A Local wildlife charity is launching a summer of wild adventure by welcoming
nature-lovers of all ages to a series of family-friendly wildlife events.
From pond-dipping in east Devon to wildflower walks on Dartmoor, rockpool rambles to
bat detecting, Devon Wildlife Trust is offering easy ways to enjoy a wild summer.
The programme of events kicks off at DWT Bystock Pools nature reserve near Exmouth
on Tuesday 26 July. DWT's annual Discovery Day event, organised as part of East
Devon Heath Week and sponsored by South West Water, is a highlight of the summer for
many families. All activities - bug-hunting in the meadows, story-telling walks
through the heath, pond-dipping in the pools, crafting animal sculpture from willow
- are free and there is no need to book places.
A series of evening walks at Bystock Pools will also be held next week. These
twilight tours bring visitors closer to the nocturnal life of glow worms, nightjars
and bats. Booking is essential for the evening walks on 01392 279244.
Dartmoor's wildlife takes a starring role at the DWT Bellever Moor & Meadows Nature
Reserve Discovery Day on Friday 29 July. This site, near Postbridge is one of Devon
Wildlife Trust's newest nature reserves. Explore the wildflower-rich upland hay
meadows between the East Dart River and Laughter Tor, enjoy far-reaching views and
discover the wildlife that makes a home on the high moor.
The Bellever event also offers something for all ages, whether you enjoy a gentle
botanical amble or want to let the children run wild with a bug hunting net!
Devon Wildlife Trust's Jasmine Atkinson is looking forward to welcoming visitors to
the Discovery Days:
'Bystock and Bellever are both beautiful spaces for wildlife, and people too! If
you've never been to a Devon Wildlife Trust nature reserve before, these days are
the perfect opportunity to get into nature and explore wild places. And if you're a
regular visitor this is your chance to discover the hidden world beneath the water
and in the meadows.'
'Our nature reserves are home to an amazing array of wildlife. We will be watching
dragonflies dancing over Bystock's ponds and listening to the click-clack of
stonechats on the heathland.'
'At Bellever Moor and Meadows traditional Dartmoor hay meadows support butterfly
species such as meadow browns and gatekeepers whilst linnets and skylarks sing
overhead.'
More information on Devon Wildlife Trust events this summer can be found online at
www.devonwildlifetrust.org/whats-on or
by phoning DWT on 01392 279244.
Pond Dipping with Devon Wildlife Trust - Photo copyright Rog Hamling (All rights reserved)
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!
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:
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
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
As if Clovelly couldn’t get any more colourful, expect to be wowed this July as the famous picturesque fishing village is “Yarn-Bombed”. Knit one, purl one down along the cobbled streets to the ancient quay, discover the bright and beautiful ‘cobble cosies’, knitted donkeys, seaside garlands and more. There’s a pattern here as that ‘tight-knit’ community of Clovelly Village residents have been busy preparing this ‘blooming’ lovely project with the help of people from all over the UK & abroad. There is even a life-sized model of the Queen watching over proceedings.
Clovelly Yarn Bomb 2016 is part of the village’s entry to the Britain in Bloom competition and is in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Don’t forget the Clovelly Maritime Festival in aid of the North Devon Hospice is on 17th July so expect plenty of crafty fun for the kids, lots of fishy treats, a pirate or two, maybe a few mermaids and with a top crew of shanty singers aboard it’s bound to be a lively day out. The Clovelly Gun Run starts the event. You can cheer on the two teams of cadets from the 326 (Hartland) Squadron ATC as they heave away, haul away that weighty gun from the harbour to the Victoria Fountain. July is also time for a dramatic entrance to North Devon. Stage left for the outdoor theatre season at Hartland Abbey.
Over at the Big Sheep, Abbotsham the FUNdraising never stops. There's a Nearly New Baby and Toddler sale to help raise money for Friends of St Helen's School. On Purple Day, the BIG Sheep flock will be donning their purple clothes, wigs and anything else purple, if you're wearing purple, they'll donate £1 of your entry fee to the The Special Care Baby Unit at Barnstaple Hospital. This is followed by an evening of live music and fun for all the family FOSHfest organised by and raising funds for the Friends of St Helen's School in Abbotsham.
Finally, one of the most colourful tableaux of the year, Woolsery Agricultural Show and the Lundy Gig Row from Clovelly will bring the July highlights to a close. Scroll down for event details.
