EDENMORE NURSING HOME WELCOMES HOME LIBRARY SERVICE

Edenmore Nursing Home are delighted and honoured to partner with Ilfracombe Library to welcome the Home Library Service through their doors and open their residents to the wonderful world of literature.

The Home Library Service is a bespoke book delivery service that is fully funded and available for the residents, fondly referred to as family members by the home, who are no longer able to go to the library for their books of choice.

Volunteer led, books are picked based on the reader’s interests and hand delivered every 4 weeks, giving those who receive them enough time to read through what they have chosen and then exchange for new ones. As the weeks pass, volunteers can befriend family members and bond over the joy of reading.

Not only does the Home Library Service deliver books, but there are also audiobooks and tablets available to borrow, making the service accessible for those with sight loss and granting access to a wide range of books, newspapers, and magazines online.

North Devon MP, Selaine Saxby, commented “Ilfracombe is a wonderful community, and it is great to see their library working with a local care home to provide a fully funded home library service. I do hope that this is a model that can be used elsewhere across North Devon.”

It is widely known that reading can be a great brain exercise, as well as a relaxing outlet to relieve stress levels. Stimulating stories with captivating illustrations can ignite feelings of joy, curiosity, and nostalgia, especially if a person has been an avid reader in their lifetime. The service has exemplified the importance of such communal gatherings in promoting a sense of belonging and shared experiences. The team remain dedicated to crafting more heartwarming experiences that enrich the lives of its residents and bring the community closer together.

Edenmore Nursing Home is based in Ilfracombe, North Devon. It’s 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, one’s journey in life, by striving to be a true continuation of home, 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: https://www.edenmorenursinghome.com/

Exhibition of contemporary ceramics by British artist shortlisted for top award comes to the Burton this September

An exhibition of contemporary ceramics by one of the most innovative British artists working in the medium today opens at the Burton Art Gallery and Museum on Saturday 30 September.

Rebecca Appleby is a highly respected artist who pushes the boundaries of what is possible with clay. Her new body of work explores the Gaia theory – the theory that everything on earth is interconnected.

In this timely exhibition, Appleby asks us to re-consider our relationship to our environment using her own distinct visual language. Using the form of the sphere and the hemisphere, she makes the link between the hemispheres of the human brain and the planet. We can’t escape the fact that what we do to the earth, we essentially do to ourselves.

Rebecca Appleby brings a painterly and sculptural eye to her work, which has continued to gain her recognition in the world of contemporary ceramics. Earlier this year, Appleby was selected as one of ten artists to produce new work for the British Ceramics Biennial Award 2023.

Award is the headline exhibition in the British Ceramics Biennial, an international contemporary ceramics festival that takes place in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of British ceramics. One artist from the exhibition will be awarded a £10,000 prize. The winner will be announced at the end of September, which coincides with the opening of the exhibition at the Burton.

Rebecca Appleby © David Fulford

Rebecca Appleby © David Fulford

Rebecca Appleby: Matter

Exhibition dates: Saturday 30 September - Monday 4 December

Open daily | FREE entry

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 TAP HERE visit their website to keep up to date with the latest special events and workshop activities  

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The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2QQ

The Burton at Bideford has been a registered charity since 2016

 

Docton Mill, Hartland highlight.

Off the beaten track. Just a small selection of the many photos taken on a visit to Docton Mill back in May. A historic place, tearoom, beautiful garden and woodland walk. The dappled light over the Mill leat set the tranquil scene at the start of a magical walk around. 

The award winning Tearooms and Gardens are about 1000m inland from the iconic Spekes Mill Waterfall on the Southwest Coast Path, and a welcome respite for walkers and hikers.

