'Spare a thought for wildlife as South West sizzles'

As the region enters the third week of what is turning out to be a real 'barbeque summer', a leading local wildlife charity is asking people to spare a thought, and a little time, to help nature handle the heat. While news that the sun is here to stay may bring a smile to the tanned faces of the South West's holidaymakers, hoteliers and ice cream sellers, Devon Wildlife Trust is asking us to take a few simple, practical steps which may make all the difference in the struggle for survival of the animals that inhabit our gardens. Speaking for Devon Wildlife Trust, Steve Hussey, predicted some losers in the coming weeks if the hot and dry weather persisted: 'Hot weather can place wildlife under stress. The yellow stems of dry grasses provide fewer calories to grazing animals. The heads of wildflowers go over the top more rapidly denying nectar-seeking insects a food source. Worms bury themselves deep in the soil, beyond the reach of birds. Oxygen levels in rivers and streams drop as their levels fall. These and many other side-effects of the sizzling weather can have a harmful impact on our wonderful wildlife.' Steve continued: 'The effects of this long dry-spell will compound the stresses already placed on our wildlife by what was a very cold spring. That's why it is important that we all think about how we can lend the animals in our gardens a helping hand.' Now Devon Wildlife Trust has put together a six-point plan designed to do just this. It provides easy things that people can do on their own patch to help wildlife:
1) Make available constant and fresh sources of water in your garden. Leave the water at different heights - off the ground in bird baths and in saucers at ground level - to cater for birds and small mammals. Keep water sources topped up throughout the day - evaporation will see them empty quickly. Do a final top up at dusk to provide water for nocturnal animals such as hedgehogs.
2) Leave out windfall or over-ripe fruit. The high energy and water content of apples and soft fruits will prove very popular will garden birds, mammals and insects.
3) Let your grass grow. Frequent cutting will increase evaporation rates from grass stems. Leaving it long will provide higher calorific content for grazing animals to munch on and offer a place in the shade for mini-beasts.
4) Falling water levels in ponds are not necessarily a concern. But dried out ponds can have an impact on aquatic wildlife ranging from dragonfly larvae through to frogs. You can top up your pond, but only use rainwater and not tap-water. This will also save you money!
5) Leave trimming hedges for a few more weeks. Garden hedges, shrubs and untidy corners are great hiding places for garden birds and insects. A hedge's dense foliage will offer deep green shade from the powerful sun and give protection from predators.
 6) Finally, plan ahead by planting some drought-tolerant species of plants such as rosemary, thyme, sage and lavender. The long blooming and nectar-rich flowers of these plants will attract bumblebees, moths and butterflies in coming years.
 Devon Wildlife Trust believes that if people follow this six-point plan then the South West's garden wildlife will be in a better place to cope with what promises to be a long, hot summer. However, the charity's Steve Hussey was keen to stress there were positives to the sizzling summer: 'One benefit of this long, hot summer weather is that it offers a real encouragement to us all to get out and enjoy our region's wonderful wildlife. And if you find the prospect of venturing out potentially all too hot and bothering, then nature has conveniently provided a series of beautiful places for you to cool off in. From snorkelling and rockpooling in the seas around our coast, through paddling in a moorland stream, to walking in the dappled shade of an oak woodland - it's at times like this that we really begin to appreciate what nature does for us!'

Photo 'Keep your garden's bird bath topped up during the sizzling summer weather. Copyright Tom Marshall'

BioBonanza for B10 on Northam Burrows

The Northam Burrows Team are running a BioBonanza for B10, celebrating ten years of North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve. on Tuesday 27 August 2013 9am – 4pm at Northam Burrows Visitor Centre, Westward Ho! This will be a fun and fact filled day on this special, protected area of North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve. Activities will take place in the fabulous inflatable North Devon Biosphere dome and out on the Burrows:

• Bird Walk and Moth Trapping (9.00am-11.00am) 
• Flower Trail (11.00am-1pm) 
• Arts and Crafts (12.00pm-4.00pm) 
• Rockpooling (2pm-4pm) Meet at the Westward Ho! Slipway

In the Northam Burrows Visitor Centre you will be able to add your chosen words to the B10 word cloud and there will be an opportunity to enter the B10 prize draw with lots of lovely prizes donated by local Biosphere supporters including; a wildlife cruise on the Ilfracombe Princess and a trip to Lundy on the MS Oldenburg.

