A major setback for our seas. Add your voice today to the marine campaign

Our seas are suffering serious damage and need protection now, according to the Devon Wildlife Trust, in response to the recent ministerial statement which announced a delay on the protection of marine wildlife. Stakeholders across the country had been expecting the government to give the go ahead to designate 127 Marine Conservation Zones across the nation's seas, where some of our most important marine wildlife would be protected. This was to be a landmark moment in protecting our marine environment. Harry Barton, Chief Executive of the Devon Wildlife Trust says, "The statement sends a worrying signal that the Government is dragging its heels on designating the network of sites recommended by stakeholder groups." The proposed network of Marine Conservation Zones includes areas of sea off the coast of Devon, such as Torbay and much of the north coast. In a surprise announcement, the Government has said that it needs more evidence before it takes action. Yesterday's statement by the Natural Environment and Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon gave no firm guarantee that any part of the recommended network will be designated, and confirmed that no sites would be designated before 2013, a year later than planned. Harry Barton says, "There is indisputable evidence that the wildlife in our seas is declining, and that we need urgent action now to conserve it. Wildlife in our seas receives far less protection than on land, and until very recently there has been only one marine nature reserve in English waters - around Lundy, in Devon. This is a once in a generation opportunity to put this right. More than a million people representing fishermen, conservationists and businesses have worked closely together for two years to identify the network of sites, taking the many different interests into account. What more information does the government want before it takes action?" Devon Wildlife Trust agrees with the government's scientific advisers that all 127 sites need to be designated if the network is to work. Harry Barton concluded, "This announcement is a huge disappointment and will put yet more pressure on marine wildlife. This is a time for decisive action, not discussion and delay. The government has said it wants to be the greenest ever. It needs to stand firm in its commitment and deliver the network of protected sites that local stakeholders and scientists have recommended to it." Add your voice today to the marine campaign by signing a Petition Fish scale at www.devonwildlifetrust.org

Thongweed, snakelocks anemone,ballan wrasse (Paul Naylor)

Visual arts project puts Devon conservation in the frame

Shot of the landscape - Landscape photographer Mike McFarlane cycled into Devon this summer as part of a unique conservation-inspired visual arts project, commissioned by The Wildlife Trusts. Mike is covering thousands of miles, mainly by bike and public transport, during a 12 month tour of the UK, after setting off from his home in County Durham on Tuesday 12 April. This project will see the creation of stunning 360° interactive colour images of landscape-scale conservation schemes throughout the UK. Devon Wildlife Trust believes the images will inspire local residents about the natural world whilst illustrating the variety, scope and importance of its vision for A Living Landscape. By visiting Devon Wildlife Trust's Exeter Wild City and Working Wetlands landscape-scale conservation schemes Mike McFarlane has captured stunning colour panoramic images, one from a view point on the roof of Exeter Cathedral and the other at Bursdon Moor in north Devon. On completion of the UK tour Mike McFarlane will produce a complete set of 360° photographs for the schemes. Devon Wildlife Trust hopes to use the visual materials in its visitor centres, at events and on its website. Peter Burgess, Conservation Advocacy Manager at Devon Wildlife Trust, said: "The photos really show off these two amazing urban and rural landscapes in such scope and detail. Conservation is not just about protecting isolated reserves but now more often about influencing whole landscapes for the better. Landscape scale conservation is not always an easy concept to get across but these images really do show off the projects well. We hope to upload the virtual tours to our website in the near future so they will inspire people to take an alternative look at what's on their doorstep." Mike McFarlane is a landscape photographer, specialising in landscape, architectural and 360° virtual reality tour photography. Through his use of public transport and bike, Mike's carbon footprint will be substantially less than driving the route by car and taking more flights. Mike said: "When I left my job as an engineer to pursue a career as a landscape photographer I very much wanted my business to be ethical and environmentally-friendly and, not only entertain people, but to educate and inspire. I was excited to see how Devon Wildlife Trust's schemes are capturing the imagination of local communities, bringing people together for long-lasting positive change. "Ultimately, I want to be able to show people we have achingly beautiful places here in the county, worth protecting for the next generation and beyond. What better way to achieve that aim than helping to raise awareness of Devon Wildlife Trust's vision for A Living Landscape."  You can follow Mike's travels via his website www.mikemcfarlane.co.uk or on Twitter @mikejmcfarlane.

Working Wetlands - Bursdon Moor Panorama

Exeter Wild City Panorama

BBC Children in Need Official Single. Labrinth, Tinchy, Chipmunk and Wretch 32 Come Together To Help

The official BBC Children in Need single will get one of its most credible makeovers to date this year as the likes of Labrinth, Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk, Wretch 32 and Tulisa from NDubz present their own re-interpretation of Massive Attack’s timeless single ‘Teardrop’, with the new lyrics adapted by Wretch 32, Gary Go and Mr Dialysis. The song will be released through Island Records on November 13th with all proceeds going to the charity to support some of the most disadvantaged children right here in the UK. Gary Barlow was asked by BBC Children in Need organizers to come-up with an idea for the official single this year and immediately contacted Labrinth (famed for his production on Tinie Tempah’s ‘Pass Out’ which won Best British Single at The BRIT Awards 2011) to produce it. Together they assembled a group that makes up the cream of the UK grime scene including: Chipmunk, Dot Rotten, Ed Sheeran, Ms Dynamite,
Mz Bratt, Rizzle Kicks, Tinchy Stryder,
Tulisa and Wretch 32. The institution that is the official CiN single has always held a special place in our hearts and record collections. Since 1997 BBC Children in Need has achieved six No.1 singles and six more in the Top Ten; recorded by artists including JLS, The Spice Girls, Peter Kay, Lou Reed, S Club 7 and Will Young. This year’s collective, who have earned five No.1 singles between them already, will have a name to represent the group chosen for them through a fan competition launched today. The song is adapted from the original ‘Teardrop’ by Massive Attack – who also gave their blessing for the song to go ahead. Labrinth & Co assembled at Metropolis Studios at the beginning of last week to record the song and shoot the official video, which will premiere in the run-up to release.

BBC Children in Need supports children living in the UK facing a range of disadvantages including: poverty and deprivation, disabled young people and children who have been victims of abuse or neglect. The spectacular live Appeal Show will be broadcast live on BBC1 on Friday November 18th. To get involved in this year’s appeal please visit www.bbc.co.uk/pudsey