"Docton Mill and its adjoining leat, head weir and terrace have been traced back to Saxon times, probably before the Norman conquest......The mill continued to produce flour for local bakers, Giffords of Hartland, until 1910 when the mill ceased to trade." (For full history and more information visit doctonmill.co.uk)

Scenic overview of the tearooms

Dappled light over the leat

The ancient Water Wheel

Docton Mill is an RHS Partner Garden

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Docton Mill, Lymebridge, Hartland, North Devon EX39 6EA

Telephone:  01237 441369

OPEN 1st April to 5th October 11am-5pm 

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Out and about Hartland - Places to Visit

Hartland Village - Hartland Abbey - St. Nectan's Church, Stoke 

TAP HERE for Stay in Hartland website 

Hartland Quay - Spekes Mill Mouth & Waterfall - Hartland Point Lighthouse - Hartland Point Refreshments a "A Pick Me Up With a View" 

Southwest Coast Path

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All photos copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus

Tap here to visit North Devon Focus site Hartland Focus

 North Devon Focus promoting North Devon Coast and Countryside & Beyond since 2002

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Clovelly Maritime Festival 2023

All smiles and a lot of Atlantic Spirit Gin, Crackington Cider and Rock Rum Down Along Clovelly Harbour for the maritime festival.

Live music, craft, food stalls with cream tea and cakes served by the ladies in the Lifeboat House. Well known author, Liz Shakespeare, whose books draw inspiration from the local history of the North Devon coast and countryside, was also book signing on the quay. Not forgetting Punch and Judy, Clovelly Soap, Devon Wildlife Trust, the RNLI and Coastguard teams. All credit to the stilt walkers "Higher Beings" traversing the bumpy cobbles on the Quay.

Spanning the generations. Bobbing boats and boatmen down below the Quay. Featuring Lugger Lilly, a new build to order by boatbuilder Chris Frisby, based on the lines of Bucks Ledge Lugger, Flying Foam, a small boat that once worked around the Bay in Bucks Mills.

Lugger Lilly in Clovelly Harbour. Photo copyright Pat Adams

Lugger Lilly with RNLI Boatman, Chris Braund, Chris Frisby and Stephen Perham in Clovelly Harbour. Photo copyright Pat Adams

Lily, was launched in May 2023, is planked in Sitka Spruce and Mahogany with #oak frames and fit out along with an Elm transom.  (www.cfrisbyboats.co.uk)

Watch the video, take a walk Down Along Clovelly to the shore

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Many thanks to Chris Braund for telling us all about the history of the old Bucks Ledge 

Shout out to the teams that respond to your shouts for help on the coast. 

Passing on their invaluable safety advice on the day with a smile.

bidefordct - rnliappledorewatersafety - clovellyrnli

Lugger, Flying Foam & Lily. All photos copyright Pat Adams North Devon Focus

Visit Clovelly Village website for the latest information & events

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 North Devon Focus promoting North Devon Coast and Countryside since 2002

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Internationally acclaimed artist, Ian Davenport, comes to the Burton.

The Burton at Bideford will welcome acclaimed British artist, Ian Davenport, to the gallery on Saturday 16 September to celebrate the opening of a new exhibition of the artist’s work. It marks another significant coup for the gallery, which continues to bring high profile exhibitions to North Devon.

Ian Davenport studied at Goldsmiths College, where he graduated in 1988 as one of the generation of Young British Artists who participated in the seminal exhibition, Freeze, organized by Damien Hirst.

In bringing together works from throughout Davenport’s career, the exhibition will provide a rare opportunity to clearly see the evolution the artist’s work from his early days as a student at Goldsmiths to the present day. Many of the works have never been displayed together before, making this exhibition a must-see for all art enthusiasts.

Ian Davenport is well known for his abstract paintings, which explore the materiality and process of applying paint. In recent years, his work has consisted of carefully poured lines of acrylic paint down a surface, which puddle and pool at the bottom. This technique allows him to explore complex arrangements of line and colour. Over the past ten years, he has also turned his attention to screen-printing and etching, building an impressive body of graphic work.

In 1991, he was nominated for the Turner Prize and remains the youngest ever nominee for the prestigious art prize. He has exhibited extensively all over the world and his work is held in important museum collections including: Arts Council of Great Britain; Tate in London; Centre Pompidou in Paris; and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

A new fully illustrated catalogue will accompany the exhibition. Designed by Herman Lelie and Stefania Bonelli, it is the first of Davenport’s exhibition catalogues to be narrated by the artist himself.