Photos: Inflatable North Devon Biosphere Dome copyright North Devon Biosphere Reserve
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Northam Burrows B10 BioBonanza Tuesday 27 August 2013 9am – 4pm
Northam Burrows Visitor Centre, Westward Ho! North Devon

North Devon's nature lands half million pound boost.....

Wildlife havens across north Devon will see the benefit of new funding secured by a leading local charity. Devon Wildlife Trust has secured half a million pounds to help its work for the future of some of the region's most valuable natural habitats. The funding from Biffa Award's Flagship Scheme, which will be paid over three years, is set to fund the charity's Working Wetlands project in its work to restore, re-create and re-connect the precious Culm grasslands of north Devon. The money was won under fierce competition as Biffa Award's Flagship Scheme funds only two, regionally significant projects each year throughout the whole of the UK. Devon Wildlife Trust's Land Manager, Matt Boydell, expressed his delight at the news: 'We have a track-record of working in north Devon's wildlife-rich Culm grasslands which stretches back more than 20 years. This funding will help us build on this. Our targets are ambitious: we plan to restore 780 hectares of grassland to make it better for wildlife including species such as the marsh fritillary butterfly and the lesser butterfly orchid. We plan to re-create more than 60 hectares of wildlife-rich grassland in places where it is now absent. We'll also be restoring more than a mile of Devon's hedges.' The funding is also allowing Devon Wildlife Trust to 're-wet' 400 metres of the historic Bude Canal at its Dunsdon and Vealand nature reserves, near Holsworthy. The canal's new water-bodies will then act as a vital wildlife resource for dragonflies, frogs, toads and grass snakes. Matt added: 'The funding is allowing us to do work for wildlife which would otherwise have remained beyond our reach. It will give us the opportunity to work with local volunteers, with local farmers and land managers, both on our nature reserves and across the wider north Devon countryside. It's very exciting news for us and for north Devon's natural environment.' Gillian French, Biffa Award Programme Manager, said: 'The Biffa Award Flagship Scheme is a unique opportunity for regionally significant projects to win vital funding. With only two Flagship grants available each year, competition is fierce. We look for truly inspired projects which aim to have a real and lasting impact, and which are either culturally pioneering, or, as in this case, are aiming to make significant progress for biodiversity. Devon Wildlife Trust's Working Wetlands project will play a vital role in recreating and protecting native Culm grassland and rare associated species in Devon, and we are delighted to help it come to life through the Biffa Award Flagship Scheme.'  

Marsh Fritillary Butterfly - photo copyright Chris Root

B10 Event: Torrington Commons Activity Weekend 6/7 July

Torrington Conservators are contributing to the B10 celebrations, marking ten years of North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve, with a weekend of fun and fact filled activites. The event will be held on Torrington Commons on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 July 2013 from 11 am to 3 pm

Activities included will be:

• Pond dipping
• Craft activities – including paper making and paper craft
• Leaf and flower identification quizzes – with £10 vouchers as prizes!

A chance to enter the B10 prize draw – a variety of fab prizes including:

• A trip to Lundy,
• Organic veg box from Marshford Organics,
• A potters wheel experience from Tarka Pottery in Little Torrington and much more.

Matt Edworthy from the Biosphere Team will be there in the North Devon Biosphere inflatable dome, to let you know more about what the Biosphere Reserve is and does. The Torrington Conservators will be on hand all weekend to tell you all about the history and importance of Torrington Commons. This is a great opportunity to find out what treasures your local environment holds!

Torrington Commons Activity Weekend 6th and 7th July 

Something to Write Home About! B10 & North Devon Libraries Writing Competition

As part of the B10 anniversary celebrations North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve is holding a short story writing competition in partnership with Barnstaple Library.  The North Devon Biosphere Reserve is a source of inspiration for writers and we are looking for the best stories about living and working in this special part of the country.

There are three themes to choose from:

• Past and Future
• Young and Old
• Town and Country

and three age groups categories:

• Children up to 11 years old
• 12 -18 years old
• Adults

Entries can be made in writing or in audio format – entry forms can be picked up from any library in north Devon. There are some great prizes including tickets to a North Devon Theatres show, Book Tokens and limited edition North Devon Biosphere t-shirts.
Closing date for entries is Saturday 31 August 2013.
Visit the B10 website www.northdevonb10.org.uk for more information and full terms and conditions