The Pirates of St. Piran just one of the acts performing at Clovelly Maritime Festival 2015
Punch and Judy at Clovelly Maritime Festival 2015 - Photo copyright Pat Adams
1st - 31st July Yarn-Bombing at Clovelly- Discover yarn-bombed areas throughout Clovelly. The village will look even more colourful with knitted donkeys, seaside garlands and crocheted 'cobble-cosies' plus much more. This unusual project is part of Clovelly's entry to the Britain in Bloom competition and is in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance Trust. Visit site for details Sunday 3rd July Nearly New Baby and Toddler sale on at the Big Sheep from
10:30am until 2pm to help raise money for Friends of St Helen's School. Visit site for details Friday 8th July Purple Day. The BIG Sheep flock will be donning their purple clothes, wigs and anything else purple to help raise money for The Special Care Baby Unit Visit us them on Friday 8th July wearing purple and they'll donate £1 of your entry fee to the The Special Care Baby Unit at Barnstaple Hospital Visit site for details Friday 8th July FOSHfest at the Big Sheep. FOSHfest organised by Friends of St Helen's School in Abbotsham. An evening of fun for all the family with LIVE music from :The Horse Band, Yazzy, Oscar Young, Chloe and Charlotte.There will also be Food available, and family fun with Bouncy Castle and Sumo Suits. Raffle
prizes include Tickets to The BIG Sheep, Eden Project, Woodlands
Diggerland, Quince Honey Farm & Combe Martin Wildlife &
Dinosaur Park. Raising funds for Friends of St Helen's School. Sponsored by Phatdog Events and Roberts & Clarke Tattoo Studio Visit site for details 17th July Clovelly Maritime Festival in aid of the N. Devon Hospice. The day will be full of fun and packed with a programme of all sorts of activities and entertainment for all ages. The 'Clovelly Gun Run' starts the event from the harbour to Victoria Fountain. Two teams will take it in turn to manhandle this weighty gun. Come along and support the cadets as they try to beat their race time last year. It really is an amazing sight of hard work and dedication! Then there'll be lively music, street entertainment, crafty creations, sea story telling, puppet shows and family activities. On the quay, there'll be seafood kitchens and a range of food and art & craft stalls. Free entry for under 16s if they come dressed as a pirate, mermaid, salty sea dog or fish wife. Under 7s have free entry anyway, but we would love it if they come dressed up too. So do come along and enjoy this fun-packed day out in support of the North Devon Hospice. Standard admission charges include all entertainment. Visit site for details Sunday 17th July The BIG Sheep Majorettes Competition!Visit site for full details Thursday 28th July Gullivers Travels performed by The Pantaloons.
5pm. Hartland Abbey, Hartland Nr. Bideford, N. Devon EX39 6DT
www.hartlandabbey.com
Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house,
steeped in the history of North Devon, enjoy a night out under
the stars! There is no need to bring a picnic unless you would
like to as there will be refreshments, ice creams, a bar, and
Mr. Crackling's delicious barbecue. Cream teas too in the Old
Kitchen Tea Rooms. Grounds open free to those attending the performance
1 hour before their start. Bring rugs/low backed seating. Tickets:
Full £13; Concession £11, Supporters/families with
children under 18 £9 each: Please contact the Plough Arts
Centre booking office on 01805 624624 or visit their website:
www.theploughartscentre.org.uk 25th July Woolsery Agricultural Show Summer in North Devon
would not be complete without a visit to this ever popular show.
Classes include crafts, cattle and sheep, together with horse and
pony competitions. There will be a Dairy Marquee with displays such
as yoghurt and ice cream making and the chance for children to "milk
a cow" along with competitions. You'll find bustling trade
stalls offering locally made crafts and food with fairground rides
and a bouncy castle for the children. There'll also be a family
dog show, a display of hounds, the Young Farmers' "It's a knockout"
and to finish the day, a parade of vintage farm machinery. It's
a great summer day out for all the family! A separate admission
charge applies. Visit site for details
Tuesday
26th July DANNY THE CHAMPION OF THE WORLD by Roald Dahl, performed
by Illyria. 5pm Hartland Abbey, Hartland nr. Bideford, N. Devon
EX39 6DT www.hartlandabbey.com (with a Drama workshop for 5-11 year
olds from 3.45 - 4.30pm - £3)
Set against the backdrop of this wonderful historic house, steeped
in the history of North Devon, enjoy a night out under the stars!
There is no need to bring a picnic unless you would like to as there
will be refreshments, ice creams, a bar, and Mr. Crackling's delicious
barbecue. Cream teas too. Grounds open free to those attending the
performance 1 hour before their start. Bring rugs/low backed seating.
