Devon Wildlife Trust's (DWT) range of gifts have been proving very popular in the run up to Christmas again this year with its adopt a species scheme going from strength to strength. The adopt a species scheme, launched in 2009 through the DWT website,www.devonwildlifetrust.org allows people to support the Trust's conservation work in Devon, protecting habitats and species for future generations to enjoy. This year people can choose to 'adopt' from a list of five wonderful species: dormouse, otter, dolphin, bat and now hedgehog, which has been included as part of the charity's high profile 'Help the Hog' campaign. With each £20 donation, purchasers will receive a soft toy of their chosen species along with a welcome letter, fact sheet, certificate, a postcard of the species, a fun activity book, a pack of six colouring pencils and a six month update letter. Phoebe Grubb, from DWT said: 'This is a great way for people to support our work - adopt a species makes the perfect gift for children and nature loving adults at this time of the year! The Help the Hog campaign has really taken off, and it is showing, as the most popular adopt a species has been the hedgehog so far this season. This year the scheme has already raised £1,500 for local wildlife, so thank you for those who have already adopted.' The money raised through the scheme goes towards the costs of carrying out conservation work throughout the county benefiting these species and the habitats that they need to thrive. To adopt a species today visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org, or call Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244. Get your order to us by Wednesday 14 December to ensure delivery in time for Christmas.
Tuesday 6 December 2011
Friday 2 December 2011
Charity calendar marks 50th anniversary
Devon Wildlife Trust has this month launched its 2012 wildlife calendar. The beautifully produced calendar has been created to mark the charity's 50th anniversary. The calendar is being sold for £5 and is available by phone, online or by post. Each calendar sold will raise funds for the charity's vital conservation work around Devon. The calendar is illustrated with a stunning collection of Devon's most popular species including otter, brown hare, bluebell, kingfisher, dormouse and red deer, it also has a nuthatch on its front cover. Each month also contains a photo of one of the charity's nature reserve along with details of what to see there on a visit. Phoebe Grubb, DWT's Fundraising Officer enthused: 'This is our first ever calendar so we are hoping lots of people will choose to have it on their wall for next year which is our 50th. It's such a major milestone, we wanted to give something back to our supporters and mark this special occasion. Hopefully people that buy it will think about us through the year and continue to value the work we do to protect Devon's wonderful wildlife." Carrie Park who compiled the calendar said: "We have such a great resource of photographs available mainly thanks to the kind support from keen local wildlife photographers. Without their help we wouldn't have been able to produce such a beautiful product." People who wish to purchase a calendar should visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org or call Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244. Photo: Copyright Dormouse 5 (Hugh Clark)
Wednesday 23 November 2011
Oh my Silver Darlings. In Praise of the Humble Herring
Fair weather drew the crowds down along Clovelly on Sunday to a celebration in praise of the humble herring. By chance we shared the trip down in the landrover with the present owner of Clovelly, the Hon. John Rous and a lady wrestling with some unwieldy cake-laden trays. The scrumptious looking buns and scones were destined for sale at the Lifeboat House. Down at the harbour a huge colony of gulls were squawking above the water and some Jolly Jack Tars were singing shanties acappella. Below the old Lime Kiln smoke was rising from the Kipperman's little hut. The Kipperland exhibition tells the story of the herring and how a small fish has played such an important part in the history of Great Britain. On the beach Flaxland were demonstrating flax processing and net making. There were also three examples of flax woven craft. The curragh, a traditional craft from the west coast of Ireland used for fishing, kelp gathering and island hopping, a coricle and a canoe both made using flax fabrics. Languishing across the harbour with its red sails standing out against the grey quay stone wall was "Little Lily", Clovelly's very own Picarroner. It's hard to believe that at one time this harbour was filled with up to ninety fishing boats which landed nearly a million herrings. Harbour Master, Stephen Perham is one of the last herring fishermen in Clovelly, he still uses "Little Lily" to fish for Herring. Clovelly Herring Festival is a real food fest and the stalls along the quay did well to keep up with demand. You could buy fresh herring and mullet, local bread, beer and cider, mulled wine, preserves liquorice, confectionery and rock. In between the produce stalls, there was a colourful array of local hand-made crafts including stained glass, mosaics, jewellery, patchwork and haberdashery, knitted gifts and knitting yarns. A choice of delicious fishy treats were served up in the Quay kitchens, herring specialities, spicy mullet chowder, tale of three herrings, fish cakes and stir fry. We really enjoyed our Kipper Baguette. The Pancake stall was very popular especially with the kids. There was also a "Ships in a Bottle" display and a photographic exhibition. Flying the flag for the natural world on land, sea and in the air were the North Devon AONB, the National Trust and the RSPB. Kids were kept amused by a variety of event-themed craft activities. Time for a beer and a sit down and a chance to take in the view, listen to more sea shanties this time with guitar, banjo and fiddle from local group "Fifers Ruse" and Bideford folk band "Shake a Leg". The sun, low at this time of year, came out briefly highlighting the woodland which clings to the 400 feet cliffs above Clovelly Harbour. It is really a dream location for photographers and film makers. Dressed in old sea-fairing garb, the Exmouth Shanty Singers made a wonderful tableau and they and that plucky little Penguin were probably the most photographed subjects on the day. Heave Away, Haul Away, Up Along - time for that Bacon Bap. Article and photos by Pat Adams
Clovelly was once a major centre for herring fishing. This popular festival is held in support of sustainable fishing by traditional methods and to celebrate the herring, the Silver Darlings of the sea. Click here to visit Clovelly Village Website - Whats On at Clovelly
Click here for North Devon Coast and Country Chronicle post on the Clovelly, Crab and Lobster Festival
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