Celebrate B10 at Bideford's Community Arts Festival

Community and culture are fundamental elements of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and Bideford's First Friday events are a superb celebration of these. For this very special B10 First Friday, Mill Street traders are spreading the word about buying local, supporting local farmers and growers, appreciating local artists and entertainers and supporting the local community. There will be live music in the First Friday marquee outside Blazey's Cafe with Trudi Mackie-Brown at 4 and the fabulous folk trio Babelfish, featuring Chris Millington, Lisa Sture and John Hextall from 5.30pm. There will be more live music and street entertainment throughout the afternoon along Mill Street and an art workshop with North Devon artist Peter Ward from 4-6pm. Peter will be painting using the Bideford Black pigment which is the subject of a current research project at The Burton Art Gallery in Bideford. B10 First Friday will also present an exclusive opportunity for visitors to get their hands on a set of B10 recipe cards created by Camper Van Cook, Martin Dorey. A great champion of the North Devon Biosphere and outdoor living, Martin has produced five collectible cards featuring delicious recipes using North Devon ingredients. The recipes are ideal for summer barbecues and camping trips but can easily be adapted for indoor cooks! Selected shops along Mill Street in Bideford will be giving out these free recipe cards on First Friday 5 July before they are distributed to libraries and tourist information centres around the Biosphere. Follow the trail and be the first to collect the full set of cards.

Camper Van Cook - Martin Dorey 

B10 & Bideford First Friday Community Arts Festival, Friday 5 July 2013, 2-7pm Mill Street, Bideford

Enjoy a fun-filled family day at Sunrise Diversity Festival.

World music, dance, and a live fashion show from different communities is going to hit Barnstaple's Strand once more! North Devon Sunrise is proud to present a much bigger and better Sunrise Diversity Festival 2013, with some new performers. The fun-filled family day will also include henna painting, Vietnamese nail varnish, story-telling for children, a variety of food stalls and much more.

Date: Saturday 15 June 2013 - Time: 11.00am – 4.00pm - Location: The Strand, Barnstaple, EX31 1EU

MUSIC:

• Percussion Orchestra (African Drums)
• The Wanderers
• Muktar Ahmed
• Dogleg
• Dave Clinch
• Kawsar Chowdhury
• Navila Hassan

DANCE:

• RSVP (Bhangra Dance)
• Wings Street Dance
• Flamenco

OTHER ACTIVITIES:

• LIVE International Fashion Show
• Worldwide Food Stalls
• Henna Tattoo & Face Painting
• Open Yoga
• Story Telling for Children

For more information contact Muktar Ahmed Tel No: 07922 714688 Email: devonsunrise@gmail.com
More details visit http://www.northdevonsunrise.org/sdf2013

Government urged to 'act now' on marine protection

Shoals of public support for marine protection put Government commitment in the shallows. At 12 noon today four leading nature conservation charities will stand shoulder to shoulder to present pledges to Downing Street calling for an ecologically coherent network of Marine Protected Areas. More than 350,000 people signed pledges - often in creative ways, at aquaria and seaside events where they made sand and willow sculptures or created silver-scaled marine creatures. Take a look at the booklet that accompanies this release and see images attached. Locally, Devon Wildlife Trust mobilised its army of volunteers to gather more than 5,000 signatures for the petition at events, at meetings and at its visitor centres across the county. Each one of the signatures adds supports to the call for urgent action to better protect the UK's seas.

The charities are extremely concerned that:

• While there is huge public support for greater protection of our seas using Marine Protected Areas, there has been little evidence that the Government will do this on a meaningful scale for English waters or with any sense of urgency. 
• Following a two and half year public consultation process involving one million stakeholders across England the Government is currently only suggesting an initial tranche of 31 Marine Conservation Zones. The charities and Government's own advisors agree that a full, ecologically coherent network is absolutely vital to ensure the future of our seas. There is uncertainty over how committed the Government is to progressing future tranches of Marine Conservation Zones. All four charities are calling on the Government to commit to a specified timetable designating an entire network. 
• A whole swathe of important marine wildlife is not being considered by the Government. Marine Protected 