The exhibition has been produced in collaboration with the Cristea Roberts Gallery in London, the exclusive worldwide representative for Ian Davenport’s original prints.

Olivia Desborough from the Burton says,

Ian Davenport’s work has a significant place in the history of contemporary art in Britain and we are honoured to be exhibiting it here at the Burton.

The exhibition will allow visitors a rare insight into the evolution of an artistic practice and into the workings of a creative mind. Furthermore, the exhibition catalogue will bring a fresh new perspective with words from the artist himself.

With an immediate appeal to visitors of all ages, we hope everyone will come along and enjoy what promises to be a remarkable exhibition.

As ever, we remain grateful to Torridge District Council and the Arts Council of England whose generous funding makes what we do possible.

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Exhibition launch and opportunity to meet the artist:
Saturday 16th September, 6-8pm
All welcome | FREE entry
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Ian Davenport: 'Works on Paper' opens Saturday 16 September 

and runs until Friday 3rd November.
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The gallery, museum and shop are open daily. Admission is free.

 Kamuro Copyright Ian Davenport, 2019. (All Rights Reserved). 

Photo: Prudence Cuming Associates 

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 TAP HERE visit their website to keep up to date with the latest special events and workshop activities  

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The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2QQ

The Burton at Bideford has been a registered charity since 2016

The art of bringing stories to life with the Burton at Bideford

We enjoyed two of the recent exhibitions at the Burton at Bideford, 'Celebrating 40 Years of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse' was an emotive journey through time illustrating his iconic novel written in 1982, its stage adaption in 2007 culminating in the award winning film, directed by Stephen Spielberg, in 2011. This ran alongside 'The Permanent Collection Curated by Community Groups' bringing together contemporary work created by local people in response to the Burton at Bideford's Permanent Collection of art, an interesting concept, which included work by the Burton Young Photographers, Women's First and Devon Recovery Learning Community.

Celebrating the history of the area with local art & ceramic exhibitions and a host of art and craft workshops for all ages, we are so lucky to have such a bright spot in Bideford. The graphic designs on the exterior walls were created back in June 2021 by exhibiting artist Lucy McLauchlan, a nod to her amazing exhibition: Woodlands, Wastelands & Waterways.

The Burton Art Gallery and Museum is situated on the Pill beside Victoria Park so you can check out the exhibitions and collections, take a coffee break at the Cafe du Parc and finish with a stroll around the park.

 

Bideford bright spot - Photo credit Pat Adams

 

The Art Box & Kiln, Burton at Bideford - Photo credit Pat Adams

 

Artist, Lucy McLauchlan, a nod to her amazing exhibition: Woodlands, Wastelands at Burton at Bideford 2021. Photo credit Pat Adams

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Current Exhibitions

'Revealing the Human Form' is a new exhibition showcasing the work of renowned British sculptors including Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Jacob Epstein and Antony Gormley. 15th July-5th September

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Jam Westwood: Don’t Look At My Jugs… And Other Stories - A collection of reimagined historical artefacts made by Jam Westwood

17th June-19th September

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The Burton at Bideford Art Gallery and Museum are open daily. Admission is free.

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 TAP HERE to visit their website to keep up to date with the latest special events and workshop activities  

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The Burton at Bideford, Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2QQ

The Burton at Bideford has been a registered charity since 2016

Volunteers celebrate four decades of devotion to Devon nature reserve

A dedicated group of volunteers has celebrated 40 years of work conserving one of the North Devon’s best-loved nature havens.

Halsdon and Dolton Local Group was formed in 1983 to help promote local the preservation of wildlife and specifically to look after a local nature reserve. Ever since its volunteers have worked in tandem with the Devon Wildlife Trust to conserve the charity’s Halsdon nature reserve, a 57 hectare site near Great Torrington. Its combination of beautiful woodland and a stunning section of the River Torridge, makes it popular with visitors and a home to huge numbers of wildflowers, butterflies, moths, birds and much more besides.

The Group recently celebrated its significant birthday staging a public open day at the nature reserve. The event included walking tours, moth identification, badge making, a cake stall and river dipping in search of aquatic insects. Joining the Group’s volunteers and local families were Devon Wildlife Trust’s Chief Executive Harry Barton and Mike Moser, Chair of North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Partnership.