Tickets: Full £13; Concession £11, Supporters/families
with children under 18 £9 each. Please contact the Plough
Arts Centre booking office on 01805 624624 or visit their website:
www.theploughartscentre.org.uk Thursday
28th July FAMILY ARTS AFTERNOON with The Plough Artists. 2-4.30pm
Hartland Abbey, Hartland nr. Bideford, N. Devon EX39 6DT. Tel: 01237
441496 www.hartlandabbey.com
Drama, kite making, willow weaving, story-telling, character treasure
hunt, wacky races and more… £2.50 per person. 30th July Lundy Gig Row from Clovelly Gig racing is exciting
and strenuous, with crews reaching speeds of nine knots in North
Devon's powerful tidal waters. You're assured and exhilarating day's
racing.So come along and cheer on the brave crews! Normal admission charges
apply, please consult www.clovelly.co.uk
for details For more North Devon Events see Local Press: What's On North Devon Gazette - North Devon Journal ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- North Devon Tourist Information Centres Barnstaple
Tourist Information Centre, North Devon Museum, The Square,
Barnstaple, EX32 9LS Tel: 01271 375000 Bideford
Tourist Information Centre, Burton Art Gallery, Kingsley Road,
Bideford, EX39 2QQ Tel: 01237 477676 Braunton
Tourist Information Centre The Bakehouse Centre, Caen Street,
Braunton, EX33 1AA Tel: 01271 816688 Combe
Martin Tourist Information Centre Cross Street, Combe Martin,
EX34 ODH Tel: 01271 889031 Holsworthy
Visitor Information Centre Ruby Country, Holsworthy Manor
Car Park, Holsworthy EX22 6DJ Tel: 01409 254 185 Torrington
Tourist Information Centre, Castle Hill, South Street, Torrington
Tel: 01805 626140 lfracombe
Tourist Information Centre The Landmark Theatre, The Seafront,
Ilfracombe, EX34 9BX Tel: 01271 863 001 Lynton
& Lynmouth Tourist Information Centre Lynton Town Hall,
Lee Road, Lynton, EX35 6HT Tel: 01598 752225 Lynmouth
National Park Centre, The Pavilion, The Esplanade, Lynmouth,
EX35 6EQ Tel: 01598 752509 South
Molton Tourist Information Centre 1 East Street, South Molton,
EX36 3BU Tel: 01769 574122 Woolacombe
Tourist Information Centre The Esplanade, Woolacombe, EX34
7DL Tel: 01271 870553
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Click here to add an event go to North Devon Focus Coast & Country Chronicle Community Calendar (We advise that you check with venues to ensure events are taking place, to confirm details dates & times)
Take part in the South West Coast Path Challenge this October to
break the world record for the number of times we can walk or run the Path in
one month! CREATE your own Challenge or JOIN an organised Challenge to raise
funds for Path repairs and improvements.
South West Coast Path Challenge 1st October-29th
October 2016 Organised Event Locations and dates:
Minehead – Saturday 1st October
East Portlemouth – Sunday 2nd October
Kingswear – Friday 14th October
Swanage – Saturday 29th October
Event Size: 30 and up (this refers to number on organised
walks)
It's dull, it's raining again and BBC Springwatch is over for another year. I particularly liked the brave Blue Tit mum who took on the Great Tit chicks (it gets confusing this nature lark). There was more violent scenes in this year's Springwatch than an episode of Peaky Blinders and that's saying something. The last chick standing took an age to haul itself out of the nest box
but I hope he or she is off having a wonderful new adventure now.
There has been a flurry of activity in my garden today with another brood of Sparrow fledglings, the first batch was on the 31st May. Amazingly spotted four fledgling Blackbirds scurrying around below the Rhododendron with Mum on hand to dish out the grub. The Robin chick was first to explore the big wide world on the 14th May but I didn't see the first baby Blue Tits until 12th June. So cute, great balls of fluff rather like a new yellow tennis ball.
It's important for them all to find their own food and there are plenty of insects around to eat but Mums and Dads need to eat as much as they can after all their hard work so I have given them a choice of mealworm suet block, peanuts and dried mealworms mixed with pastry. It was comical to watch a baby Blue Tit trying to grapple with a peanut on the feeder, pushing it round and around in circles.