Areas are needed for mobile species - such as whales, dolphins, basking sharks and seabirds - in order to create a network that is truly ecologically coherent. The joint petition comes in the wake of the recently published nature "State report put together by scientists working side-by-side with 25 wildlife organisations. They compiled a stock-take of our native species - the first of its kind in the UK - and revealed that 60% of the species studied have declined over recent decades. More than one in ten of all the species assessed are under threat of disappearing from our shores altogether. Protection of our remaining natural heritage is critical. In April, the House of Commons' Science and Technology Committee on Marine Science concluded its report saying: "We were pleased to hear that the Minister is keen to move the Marine Conservation Zone process forward, but we have not seen this intention translated into action. The Minister should not let his priorities be set by fear of judicial review. Further delay to the process perpetuates the uncertainty that has already been damaging to the Marine Conservation Zone project. We recommend that Government set out a clear timetable for designation of this tranche and future tranches of Marine Conservation Zones, with a clear commitment to an end date by which the ecologically coherent network of marine protected areas, as the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 requires, will be established." Devon Wildlife Trust's Senior Marine Advocacy Officer, Richard White, added his support to the call for action: "Devon's waters are home to a stunning range of marine wildlife, from the humble shore crab to the mighty basking shark. But the picture we see today is a faded one. We know that historically our shores and waters teemed with a greater abundance and a greater variety of life. It is vital that Government acts quickly to put in place a full network of protection around our waters so that we can halt declines and stat to rebuild what we have lost."

The four leading nature conservation charities calling for the urgent designation Marine Protected Areas are:

• Marine Conservation Society - http://www.mcsuk.org/
• Royal Society for the Protection of Birds - http://www.rspb.org.uk/marine
• The Wildlife Trusts - http://www.wildlifetrusts.org
• WWF -  http://www.wwf.org.uk/> .

The House of Commons' Science and Technology Committee report on Marine Science - http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/science-and-technology-committee/news/marine-science-report; published its report in April 2013.

B10 Event: First Northern Devon Sustainable Energy Fair

B10 is proud to support the first Northern Devon Sustainable Energy Fair as a flagship event in the B10 programme, celebrating ten years of North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve. The two day trade fair will be held at Bideford Pannier Market in North Devon on Sunday 16 and Monday 17 June 2013. This is an exciting and informative networking opportunity for business to business as well as a chance for consumers to find out how they can ‘green’ their lifestyles. The work of the North Devon Biosphere is to preserve both the natural environment and the economic viability of the area and using new and existing technologies to achieve this is crucial. James Craigie of Northern Devon Sustainable Energy says: “Northern Devon has a higher than average number of sustainable energy businesses” and he is hoping that it will lead the way in promoting sustainable living and working. James adds “The aim [of the event] is to bring together all different types of renewable technology under one roof to excite and inspire the people of Northern Devon to adapt to the changing face of energy supply. There are many small businesses that are making huge progress and we believe the word needs to be spread about their fantastic array of products.” The Sustainable Energy Fair will feature all the best suppliers, installers and organisations dealing with renewable energy in the region. Open 10am to 5pm on both days the Fair offers visitors the chance to find out more about a huge variety of energy saving products including solar panels, solar thermal, woodchip boilers, ground and air source heat pumps, wind turbines, anaerobic digestors and energy saving glazing solutions. Adding value to the event there will be a series of talks and presentations on both days:

SUNDAY 16th

• 10.30-11.00 Green Deal (Ampere GDP)
• 11.00-12.00 Atlantic Array (Peter Crone)
• 12.00-1.00 Sustainable Architecture (Clive Jones)
• 1.00-2.00 Biomass and Wood Fuel (Andy Bell - Biosphere Reserve)
• 2.00-2.20 Community Financed PV (Olly Frankland - TRESOC)
• 2.20-3.00 Commercial PV Arrays (Green Deal Installations)
• 3.00 -3.45 Making a home Sustainable (Hector Christie) 

MONDAY 17th

• 10.30-11.00 The Green Deal (Ampere GPD)
• 11.00-11.30 Growing Wood Fuel (Biosphere Reserve)
• 11.30-12.30 Low Carbon Farming (Sam Adams - Soil Association)
• 12.30-1.30 Truly Affordable Housing (Clive Jones)
• 1.30-2.00 The Green Deal (Ampere GPD)
• 2.00-3.00 Sustainable Retrofit (Mukti Mitchell - CosyHome company)
• 3.00-4.00 Biodigestors and Vertical axis Wind-turbines (Renewable Energy Innovations)

B10 Events: Get your entries in now for the Tarka Run Challenge & The Bideford Bay 50K