Local Group member Marion Philips said:

“The idea behind today’s event is trying to get local families involved. I have lived in Dolton for 40 years and been involved with Devon Wildlife Trust much of this time. Back then, local young mums and I used to get involved doing facepainting and pond dipping. We also organised work parties to help look after the nature reserve. The focus then was clearing the invasive rhododendron. We once had 90 people come to a work party. It was exciting and we got a lot of work done.”

Dawn Lenn, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Volunteer Coordinator said:

“We are so pleased to be able to celebrate 40 years of wonderful service by Halsdon and Dolton Local Group. Over the decades they have contributed countless hours of hard work, helping to maintain Halsdon nature reserve as a haven for people and wildlife.

But that is not all the Group has achieved. Each year they have also staged a programme of regular nature-based walks and talks, bringing the wonders of wildlife to hundreds of local people.”

The event also gave Halsdon and Dolton Local Group an opportunity to celebrate a special award for one of their founder members. Local-resident and former schoolteacher, Diana Goodacre was presented with a Devon Wildlife Fellowship – the charity’s top accolade for its volunteers and supporters. The award was in recognition of her four decades of volunteering in the cause of local wildlife and its conservation.

Diana Goodacre said:

“I volunteer because it’s part of who I am. You feel you’ve done something worthwhile, and my upbringing showed that the natural world is so important.

The bluebell woods in spring here at Halsdon make me think this is what heaven must be like. But I love all of the nature reserve.”

For the latest volunteer opportunities and public events organised by Dolton Local Group go to the Devon Wildlife Trust website at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Halsdon and Dolton Local Group’s Diana Goodacre receives her Devon Wildlife Trust fellowship award from Mike Moser while Harry Barton applauds

A Devon Summer with Liz Shakespeare

A Devon author, who specialises in breathing life into true stories from Devon’s past, is looking forward to a busy summer. Liz Shakespeare 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, who lives in Littleham, 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. ‘This one is set in Torrington in the nineteenth century and is again based on a true story. It will be available to buy next spring.’

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

In the Magpie Marquee at the Mid-Devon Show on July 22nd

Clovelly Maritime Festival on July 23rd

Launceston Show on July 27th North Devon Show on August 2nd

Hartland Farmers’ Market on August 6th Okehampton Show on August 10th

Chagford Show on August 17th North Molton Country Fair on August 20th

Holsworthy Show on August 24th Torridge Art and Craft Market on August 26th

Lustleigh Show on August 28thClovelly Lobster and Crab Feast on September 3rd

 

 

 Liz Shakespeare will be book signing at events throughout Devon

 

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

Unveiling the Heartbreak of a Dementia Diagnosis with David Shepherd

Alzheimer's is a heart-wrenching disease that inflicts relentless pain and sorrow on both you and your loved one. Witnessing the gradual decline of someone close to you can leave you feeling helpless and devastated. With each passing day, it feels as though you are not only losing a part of them but also a part of you. One of the most agonising parts is the beginning before their diagnosis, when you don’t know that there’s anything wrong and the weight of the unknown bears down on you. I had the privilege of speaking with David Shepherd whose wife lives with a Dementia at Heanton Nursing Home in Barnstaple and he wanted to share his story with you today.

In the two or three years before my wife, Catriona’s, diagnosis it was challenging. Initially, I didn't think there was anything medically wrong and I still carry enormous guilt that I didn’t realise sooner. I found I often got angry and frustrated when Catriona forgot things, I just thought she wasn’t concentrating but needless did I know she was already struggling, and my reactions must have made things even scarier for her. One day she drove to the supermarket and couldn’t park the car, I really didn’t understand why, but it became more apparent that there was an underlying issue. The struggle was in getting her to admit it and accept that she needed to see the doctor. It took over 6 months of gentle persuasion to take Catriona to her first appointment. 