At this time of year there are lots of chicks grubbing around, Robins and Blackbirds for example don't fly straight away but scuttle through the undergrowth so take care when mowing the lawn or strimming (if you have to). The RSPB advise not cutting hedges and trees between March and August as this is the main breeding season for nesting birds. (Article P. Adams 17/6/2016)
It is an offence under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of
1981 to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird
while it is in use or being built. It will be an intentional act, for
example, if you or your neighbour know there is an active nest in the
hedge and still cut the hedge, damaging or destroying the nest in the
process.
Jackie Johns who is studying for her Foundation Degree in Events Management at
Petroc raised £3265 for popular local charity Children's Holiday Foundation North
Devon.
On Friday 22nd of April The Fugitive Blues Brothers appeared at The Pier House,
Westward Ho! for a tribute evening packed with fun, laughter and dancing. As the sun
was setting and the drinks were flowing there was a live auction with fabulous
prizes donated by local North Devon business. Andrew Levick from Philip Smith &
Dunn, the auctioneer for the evening was flamboyant and enthusiastic in conducting
the auction making it light hearted and fun.
Jackie Johns has been working on this event to fulfil her Event Planning and
Implementation second year module for her Event Management degree. Module leader for
'Event Planning and Implementation' Clare Chapple said
"It has been impressive to
see the work Jackie put into the build-up of event, it is evident she had learnt so
much from her studies here at Petroc. Her engagement with local businesses which
resulted in an impressive variety of auction items. Jackie is going to make a
fantastic Event Manager."
Coincidentally on same night the Blues Brothers appeared, eight local children from
North Devon landed in America for 2016's 'Holiday of a Lifetime', organised and funded
by Children's Holiday Foundation North Devon. Jackie said
"It was an honour to be
raising funds for the next trip and exciting that we managed to raise so much money
on the night. Rob Braddick has been extremely supportive in letting me use The Pier
House for this event, the staff were fabulous. I would love to support this charity
again in the future."
Entertainment from The Fugitive Blues Brother was the perfect combination of live
music from The Blues Brothers song books and audience participation and comedy.
Songs included Everybody Needs Somebody to Love, Gimme Some Lovin', Soul Man and
Jailhouse Rock. With audience wanting more, and unscheduled encore was agreed with a
whip-round using the artist's iconic trilby hat!
"We were honoured to have been
invited to be a part of a fundraiser for such a lovely cause. We have done events in
the past and they were nowhere near as fun as this night. We would like to
congratulate Jackie on running such a brilliant night." Thomas Mitchelles (Elwood
Blues)
Jackie Johns and Clare Chapple met with Dr Buckland, founder of Children's Holiday
Foundation at the end of May for a cheque presentation totalling £3265 Dr Robin
Buckland said
"I would like to congratulate Jacqueline Johns on her amazing
fundraising achievement on behalf of Petroc. The money will be used on the next
holiday to Florida for eight more North Devon children in April 2017. This was one of
the biggest cheques we have ever received."
Cheque Presentation: Jackie Johns, Dr Buckland, founder of Children's Holiday
Foundation and Clare Chapple.Photo copyright MK Collins Photography (All Rights Reserved)
Jackie Johns with Katie Kersey, Millie
Wells and Katherine Harvey - Photo copyright MK Collins Photography (All Rights Reserved)
The event featuring The Fugitive Blues Brothers was held at The Pier House, Westward Ho!
Music between sets provided by Dean Kersey from Phatdog Discos - Photos copyright MK Collins Photography (All Rights Reserved)
North Devon Moving Image CIC (NDMI) wants your Wild Shorts! The local community film making organisation is calling for submissions of short films - between 2 and 4 minutes - about the wildlife and environment within the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
The North Devon Coast AONB is designated to protect and conserve our beautiful and diverse coastal landscapes between the Hartland Peninsula and the edge of Exmoor. Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of NDMI, says "We want local people and visitors to capture the special nature of the area on video."
"We are hoping to see films about plants and animals, habitats, landscapes, conservation and just getting out and enjoying the beautiful coast and countryside. The competition is open to all ages - families, schools, young film makers and adults - with exciting prizes for the winning film makers in each category."
The Wild Shorts film making competition is open for entries until Wednesday 30 November 2016 and the competition terms and conditions and details on how to enter are on the NDMI website at www.northdevonmovingimage.org.uk.
To add a helping hand NDMI will be running a limited number of film making workshops for schools, families and community groups. The first event will be for families and will take place at the Braunton Countryside Centre on Sunday 31 July 2016. Additionally there will be some informal 'cafe style' events where people can drop in and get advice on film making techniques and equipment and details of these will be released soon.