The North Devon Biosphere Reserve is all around us and as well as providing us with homes, work and community it is a most valuable resource for outdoor sports. Celebrating B10, ten years of North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve, we have two high profile sporting events in our calendar. The first is the Devon Tarka Run Challenge which is taking place on Sunday 1 September 2013 on the Tarka Trail. This is a flat course along the Trail from Bideford to Barnstaple which makes it extremely accessible for all abilities. As well as celebrating B10, the Tarka Run Challenge is raising funds for the North Devon Hospice. This is a social run (and not a race!) Entry fee £15 plus a commitment to raise a further £20 in sponsorship for the North Devon Hospice. Places are limited to 400 so get your entries in now. Visit the website at www.tarka-run.co.uk for more information or contact Simon Paddon by email at simon@coast-coast.co.uk or telephone 07791 906433. The second running event is in a different category altogether! The Bideford Bay 50K on Saturday 7 September 2013 is an ultra marathon! Local sporting event organisers, Beacon Running, have put together this extreme run, up hill and down dale along the North Devon Coast from Hartland to Bideford. Again this is not just a race to prove your fitness, this challenging event is raising funds for the Northern Devon Chemotherapy Appeal. Entry fee is £35 for solo runners with discounts for teams … and there will be prizes! For more information contact Race Director Adrian Colwill by email at beaconrunning@outlook.com or by telephone 07527 536817.

B10 Event: Lundy Splash In! Underwater Photography Competition

Wildlife enthusiasts, divers, snorklers and paddlers here is your chance to enter North Devon’s only underwater photography competition, The Lundy Splash In! This year’s Lundy Splash In! is part of the B10 programme of events, celebrating ten years of North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The competition will be held on Saturday 29 June 2013 in the waters around Lundy. The competition costs £20 to enter and entry fees include one night’s camping on the scenic island off the North Devon coast. Lundy with its unique ecosystem both in and out of the water contributes a special element to the diverse variety of habitats making up North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve. Due to its distinctive marine life, Lundy has the UK’s only Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and the first ever No Take Zone. These designations ensure the protection of the marine area and help preserve this unique place for the future. Beccy MacDonald, the Lundy Warden, told us “This year’s competition is promising to be an excellent one, as the seas around Lundy are already teeming with life. The early plankton blooms have already brought Basking Sharks along with an array of jellyfish species. Those taking part in the competition will be spoilt for choice as always, as the Marine Conservation Zone has so many underwater landscapes and species to choose from such as the favourite subjects of kelp forests, mischievous grey seals and spectacular jewel anemones.” As well as a fabulous opportunity to get up close with Lundy's awe inspiring marine life there is a total prize fund with a value of almost £3000!  Prizes for the competition have been kindly donated by Mares, Olympus, Forth Element, Scuba Travel, Sea & Sea and AP Valves. 

This year’s Lundy Splash In! categories are:

1. Mega to Macro: close-up portraits of marine species
2. Marine Ambience: portraying the MCZ and its spectacular underwater scenery
3. Marine Abstract: down to your imagination

To enter the competition please email warden@lundyisland.co.uk for a pre-registration form as places are limited. The Marisco Tavern will be hosting the after-photography party on the Saturday night with local Celtic folk rock band The Dambuskers providing the party music!
Visit the Lundy MCZ website for more information http://www.lundymcz.org.uk/ and the Lundy Company website for transport and accommodation details http://www.lundyisland.co.uk/.

 
Photos: Compass by James Wright (jellyfish abstract) / Into the Deep by Mark Lavington (Diver)
Copyright all rights reserved

ILFRA-EXPO NEEDS YOU! VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED for Ilfra-Expo 2013

A brand new art event that needs your support! Ilfracombe is holding its own art event this summer. Running from July into August, Ilfra-Expo will be presenting a selection of emerging and established artists from across the UK. Artworks are created in response to Ilfracombe and will be displayed in a variety of venues throughout the town, including large-scale public artworks that will remain in place throughout the summer. You can follow the process on twitter @ilfraexpo and on www.facebook.com/ilfraexpo. This event is a pilot for future events and is relying on the communities support. Could you help by volunteering your time? Support needed from people with a good local knowledge to offer guided tours and to act as live guides in some of the venues. You need to be confident talking to other people and have a desire to positively promote the event and Ilfracombe. Can you be available between 14th July and 11th August 2013? Please contact Erin Rickard for more details: lfraexpo@gmail.com

 

Devon’s Nature in Trouble. Conservation organisations join forces to call on people to take action