Catriona was finally diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2014 after a long and tortuous process. When we received the diagnosis, I felt an overwhelming surge of emotions. I was filled with what felt like a torrential downpour of desperation mingled with a glimmer of relief. The desperation I felt within me came with floods of tears, as I knew that this cruel illness would relentlessly steal away the person I love and cherish. Catriona never really accepted that she had the illness and so life continued to be a struggle and I felt that I was walking on eggshells every time we came close to talking about it.

Everything changes when your partner has Alzheimer’s. Eventually, you become a full-time carer – and that really does mean 24 hours a day. It’s exhausting but I had no choice, Catriona wasn’t safe to be left on her own for a moment. By that point, you can’t go out because they can’t go out. My world became as small as hers – just our four walls.

We were fortunate that the diagnosis took place at the National Hospital for Neurosurgery in London, as they are the experts in dementia. After the diagnosis, we had some time with a nurse, who gave us guidance on what to expect, where to go for support and answered any questions we had, it was very comprehensive. We had twice-a-year appointments at the hospital, and visits from various people from the local Memory Clinic, to monitor the progress of the condition, and Catriona even got involved in some research projects. We were directed to a local charity that specialised in young people living with a Dementia, which provided a helpful support group along with activities for Catriona.

When we embarked on our journey to move to Devon in 2015, the level of support drastically changed. My heart sank as we walked into the office of our new GP, with hope filling our hearts for a similar level of help. We poured out our worries and concerns, seeking assistance, but the words that came from the GP struck us with devastation, leaving us shattered and disheartened. The GP said there was nothing he could do to help other than signpost us to the Alzheimer's Society. So, life continued on, taking each day as they came trying to live as normal life as we possibly could.

In the summer of 2020, I made the heartbreaking decision to move Catriona into a Care Home which was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make. It came to a point, the place we had called home for many years, a place full of love and memories, our sanctuary, was no longer the safest place for her. Due to her increasing mobility and balance issues, I knew that I had to find a home to keep her safe, but this was at the height of the COVID-19 Lockdown. It meant that I couldn't visit the home beforehand to see what it was like, but, far worse, it meant that once she was led away from me, from the garden at Heanton Nursing Home, I would not be seeing her again for many, many weeks. That remains engraved in my memory as the saddest, toughest day of my life.

The team at Heanton arranged video calls that offered a glimpse into her world, but in truth, those virtual encounters could never replace the warmth of her presence, the touch of her hand and the comfort of being by her side. I would sometimes find myself by the river in Bideford, looking up and across in the direction of Heanton and thinking about her, wondering how she was and what she was doing.

Once visits were possible, that definitely helped me deal with the transition, as it started to lift some of the guilt that I was feeling about having sent her off to live in a care home. The recent relaxation on the rules about having to wear a mask has really helped - Catriona was able to see my face again for the first time in over 2 years, and that helped her recognise me, I hope, and certainly led to more of her warm smiles.

Navigating the journey of caring for a loved one living with a dementia is undeniably challenging. Despite the heart-wrenching moments and the profound changes that Alzheimer's brings, we cherish the memories and the unwavering strength human connection can bring to us.

Heanton Nursing Home, wholeheartedly understands the immense struggles that Alzheimer's disease brings to the lives of those affected and their loved ones. David visits Catriona most days, sometimes bringing his band to play music which brings solace and joy to her and other family members within the home. At Heanton, our commitment extends beyond our family members; we embrace the opportunity to be a guiding light for their loved ones, offering unwavering support as they navigate the complex and emotional journey Alzheimer’s brings.

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To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home 

visit www.heantonnursinghome.com

Heanton Nursing Home, Heanton, Barnstaple EX31 4DJ - Tel: 01271 813744

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Retelling Her-story: a new ceramics exhibition at the Burton

Retelling Her-story: a new ceramics exhibition at the Burton explores the role of women in contemporary society and the history of art

A fascinating and thought-provoking exhibition of work by Jam Westwood, a ceramicist and conceptual artist from the North East of England, opens at the Burton on Saturday 17 June.

Jam Westwood was recently interviewed by Grayson Perry on Channel 4 as part of the third season of Grayson's Art Club.