Amanda adds "NDMI is really lucky to have some great local sponsors for Wild Shorts and so far we have some fabulous prize donations from GoldCoast Oceanfest, Down End Croyde car park, National Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust membership and Combe Martin Dinosaur & Wildlife Park. The competition has also attracted funding from the North Devon Coast AONB Sustainable Development fund with an additional contribution from Fullabrook CIC."
Caroline Leaver, Member of the Partnership that oversee the AONB commented
"The coast of Northern Devon really is Outstandingly beautiful. It is contains some amazing scenery, wildlife and a range of world class beaches and coastal environments. The North Devon AONB Board is thrilled to be able to support the Wild Shorts competition, which will showcase some of what makes this area so special. We'd love to see entries from film makers of all ages, showing wildlife, habitats and what people enjoy about our coastline. North Devon Moving Image will be running training courses locally too, so its a great chance to learn new skills."
England's only breeding wild population of beavers has grown thanks to the release
of two further animals at a secret location in East Devon.
One adult female and one adult male beaver were released on Monday evening on
private land close to the River Otter. The release was sanctioned by Natural England
and was made by Devon Wildlife Trust as part of the River Otter Beaver Trial - a
five year project being led by the charity which is studying the impact of England's
only wild beaver population.
Devon Wildlife Trust's Peter Burgess was overseeing the operation and explained why
the release of more beavers was made:
"There are already 12 beavers known to be living on the River Otter. Our DNA
analysis has shown that these animals are closely related to one another. The
genetic diversity of the beavers needed to be increased to ensure that we have a
healthy population. So tonight's release was a crucial and exciting next step in the
story of reintroducing this keystone species back to the wild, restoring our river
catchments. We're very happy with how it went."
Peter continued:
"This pair of beavers may move down river to mix and then breed with the existing
population very soon, or they may decide to stay-put, pair up and breed. Then it
will be their offspring which mix and mate with the other beavers. Either way the
outcome will be the same; the genetic diversity of beavers living wild in East Devon
will have been enriched. That is our goal."
The female beaver of the pair was sourced from Devon Wildlife Trust's own captive
beaver trial near Okehampton. The three year old was described as being in 'good
health and ready to start a new family' by Devon Wildlife Trust. The male is of a
similar age and was sourced from a captive breeding programme based in Devon run by
renowned beaver expert, Derek Gow.
Devon Wildlife Trust's Peter Burgess said:
"This release site is the best we looked at. It's quiet and undisturbed. The ponds
are perfect, while they are just a stone's throw from the river. I want to thank the
landowner, a local family who have allowed us to use their land. Without their help
this couldn't have happened. We've deliberately not revealed the exact location of
the site because we want the beavers to be left undisturbed while they get used to
their new surroundings."
Devon Wildlife Trust plans to monitor the progress of the beavers over the coming
weeks. Their new home has been equipped with cameras, allowing the charity to get
vital insights into beaver behaviour.
Peter Burgess said:
"We will have very privileged access to the secret world of beavers. These are
animals that are active only in the evenings, at night and in the early mornings.
They are also naturally shy and often difficult to see. The cameras will give us the
chance to learn so much about how beavers behave and their impact on the local
landscape - this is one of the main objectives of the River Otter Beaver Trial. It
will be fascinating to see how this story develops."
People can follow the progress of the beavers and see video footage of their release
at the Devon Wildlife Trust website
www.devonwildlifetrust.org
The River Otter Beaver Trial receives no government funding and it is estimated that
it will cost the charity more than £500,000 over five years. People can help the
project by donating to
www.devonwildlifetrust.org/make-a-donation
The Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) is a large herbivore, a mammal that was formerly
native to these shores and once played an important part in our landscape from
prehistoric times until it was hunted to extinction in the 16th century for its fur,
meat and scent glands. The loss of this charismatic species also led to loss of
the mosaic of lakes, meres, mires, tarns and boggy places that it so brilliantly
built. The beaver is a 'keystone' species and its absence has had a profound impact
on the ecology of our rivers. There are few species which have such significant and
positive influences on ecosystem health and function. For example, their
reintroduction can help with:
Alleviation of downstream flooding - the channels, dams and wetland
habitats that beavers create hold back water and release it more slowly in periods
of heavy rain.
Increased water retention - by storing water and greatly enhancing the
absorption capacity of the wider landscape, beaver activity also helps to sustain
flows during periods of low water.