OUR NATURE IS IN TROUBLE – this is the conclusion of a groundbreaking report launched today by a coalition of leading conservation and research organisations. Scientists working side-by-side from wildlife organisations across the UK, including Devon Wildlife Trust, RSPB, Buglife and Butterfly Conservation, have compiled a stock-take of our native species – the first of its kind in the UK. The report reveals that 60% of the species studied have declined over recent decades. More than one in ten of all the species assessed are under threat of disappearing. Peter Burgess, Conservation Advocacy Manager for Devon Wildlife Trust said: "Once familiar species including hedgehogs, lapwings and cuckoos, are declining in extent and numbers. Our seas too are in a fragile state as the recent death of thousands of seabirds due to pollution has shown." The report concludes that woodland, Culm grassland, heathland, upland, fresh water and wetland, coastal and marine species are all under threat in Devon. The State of Nature report will be launched by Sir David Attenborough and UK conservation charities at the Natural History Museum in London this evening. This report serves as a reminder to us all that nature needs our help and we can all do our bit to save it. Its authors are calling on people to support conservation charities and take action for wildlife. Sir David Attenborough, who wrote the foreword to the publication, said: “This groundbreaking report is a stark warning – but it is also a sign of hope. For 60 years I have travelled the world exploring the wonders of nature and sharing that wonder with the public. But as a boy my first inspiration came from discovering the UK’s own wildlife. “Our islands have a rich diversity of habitats which support some truly amazing plants and animals. We should all be proud of the beauty we find on our own doorstep; from bluebells carpeting woodland floors and delicately patterned fritillary butterflies, to the graceful basking shark and the majestic golden eagle soaring over the Scottish mountains. “This report shows that our species are in trouble, with many declining at a worrying rate. However, we have in this country a network of passionate conservation groups supported by millions of people who love wildlife. The experts have come together to highlight the amazing nature we have around us and to ensure that it remains here for generations to come.”  Dr Mark Eaton, a lead author on the report and a Senior Conservation Scientist for RSPB, said: “This report reveals that the UK’s nature is in trouble - overall we are losing wildlife at an alarming rate. “Reliable data on these species goes back just 50 years, at most, but we know that there has been a historical pattern of loss in the UK going back even further. Threats including sweeping habitat loss, changes to the way we manage our countryside, and the more recent impact of climate change, have had a major impact on our wildlife, and they are not going away." Devon Wildlife Trust’s Peter Burgess will be speaking at the event alongside Sir David Attenborough. Peter commented: “For the first time in the history of the conservation movement we have a clear picture of how Britain’s special wildlife is faring. Nowhere is this information more important than in Devon, a county that supports the country’s most biodiverse parish {Braunton] and which is home to two of the ten most-threatened species in Europe [the marsh fritillary butterfly and the freshwater pearl mussel]. It’s a great honour to be involved in launching this report by presenting alongside Sir David Attenborough – someone that has done more that anyone else in reconnecting people with the stunning wildlife that we have in this country.” Peter continued, “None of this work would have been possible without the army of volunteer wildlife enthusiasts who spend their spare time surveying species and recording their findings. Our knowledge of nature in the UK would be significantly poorer without these unsung heroes, and that knowledge is the most essential tool that conservationists have. "Peter concluded, “It is time for us to take action to save nature and we are calling on people to give their support. We can all do something for nature, whether it is volunteering on a nature reserve, surveying species, making wildlife-friendly gardens, supporting campaigns or by becoming a member of a conservation charity."

 Please go to www.devonwildlifetrust.org for details on how to support Devon Wildlife Trust. 

State of Nature national fact file:

• The total number of larger moths had fallen by 28% since the late 1960s and two-thirds of the 337 species monitored had declined, and 37% by more than half.
• 72% of butterfly species had decreased over the previous 10 years, including common garden butterflies that had declined by 24%.
• The UK has lost 44 million breeding birds since the late 1960s.
• In 16 counties, one plant species went extinct every other year.
• Britain's mammals have seen losses and gains, with decline of hedgehogs, the ongoing loss of red squirrels, and the recovery of otters.
•  In 2010, Norman Maclean's book Silent Summer summarised dramatic declines in the UK's insect populations, and concluded that 'our wildlife is clearly in for a bumpy ride'. 

State of Nature Devon fact file:

• 80% of England’s Culm grasslands can be found in Devon. A survey of Culm Grassland in the early 1990s indicated that between 1984 and 1991, some 65% of the Culm Grassland area present in 1984 and outside of protected areas was lost. 80% of this loss was due to agricultural improvement, the rest due to afforestation, neglect or development.
• 30% of the Pebblebed Heaths lowland heathland were lost in the twentieth century to plantation, arable, improved grassland and mineral development.
• Devon is thought to hold 20% of the UK’s species rich hedgerows. The implementation of the Hedgerow Regulations 1997, together with the positive influence of agri-environment schemes, is likely to have halted the net loss of species-rich hedges. However, it is also likely that the condition of a number of hedges is continuing to decline due to a lack of suitable management.
• Between 1987 and 1991, it is thought that 24% of unimproved grassland sites within Devon had deteriorated due to inappropriate management, 24% of sites had deteriorated due to neglect, 4% of sites had been partly destroyed and 2% wholly destroyed.
• In 2007, Devon was estimated as holding 4,063 hectares of parkland and wood pasture. However, it is likely that well over 50% of working wood pasture and parkland has been lost to either scrub woodland and/or to arable/improved grassland over the last 50 years.
• Devon has the first Marine Conservation Zone around Lundy. Devon Wildlife Trust has been working for over 15 years to protect the Lyme Bay Reefs resulting in the development of Britain’s largest inshore marine protected area.
• The cuckoo has declined by 80% in Devon and is now absent from much of the county’s farmland. Lapwing numbers have fallen to below 100 breeding pairs on farmland in Devon.
• Ring ouzels are nearing extinction on Dartmoor.
• Devon holds 20% of the known UK marsh fritillary butterfly colonies. Although, once widely distributed throughout the UK, marsh fritillaries have declined substantially over the last 150 years. The butterfly has recently died out over most of eastern England and eastern Scotland. Despite a quite widespread distribution in south west England colonies are estimated to be disappearing at more than 10% a decade. 
• The only remaining UK population of the rare cuckoo bee Nomada sexfasciata hangs on along a short stretch of the South Devon coast.
• England’s last remaining population of the narrow-headed ant (Formica exsecta) hangs on at a single site in Devon.
• A 99% decline has taken place in greater horseshoe bat populations throughout the UK over the last century. Devon remains one of its last strongholds.
• Freshwater pearl mussels on the rivers Taw and Torridge have not produced young for over 40 years – these represent the only remaining populations in the south of England.

Sir David Attenborough

‘The lapwing is just one of many species that a new report says is struggling in Devon.’
Photo, Neil Bygrave

North Devon Theatres Collaborate with the Biosphere for B10 Celebrations

As champions of North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve North Devon Theatres are helping to mark the 10th anniversary of the Reserve’s designation. The work of North Devon Theatres Trust reaches wider than theatre productions alone and the Theatres are joining the B10 celebrations with art, music and beer! Alan Dodd, programme director at the Theatres says “North Devon Theatres has had a close relationship with the Biosphere Reserve right from its inception by co-ordinating a huge array of cultural events throughout the region during June each year, which formed part of the North Devon Festival. Sadly this Festival no longer occurs, but we are very pleased to be part of the B10 10thAnniversary Celebrations along with many other partner organisations.”

1. Art Trek - North Devon’s open studio event, Art Trek is promoted by the Theatres and this year the event shares its 10th birthday with the Biosphere. Biosphere Coordinator Andy Bell says “"The World Biosphere Reserve in north Devon is home to many talented artists who are inspired by the area's character, produce and culture. Art Trek is a great way to explore the work of a large number of these people and reflect on what inspires them." This is an excellent opportunity to get out and about in the Biosphere to make the most of our fabulous creative and natural resources by making your way around Art Trek by foot, bike or bus. Art Trek runs for three weekends between Saturday 6 July and Sunday 21 July 2013 and sees local artists throwing open the doors to their homes and studios and inviting people in to see their work in progress. The studios include galleries, village halls, cafés and homes within the beautiful North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. So get on your bike, lace up your boots or check out the local bus time tables and make this year's Art Trek a 'greener' one forB10, the tenth anniversary of North Devon's Biosphere Reserve! Art Trek locations and details are listed on the North Devon Theatres website and you can visit the North Devon Coast AONB's website Explore The Coast to match up a walking trail with Art Trek venues or if you prefer to take the bus you find links to local bus services on the North Devon Council website.
2. North Devon Theatres Classical Music Season. North Devon Theatres have themed their 2013/14 classical music season In Tune with Nature to celebrate B10, the tenth anniversary of the North Devon UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Classical Music Consultant and Series Curator, Ambrose Miller says “2013 celebrates the 10th anniversary of North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve designation and with the B10 celebration in mind, we chose as the theme for our series, ‘In Tune with Nature’. Each performance will either include pieces of music which have, over the years, been associated with the countryside or show how nature directly inspired composers.” The series of concerts starts in September 2013 with one of the country’s leading orchestras, the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maxine Tortelier. They will perform Mendelssohn, Bruch and Beethoven.
3. The B10 Beer. So if you are trekking around Art Trek or making a visit to the Theatre B10 beer will quench your thirst! The North Devon Biosphere launched its limited edition B10 beer on Friday 3 May 2013 at The Landmark Beer Festival in Ilfracombe. Actors Liza Goddard and Gary Mavers who were starring in Agatha Christie's Go Back for Murder at The Queen's Theatre in Barnstaple toasted the Biosphere and the B10 celebrations with the tasty real ale. B10 beer has been brewed by Simon Lacey of Country Life Brewery in Abbotsham near Bideford. Simon uses natural ingredients and traditional brewing methods and is a perfect example of a Biosphere Business supporter. Here's what the Landmark beer festival goers said:
Charmain Lovett "The B10 is my favourite."
Oliver Tooley "I have a pint of it in front of me now. Delightful dark honey colour, well balanced between sweetness and hops. Fruity finish."
Keep an eye out for B10 beer on sale at North Devon Theatres, local festivals and pubs in North Devon and take a look at the B10 beer mats too as they have details of how to enter our fabulous prize draw!



