with very high standards. Often described as one of the tightest, most professional cover bands in the South West, UK, they really do bring the vibe and raise the roof! Expect banger after banger from the likes of Oasis, Stereophonics, The Killers and more, as well as some new numbers. Steve Ley will open the night, with a mix of acoustic covers and originals As its Easter bank holiday expect Easter after party with Dj Carva T to follow the band!

Sunday 9th April - Open Mic with On Track Audio Ft Stella Fox
Local recording Studio On Track audio will be hosting the regular Sunday open mic at JCT27 - each week will feature a live acts. Ryan from on track will be hosting and performing a few numbers between acts. Step up to the brand new stage at the dedicated grass roots music venue in Barnstaple. Sunday open mic nights are really all about showcasing artists and building a creative community of musicians. Come and be part of it.

For more information on forthcoming events at JCT27 please visit www.jct27.co.uk for listings and sign up to our mailing list.
If you would like to attend and review any of the above events please send an email to backstage@jct27.co.uk

 

DEVON COMMUNITY SPIRIT. Grants of up to £500 available for Devon community wildlife projects

Independent charity Devon Communities Together (DCT) has announced the launch of the second round of a Community Wildlife Grant scheme. The first round was so successful that funders Devon Environment Foundation have doubled the pot, providing £10,000 for community organisations to contribute even more towards Devon’s wildlife.

The programme has been developed by the Devon Local Nature Partnership (DLNP) to provide small grants of up to £500 to community wildlife projects.

The aim of the grant scheme is to provide an easy way for community groups to access small amounts of funding to kickstart their groups and initiatives, as well as benefit from advice, equipment, and other resources.

Amanda Keetley, Executive Director, Devon Environment Foundation said, “DEF was delighted by how many community wildlife projects were able to start-up or expand last year as a result of the new Wild About Devon scheme. We’re excited to be able to double the amount of funding this year to encourage even more positive action for nature in Devon.”

“This is a great opportunity for communities to get together and support the wildlife in their local area,” said Rod Birtles, Project Manager at DCT. “This could be by creating or restoring a wildlife space or through monitoring and education. Projects could take place in gardens, parks, green spaces, churchyards, orchards, ponds and ditches, buildings, and more. We’re excited to support communities in Devon to provide lots of long-term benefits for wildlife.”

In the previous round, 27 community organisations used the funding to create 15 new wildlife groups, restore neglected habitats and create new ones, and set up monitoring of local wildlife.

Applications are open to parish and town councils, community groups, and community partnerships that wish to fund initiatives that will benefit local wildlife. This includes funding a new idea, continuing an existing project, or starting a new group.

Guidance for applicants may be found on the website: https://www.devoncommunities.org.uk/projects/wild-about-devon-community-wildlife-grant-scheme-2023

The scheme is being managed by Devon Communities Together and has been funded by Devon Environment Foundation, DCT and Devon County Council (DCC), as part of their shared commitment to help tackle the ecological emergency.

Email: info@devoncommunities.org.uk

Phone: 01392 248919

Website: www.devoncommunities.org.uk

 

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ABOUT DEVON COMMUNITIES TOGETHER & DEVON ENVIRONMENT FOUNDATION>>>>>>

The Big Summer Open Air Cinema at Castle Hill Screening - The Dark Knight Rises | Pulp Fiction

Make memories this summer and soak up a dreamy summers evening and catch a sunset with friends, good food and drink before a watching a spectacular movie under the stars. Blackbeam Cinematic present The Big Summer Open Air Cinema at Castle Hill. Expect the first fully immersive open air cinema experience at this new location. Take in the stunning surroundings of Castle Hill Estate, the perfect backdrop for a movie. 

Gather your gang for an immersive movie experience like no other. Expect the best in professional Cinema Projection, Nexo professional audio, huge Airscreen, HD Panasonic projector delivered by local North Devon projection specialists Blackbeam Cinematic. 

Latitude 48 will be bringing their brand new pop up eatery serving up mouth watering Americana themed favourites. Passionate about serving up mouth watering quality food the team are putting together a bespoke menu just for The Big Summer open air cinema. Pulp Fiction inspired hand pressed Royale with Cheese burgers, sinister and truly naughty home smoked tender pulled meats.

Fly Bar will be serving up a fine selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks from their stylish mobile bar along with some surprise themed drinks! 

Friday 2nd June 2023

The Dark Knight Rises - Christopher Nolan - 2012 - 12A

Action, Adventure, Mystery & Thriller, Fantasy

It has been eight years since Batman (Christian Bale), in collusion with Commissioner Gordon (Gary Oldman), vanished into the night. Assuming responsibility for the death of Harvey Dent, Batman sacrificed everything for what he and Gordon hoped would be the greater good. However, the arrival of a cunning cat burglar (Anne Hathaway) and a merciless terrorist named Bane (Tom Hardy) force Batman out of exile and into a battle he may not be able to win.

Saturday 3rd June 2023

Pulp Fiction - Quentin Tarantino - 1994 - 18

Crime, Thriller

One of the most influential films of the 1990s, Pulp Fiction is a delirious post-modern mix of neo-noir thrills, pitch-black humour, and pop-culture touchstones. Widely regarded as Tarantino's masterpiece, with particular praise for its screenwriting.  A mysterious suitcase brings together the lives of two hit men, a down-on-his-luck boxer, a notorious gangster's wife, and a pair of lovesick petty thieves in interlocking tales of crime and redemption in Los Angeles.

Screenings take place in the grounds of the stunning Castle Hill Estate. Bring a picnic blanket or camping chair, blankets and cushions to get comfy and snuggle down under the stars. 

Free onsite parking short walk from the event. Gates open at 8pm with screening starting at sunset - approx 9:30pm. No alcohol permitted to be brought on site. 