Don’t Look At My Jugs… And Other Stories is an exhibition of re-imagined historical artefacts that explores the reality of the everyday experience of women in society today. It’s an exhibition that throws light onto the physical, social, professional and domestic injustices encountered on a daily basis. It also asks us to question whether society is as progressive as we might think.

Dealing with often heavy and challenging subject matters, Jam Westwood’s work is actually full of lightness, humour and playfulness to delight audiences. There’s an ultimate message of hope too.

Featuring a collection of carefully crafted vessels, vases, bowls and coins, these are pieces that wouldn’t initially look out of place in a traditional museum cabinet. Yet a closer inspection tells a very different story.

We see works that celebrate the menstrual cycle and the various different experiences of the menopause. There are also works that reclaim the derogatory terms that have been used to insult women throughout history alongside works that challenge gender stereotypes and toxic masculinity.

Many of the finished works have been deliberately broken or chipped. This gives them the gravitas of age while also alluding to the repeated injury and damage done to women throughout history. It also speaks of the artist’s desire to break taboos and disrupt the dominant narrative in which the female voice can be hard to hear.

Don’t Look At My Jugs… And Other Stories is an arresting exhibition that asks us to look at how we live. What is the history we are writing? What is the history we want to be a part of?

Don’t Look At My Jugs… And Other Stories opens on 17 June and runs until 19 September.

There is opportunity to meet the artist in person at the gallery on Saturday 17 June, 2pm.

The gallery, museum and shop are open daily. Admission is free.

 

Tell Me Again© Jam Westwood

Menses (The Period God) © Jam Westwood

 

Queen Jane of Faceburgh © Jam Westwood

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THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD, Kingsley Road, Bideford EX39 2QQ
(e) info@theburton.org (t) 01237 471455 (w) www.burtonartgallery.co.uk

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ABOUT THE BURTON AT BIDEFORD

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe Enjoyed a Hawaiian Themed Party to Celebrate National BBQ Week

Edenmore Nursing Home in Ilfracombe enjoyed a Hawaiian-themed party put on by the team to celebrate National BBQ Week. Residents, along with staff dressed up in Hawaiian outfits to get into the party spirit ready for the celebrations to begin.

Residents, who are fondly referred to as family members, spent the day partying away whilst tucking into their delicious food cooked on the BBQ by the chefs at the nursing home. There was an array of mocktails and vegetarian dishes for family members to also enjoy.

Home Manager, Gayle Cooper, joined in on the fun and said, “The family members had a lovely day with some of them wanting to dress in Hawaiian-style clothing and joining in with Hawaiian dancing.”

Edenmore Nursing Home is a Nursing Home based in Ilfracombe North Devon. Their approach to life recognises the importance of creating a home that represents a true continuation of life for each individual living within the home.

To find out more about Edenmore Nursing Home 

visit www.edenmorenursinghome.com

HEANTON NURSING HOME IN BARNSTAPLE TAKE RESIDENT FOR A GAME OF BADMINTON

John Miles who is fondly referred to as Rex from Heanton Nursing Home, enjoyed a game of Badminton along with team members during a recent outing. The game began with Rex taking the first drop shot and he enjoyed some smashes with his opponent.

Noufal, one of the Team Members accompanying described the moment as being simply amazing “Rex didn't take his eyes off the game, and he even told me to be quiet as he was not able to focus! He was impressed by the quality of his fellow players.”

Being involved within the local community and encouraging the continuation of past interests is part of the ethos at the North Devon nursing home. Creating shared experiences that bring together companionship, laughter, and a deeper sense of connection for individuals living with a Dementia.

Occupational activities are not just pastimes they are pathways to joy, fulfilment, and bring a sense of purpose to family members, living at the nursing home to create a true sense of continuation of life. These activities encompass a wide range of interests, from arts and crafts to gardening, music, games, and so much more. They promote engagement, stimulate cognitive abilities, and foster social connections, creating an environment full of personalities and Individuality. 

To find out more about Heanton Nursing Home 

visit www.heantonnursinghome.com

Heanton Nursing Home, Heanton, Barnstaple EX31 4DJ - Tel: 01271 813744

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10th anniversary celebrates growth of Coronation Meadows

Ten years ago, the former Prince of Wales launched Coronation Meadows in 2013 to honour the 60th year of the late Queen’s accession to the throne.