B10 beer at Landmark beer festival - photo copyright North Devon Biosphere

B10 Event: The Happiness Calculator - A Talk on How Low Carbon Living is Good for Us and the Planet with Mukti Mitchell,

North Devon’s ‘Climate Guru’, is best known for sailing around Britain to promote happiness-inspired low carbon living. To show his support for North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Mukti joins the B10 event programme with this inspirational talk at The Plough Arts Centre on Thursday 16 May 2013. Mitchell has won several awards for the creation of his carbon footprint calculator, eco-yacht design and unique secondary glazing system. In this interactive presentation, Mukti demonstrates his quality of life calculator, describes the thrills and perils of sailing around Britain in a 15ft yacht, and gives tips on energy conservation for period homes. Mukti who is director of the CosyHome Company, providing insulation for period homes says "Running a sustainable business in Bideford it is fantastic to work with the Biosphere Reserve and to be part of their programme bringing together the interests of individuals, business and the environment for mutual long term benefit"

B10 Event – Mukti Mitchell – The Happiness Calculator Thursday 16 May 2013 8.15 pm The Gallery, The Plough Arts Centre, Great Torrington, North Devon FREE

B10 Prize Draw - Trip to Lundy and other fab prizes!

The message of North Devon’s UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is ‘Living and Working in Harmony with Nature’. This message encompasses our daily lives, learning, earning and enjoying our unique natural environment. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Biosphere designation we are running a fabulous free prize draw with prizes highlighting all these aspects of life in the Biosphere. There is a bountiful prize pot full of fabulous prizes donated by Biosphere businesses and individual supporters. For getting out and about in the Biosphere and spotting some of our wonderful wildlife we have a trip to Lundy on the MS Oldenburg, a Wildlife Cruise on the Ilfracombe Princess and even a thrilling Coasteering experience with the Ultimate Adventure Centre in Abbotsham. For arts lovers we have a Quay Drawing outdoor art class, Panto tickets to Sleeping Beauty at The Queen’s Theatre, a family ticket to a Beaford Arts event. Local artisan leather belt maker Louise Middleton of Golden Bear Belts has contributed a bespoke leather belt – as seen in a recent Miss Vogue magazine. And there’s more … here’s the full list of prizes

1. Canvas print by photographer Stephen Ring who produces beautiful photos of landscapes within the Biosphere
2. En plein air (outdoor) drawing class with Quay Drawing
3. Wildlife cruise on Ilfracombe Princess
4. Coasteering with Ultimate Adventure Centre
5. Marshford Organic Veg Box
6. North Devon Theatres family ticket
7. Beaford Arts Event family ticket
8. Biosphere Foundation T Shirts
9. Home Energy Survey by 361 Energy
10. Lundy Island tickets X 2
11. Meeth Quarry Guided Tour
12. Wildlife walk around West Week Farm, Chulmleigh – County Wildlife Site
13. Louise Middleton Golden Bear Belt
14. NDT Friends Classical CDs
15. U3A cook book
16. Tarka Pottery – Potter’s Wheel Experience 

It is free to enter the draw and there are plenty of ways to enter: 
1. Online at www.northdevonb10.org.uk
2. By completing an entry form at one of our B10 events – details on the website and in local what’s on guides
3. By post to B10 Prize Draw, North Devon's Biosphere Reserve, Room 508, Civic Centre, Barnstaple, EX31 1EA 4. by email to amanda.mccormack@devon.gov.uk.