Young trainees given chance to build new life in conservation

A local wildlife charity is this month looking to recruit two young people to join its Estate Team. The team was established in 2009 with the aim of helping people find work in the field of conservation. The new trainees will join Devon Wildlife Trust's nature reserves officers for a minimum of six months. They will be provided with free accommodation at the charity's Woodah Farm in the Teign Valley. They will also receive a range of professional training such as first aid, chainsaw and brushcutter use, along with the other essentials skills required to become the estate workers of the future. Two of the recruits from last year have already found jobs in the sector following a year of intensive conservation work looking after the charity's nature reserves around the county. DWT's Edric Hopkinson who is looking after the new recruits said: "This scheme is a great way for young people with conservation qualifications, but without experience, to find a job with one of the region's conservation organisations. Being able to offer free accommodation has made it all the more appealing for them. They also provide essential help with the many jobs on Devon Wildlife Trust's reserves, keeping them in the best possible condition for wildlife." The project gained an extra boost this year thanks to a successful membership appeal along with £1000 raised by DWT's Halsdon Local Group. The money was used to offset the costs of providing the volunteer places.

The deadline for applications is 30 August. For more information about the posts visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Teddy Bears on Parade

25th July. Teddy Bears on Marine Parade, Instow actually and what a colourful picture it made. All the dollies and teddies had been donated and were being sold to raise funds for Instow Church, so watch out for them when you visit Instow this summer. First on parade was the mad looking flame haired rag doll, I was happy to pay my £1, and "I called her Annabel".

Freedom at last - Annabel on Instow Beach

We had parked by the Tarka Trail behind the North Devon Cricket Club and walked through the sand dunes beside the old thatched Score Box. We heard the sound of leather on willow and “Oz that”. Cricket on a Sunday; so quintessentially British! The sand dunes here were covered in bell flowered Evening Primrose, wild celery, scurvy grass and sea mayweed. There were several black and yellow striped caterpillars camouflaged in the marram grass.

Enjoying new found freedom, Annabel at Woolsery Show 26th July 2010

North Devon Cricket Club, founded 186 years ago, was the home club of the late international test umpire David Shepherd.

Click here to see more pictures of Instow on the Taw/Torridge Estuary

"Don’t just drive. Discover" says the Highways Agency

‘Are we nearly there yet?’ It is the dreaded question which will be heard in cars across the country as the summer holidays get into full swing, and which usually signals the tipping point for tempers. The journey to a holiday destination is often considered the final hurdle between holidaymakers and the break they’ve been looking forward to. But with 37 million people choosing to holiday at home last year, it seems the ‘staycation’ is here to stay. And that means those journeys, on holiday routes at peak times, are set to be even busier. Rather than driving you to distraction, the holiday journey could actually take you on a journey of discovery. England is crammed full of fun, fascinating and beautiful places to visit within easy reach of main roads, so it’s easy to break up your journey and turn it into an adventure. Stopping off en route is also a great way to avoid traffic congestion – and the ‘Are we nearly there yet?’ brigade. Using our simple travel tools you can plan a stop-off either before you set off or en route.

• Visit highways.gov.uk/traffic to check traffic conditions
• Tune into DAB Traffic Radio
• Download the Highways Agency iphone app for live traffic information
• Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/holidayroutes
• Check your route on http://www.transportdirect.info/

And to make sure your adventure is a safe one:

• Ensure your vehicle is serviced and ready for the journey
• Check screen wash and tyre pressures including caravans and trailers
• Don’t overload a roof rack or bike rack. Ensure you firmly secure it
• Sun glare can be hazardous for driving. Take a good pair of sunglasses
• Travel prepared for delays by having an emergency kit including a map, warning triangle, fluorescent jackets, first-aid kit, relevant medication, food, water and warm/waterproof clothing
• Take regular breaks on long journeys

The Highways Agency is responsible for England's motorways and trunk roads on behalf of the Department for Transport. For more summer driving tips please visit http://www.highways.gov.uk/summer 

Mobile Website & iPhone App: You can view our website from your mobile at www.highways.gov.uk/mobile For more information on our iPhone app visit: www.highways.gov.uk/iphone REMEMBER never use your mobile whilst driving.

CLICK HERE to visit the Highways Agency web site