 

The Big Summer Open Air Cinema at Castle Hill Screening

The Dark Knight Rises | Pulp Fiction

Friday 2nd & Saturday 3rd June 2023 

Early bird tickets: (Sold Out)     Adult   £12.50 | Child £7.50

   Advance tickets:               Adult £14.50 | Child £9.00 

For tickets and further information 

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

Pet owners urged to help keep wildlife and livestock safe this spring

Devon Wildlife Trust asks the public to keep dogs on leads to protect nature 

The leading local charity Devon Wildlife Trust is urging dog owners to keep their pets on short leads now that birds are nesting, species are emerging from hibernation and to protect grazing livestock. 

Experts say dogs off leads are one of the biggest causes of wildlife disturbance – this is particularly problematic when many species are breeding and vulnerable either on or near the ground. 

Ground-nesting birds such as curlew, corn bunting and skylark, are particularly at risk. Research shows that 66% of ground-nesting birds are in decline in the UK, compared to 31% of other species.  

Dogs can also be a threat to sheep, cows and other grazing livestock, with regular problems reported on land owned by Devon Wildlife Trust. Dog waste is dangerous for wildlife too, as it can carry diseases, scare away animals and fertilise soils, affecting the natural balance of fragile habitats. 

Dog owners can help wildlife if they: 

• Keep dogs on short leads on nature reserves and the wider countryside 
• Clean up after animals and dispose of dog waste in bins or at home 
• Avoid using nature reserves if walking large groups of dogs  

Many of Devon Wildlife Trust's 59 nature reserves welcome responsible dog walkers but instances of loose dogs disturbing wildlife, livestock and people have led it to act. Now the charity, which manages many of Devon's best-known beauty spots including sites at Dunsford (Dartmoor), Bystock Pools (East Devon), Warleigh Point (Plymouth), Meeth Quarry (North Devon) and Andrew's Wood (South Devon) is issuing a public plea with spring fast approaching.

Penny Mason, Director of Wilder Living at Devon Wildlife Trust, says:

"I am a dog owner myself, and I know that exploring the countryside with your dog is a way that many people connect with and enjoy nature. But Devon Wildlife Trust and many of our partners are experiencing increasing issues linked to dogs on our nature reserves. Dogs off leads routinely disturb ground nesting birds and other wildlife. They have attacked livestock that we use to support conservation grazing and dog fouling is a perennial problem that spoils enjoyment of our sites for staff and visitors alike. Fear of dogs is also a big barrier for some people visiting green spaces where they run free.

Wildlife has been increasingly squeezed into smaller and more fragmented places. Where we have established nature reserves, we do need to make sure wildlife has the space and peace to thrive. This is why we ask dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and clear up after them. By following this simple request wildlife and people will benefit."

Jenna Kiddie, head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust, says:

"A countryside dog walk is understandably popular, especially as we move into the warmer months. But owners have a responsibility to keep their dog under control, including around livestock and wildlife, to ensure they do not worry other animals or stray onto neighbouring land for everyone's safety and wellbeing.

"This can be managed by ensuring dogs are kept on a short lead, and close to their owners, whenever livestock are nearby, within seeing, hearing or smelling distance or whenever their presence is likely to be expected. It is important to remember that chasing is normal dog behaviour, and that any dog is capable of chasing, irrelevant of breed, type, age or size."

The impacts of dogs off leads in wild places include trampling nests and scaring adult birds away from their young. Vulnerable chicks can perish if left alone for too long. Disturbances can also affect feeding and foraging behaviour – wildlife is less likely to breed and feed in areas where dogs are encountered. 

The law states you must keep your dog on a lead no longer than two metres between 1^st March and 31^st July when on any open access land to protect ground-nesting birds.  

The Countryside Code outlines that dogs must be controlled to avoid disturbing farm animals or wildlife. Farmers are, by law, entitled to destroy a dog that injures or worries their animals. 

Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, continues:

"Training has a crucial role to play and at Dog School we teach owners how to ensure their dog walks nicely on their lead around distractions – such as the sights, smells and sounds of other animals. We would encourage dog owners to visit our Dog School website for more information on training techniques, or to book onto training classes. 

"For dog owners living in rural areas, we emphasise the importance of habituating young puppies to livestock. This should be done gradually and considerately so the dog and livestock alike are able to feel positively and safe in close proximity to each other, again with the dog always on a lead and under control.

"As a responsible dog owner, you can also ensure that everyone is able to enjoy countryside walks and protect wildlife by ensuring you pick up after your dog and dispose of dog waste appropriately."

Responsible dog owners who keep their dogs on leads during nature's busy season will also be helping wildlife by:  

• Lessening the negative impacts of dog poo and urine.
• Preventing dogs jumping in ponds, which can disturb aquatic wildlife. Insecticides found in dog flea treatments also pollute waterways. 
• Reducing risks to other animals, including farm livestock.  

Oystercatcher photo copyright Amy Lewis (All Rights Reserved)

Meadow Pipit  photo copyright Mark Hamblin (All Rights Reserved)

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Dog ownership increased during the Covid-19 pandemic 

The Pet Food Manufacturers' Association reported in 2021 that 3.2 million households in the UK acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic. In 2022, it was estimated that 34% of households own dogs. It was reported that 59% of new pet owners were 16-34 years old. 

 

European bird declines: Do we need to rethink approaches to the management of abundant generalist predators? 

Barry J. McMahon, Susan Doyle, Aimée Gray, Seán B. A. Kelly, Steve M. Redpath 

20 July 2020 - link here 

Details of local training workshops offered by The Dog's Trust through its Dog School can be found at https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/dog-school/search/

Devon Wildlife Trust is the county's leading environmental charity, with more than 38,000 members. The charity manages 59 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