Tales of the Riverbank with Liz Shakespeare

Do you ever consider how important the River Torridge is for those who live in or near Bideford? We tend to take it for granted yet it is a constant presence and we are very aware of its tides and different moods - placid at high tide on a summer evening, dark and menacing after a storm.

The Torridge has inspired many writers, including Charles Kingsley and Henry Williamson. On Thursday 14th July at Walter Henry’s Bookshop in Bideford Liz Shakespeare will be giving a talk with readings as part of the 'Tales of the Riverbank' project. Come along and have your eyes opened to the wonders of the Torridge!

Tickets £3 from Walter Henry's Bookshop 

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 Local author Liz Shakespeare will be out and about this summer signing copies of her Devon books. 

• Sunday 17th July. Book signing at the Clovelly Maritime Festival. 
• Monday 25th July. Book signing at Woolsery Show. 
• Wednesday 27th July. Book signing at Dunster Country Fair 
• Thursday 28th July. Book signing at Launceston Show.
• Wednesday 3rd August. Book signing in the Craft Marquee at the North Devon Show. www.northdevonshow.com 
•  6th and 7th August. Book signing at the Dartmoor Folk Festival. www.dartmoorfolkfestival.org.uk 
• Thursday 11th August. Book signing at Okehampton Show. 
• Thursday 18th August. Book signing at Chagford Show. www.chagfordshow.co.uk 
• Thursday 25th August. Book signing at Holsworthy Show.  
• Sunday 4th September. Signing books for the Clovelly Crab and Lobster Festival. 
•  Saturday 24th September. Liz will be appearing at the Appledore Book Festival.

New Devon attraction welcomes 20,000th visitor and looks forward to many more

A new East Devon attraction has attracted its 20,000th visitor as it prepares for a busy summer season. Seaton Jurassic was only opened in early April but its mix of quirky displays and interactive exhibits aimed at families already seems to be a hit. Owned by East Devon District Council and operated by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust, Seaton Jurassic has brought visitors and the attention of the nation's media to the town of Seaton.

One glowing review in The Guardian newspaper spoke of the journey through prehistoric time that visitors to Seaton Jurassic could enjoy as being "educational entertainment at its very best", before giving the attraction a star rating of 9 out of 10. The Independent newspaper also gave Seaton Jurassic a big thumbs-up before advising visitors to "come soon before the crowds catch on."

But high numbers of visitors don't seem to worry Seaton Jurassic's manager is Mike Ruiter, who said:

"It's been a busy first few months since our opening and so much has happened. We had a very special guest, HRH the Princess Royal, join us for our opening and since then we haven't looked back. We've now welcomed more than 20,000 visitors through our doors. The reactions and feedback from people have been wonderful. People seem to be really enjoying Seaton Jurassic, its exhibition galleries, gardens, shop and café."

Visitor numbers so far has seen Seaton Jurassic surpassing expectations. Devon Wildlife Trust had estimated that 15,000 people would pay to enter the attraction in its first three months, but this target was comfortably beaten. Mike Ruiter added:

"We have had people from as far as London and Falmouth visiting for the day. Many local families have become repeat visitors taking advantage our offer of paying once for an annual pass. One family told us they had returned 10 times! To me this highlights the interest in the Jurassic Coast and its magnificent natural environment. What we offer at Seaton Jurassic is a great way for people to begin to discover the story of this fascinating coastline."

East Devon District Council's Leader, Councillor Paul Diviani, said:

"I am delighted at the public's response to Seaton Jurassic and it is immensely rewarding to see the enjoyment they are getting out of this unique visitor attraction. But most importantly, the success of Seaton Jurassic will contribute hugely to the regeneration of Seaton itself, both inwardly through the local community and by attracting businesses to invest in the town. With its spectacular Jurassic Coast setting and wonderful natural assets, Seaton has an exciting future ahead."

Visitors to Seaton Jurassic over the summer holidays can expect to be entertained at a series of special events. Falconry displays, sea stories, talks about Seaton in World War Two and a chance to help build a giant sea monster are all on offer. All are free (entrance charge to Seaton Jurassic applies). For the full calendar of Seaton Jurassic events and to plan your visit go to www.seatonjurassic.org 

Seaton Jurassic can be found on the Underfleet, Seaton, EX12 2WD, next to the Seaton Tramway. It has a pay and display car park just 100 metres from its entrance and excellent public transport links with the X53 Jurassic Coast bus stopping at its door. Further details about making a visit to Seaton Jurassic can be found at www.seatonjurassic.org

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Seaton Jurassic is owned by East Devon District Council and operated by Devon Wildlife Trust. 

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Tap link for more posts on Seaton Jurassic including the visit of  Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal on 14th April 2016.

Devon beaver mascot named as 'Nora'

A competition held by the charity Devon Wildlife Trust to find a name for its beaver mascot has revealed a winner. 'Nora', is the name chosen for the six-foot tall mascot which is being used by the charity to promote its work for England's only breeding population of wild beavers which live on the River Otter, East Devon. The name, which plays on the rodents' habit of gnawing on riverside trees and plants, was the idea of Sidmouth shop owner Karen Greenslade.

Speaking at her Humbug Gifts shop, Karen said:

"I was delighted when I heard that Devon Wildlife Trust had picked Nora as its mascot's name. I'd been 'beavering' away for ages to try and come up with something appropriate! It's good to know that the River Otter beavers are in the safe paws of the Devon Wildlife Trust!"

The name Nora was chosen from more than 60 name suggestions sent in to the wildlife charity. Devon Wildlife Trust's Steve Hussey said:

"We were delighted by the response we had. People sent in suggestions from as far afield as Canada and the USA. It goes to show that the wild beavers living on the River Otter have quite a following. Several people suggested the name Nora, but Karen was the first to come up with it."

"There is a serious side to the mascot and its naming. Our River Otter Beaver Trial is investigating the impact that England's only breeding population of wild beavers is having on the local landscape, on local farming, on local communities and the local economy. It's a five-year trial which is costing our charity upwards of £500,000 to run. We hope 'Nora' will raise the profile of the project and motivate people to help us."

One local company who has already stepped in to help Devon Wildlife Trust has been Cofton Country Holidays. The South Devon-based company has sponsored Nora.

The mascot will be appearing at Cofton Country Holidays throughout the summer in a series of pond-dipping days run at its holiday destination. Mellony Kirby, Director at Cofton Country Holidays commented:

"Nora's a brilliant name for the River Otter beaver mascot and we just know that kids at Cofton will love meeting her this summer."

"Having a six foot beaver on hand to help with our pond dipping days will certainly leave a lasting memory, and we hope that the experience will encourage our younger visitors to think more deeply about the environment and the richness of wildlife that exists within it, especially here in South Devon." Mellony added:

"As a David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme Gold winner, wildlife and the environment is very important to us. Over the years Devon Wildlife Trust has advised us on our nature trails, which take visitors through parkland and woodland to Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve. For us the opportunity to help Devon Wildlife Trust raise money for its work through the sponsorship of Nora made great sense, especially given the national importance of the River Otter project, which aims to encourage a wild beaver population on the river."

People wanting to support Devon Wildlife Trust's River Otter Beaver Trial are encouraged to visit the charity's website www.devonwildlifetrust.org/river-otter-beavers where they can see exclusive footage of the beavers taken this spring.

 Nora makes an appearance at a recent Cofton Country Holidays event

Nora with Cofton Country Holidays' Melony Kirby.