In the face of the catastrophic loss of 97% of our wildflower meadows since the 1930s, the plan was to create new and restored meadows using donor seed from remaining fragments of ancient and traditional meadows.

The Wildlife Trusts and Plantlife – charities for whom the former Prince of Wales was patron – worked together to identify 60 species-rich meadows which are known as Coronation Meadows, one for every year of the Queen’s reign at that time. These special places became donors to provide precious seed to increase the amount of valuable and beautiful wildflower habitat elsewhere.

Dunsdon National Nature Reserve, near Holsworthy, was chosen as Devon’s Coronation Meadow. The 63 hectare site is owned and managed by the conservation charity Devon Wildlife Trust. Its network of Culm grassland fields support a rich mix of wildflowers including lesser butterfly orchids, ragged robin and bird’s foot trefoil. These in turn are home to a huge range of insects from bumblebees to the rare marsh fritillary butterfly.

The Wildlife Trusts and Plantlife charities have now conducted a national audit of the success of the project which reveals that a fantastic 101 new wildflower meadows have been created or restored since the Coronation Meadows project began a decade ago.

The charities are delighted that the Coronation Meadows project has increased the number of wildflower meadows and benefitted a vast array of wildlife, from bees and butterflies to bats and birds. The area is still expanding as the charities continue to harvest and spread the wildflower seed in localities close to the original sites so that the distinctive character of each area’s flora is preserved.

Biffa Award, through the Landfill Communities Fund, contributed £1million to fund the equipment and training needed for meadow restorations. In the first three years of the project alone, more than 700 volunteers gave their time to get the project off the ground. Seed was harvested from Coronation Meadows donor sites either as green hay, brush harvested seed or by hand, and this was used to seed second sites in the same area.

Steve Hussey of Devon Wildlife Trust, says:
“We’re very proud of Dunsdon National Nature Reserve’s status as Devon’s Coronation Meadow. It makes for a beautiful place to visit at this time of year.

More than 90% of Devon’s Culm grassland meadows have disappeared over the past 75 years, but at Dunsdon wildlife still flourishes in its full colourful range of wildflowers and butterflies.

The award of Coronation Meadow status has helped us spread Dunsdon’s good influence. Each year we’ve harvested some of the seeds from its meadows and spread them on other grassland sites nearby, enriching their plant diversity and giving local wildlife an important boost.”

Craig Bennett, chief executive of The Wildlife Trusts, says:
“The expansion of our beautiful wildflower meadows is a wonderful legacy for communities everywhere to enjoy. The magnificent sight of wild orchids shimmering in a field of delicate wild grasses in the afternoon sun to the hum of bees is something that everyone deserves to experience and enjoy.

“As the nature and climate crises deepen, we must be bold if we want to reverse declines and help revive our meadow heritage. Ancient meadows have evolved alongside traditional farming methods over hundreds of years. Many of these have been selected as Local Wildlife Sites because of the rare and threatened plants that are found there but they have limited protection in planning policy. The next review of the National Planning Policy Framework later this year must see their protection strengthened. We also need to see greater support for wildflower meadows in the new farm environment schemes – it is critical that farmers are rewarded for restoring locally distinctive natural habitats where wild plants can thrive.”

 

To find out more about Dunsdon – Devon’s Coronation Meadow – go to the nature reserve pages of Devon Wildlife Trust’s website www.devonwildlifetrust.org

 

 

Marsh fritillary butterfly, one of the rare species that Devon’s Coronation Meadow supports. Photo credit Chris Root

Dunsdon National Nature Reserve, Devon’s Coronation Meadow. Photo credit Sam Rose

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For more information, see http://coronationmeadows.org.uk The original Coronation Meadows project brought together Plantlife, The Wildlife Trusts and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, to celebrate surviving meadows, create new ones and encourage people to discover and enjoy their local special places for wildflowers.

 

For more information on The Wildlife Trusts, Plantlife, Biffa Award