Water purification - beaver-generated landscapes have been linked to the
significant amelioration of diffuse pollution from human activities. Beavers have
been specifically introduced into some river systems in Europe and North America to
combat environmental degradation and pollution.
Reduced siltation - dams trap silt, helping to reduce turbidity and
sedimentation of water courses, reservoirs and lakes.
Ecotourism - where beavers have been reintroduced on mainland Europe,
there is substantial evidence of revenue and employment generation from ecotourism.
The most appropriate sites for initial reintroduction can often be in more remote
areas where alternative forms of livelihood from traditional land uses are in
decline.
Devon Wildlife Trust's Peter Burgess and University of
Exeter's Prof Richard Brazier carrying one the female beaver to the secret East
Devon release site Photo copyright Nick
Upton/naturepl.com (All rights reserved)
Female Beaver taking first steps - Photo copyright Nick
Upton/naturepl.com (All rights reserved)
Female Beaver entering the water - Photo copyright Nick
Upton/naturepl.com (All rights reserved)
Female Beaver taking a swim in her new home - Photo copyright Nick
Upton/naturepl.com (All rights reserved)
Male Beaver prior to release - Photo copyright Nick
Upton/naturepl.com (All rights reserved)
The River Otter Beaver Trial
The River Otter Beaver Trial is led by Devon Wildlife Trust, working in partnership
with the University of Exeter, Clinton Devon Estates and the Derek Gow Consultancy.
Expert independent advice is also provided by the Royal Zoological Society of
Scotland (Roisin Campbell-Palmer and Simon Girling), Professor John Gurnell and
Gerhard Schwab, an expert on beaver re-introduction based in Bavaria.
Results of UK's first month-long nature challenge published as 2016 campaign
launches in Devon
People who do something 'wild' every day for a month change their attitude to nature
and report improvements in their physical and mental wellbeing, according to new
research which places nature connection at the heart of a happy and healthy life.
An impact study, by the University of Derby, of 30 Days Wild - the UK's first ever
month-long nature challenge, run by The Wildlife Trusts in June 2015 - reveals
sustained increases in participants' happiness, health, connection to nature and
positive environmental behaviours, such as feeding the birds or growing flowers for
pollinators like bees.
Dr Miles Richardson, Head of Psychology at the University of Derby, conducted the
study.
He says:
"Two months after taking part in 30 Days Wild, the number of people reporting their
health as excellent increased by over 30%. And that improvement in health was
influenced by the improvements in happiness and connection with nature."
The impact of 30 Days Wild adds to the compelling argument for bringing nature into
our everyday lives. Our grand challenges, such as health and declining
biodiversity, require large-scale interventions and the evaluation of 30 Days Wild
provides good evidence that time in, and a connection with nature can bring
sustained benefits to public health, reducing demands on our health services, while
also improving pro-nature behaviours. Even in urban areas, nature can provide a
simple solution to complex problems."
More than 18,500 people took part in The Wildlife Trusts' 30 Days Wild challenge,
committing around 300,000 Random Acts of Wildness - different ways to connect with,
experience and take action for nature - throughout June 2015.
Steve Hussey, from Devon Wildlife Trust, said:
"Last year, thousands of people undertook Random Acts of Wildness across our region,
from the centre of Plymouth to the Isles of Scilly. People let their lawns grow
wild, adults danced in the rain and went on wild picnics, while families created
natural artworks, went star-gazing and created homes for wildlife in their gardens.
Even people at work found time for wildlife, by taking meetings outside in the sun
and transforming work spaces into wildlife habitats.
"The results of our study show that taking part in 30 Days Wild makes people
happier, healthier and more connected to nature in the long-term.
"Importantly it also showed that by looking out for nature on a regular basis people
became more likely to care about and protect it - and that's what we're all about.
We're here to inspire everyone again - every day throughout June. Whatever their
age, wherever they live, we want everyone to feel they can take part and join
thousands of others making nature part of their life."
30 Days Wild returns in 2016, Devon Wildlife Trust is asking everyone to do
something wild every day from 1 - 30 June. Whether you take time out to simply
smell a wildflower, listen to birdsong, explore a local wild place or leave a part
of your garden to grow wild for a month. This year, the conservation charity aims
to inspire people to carry out one million Random Acts of Wildness, listing 101 fun
and intriguing ideas online to get you started. It's all about making nature part
of your life for 30 days - and it's free.
Steve Hussey added:
"Hundreds of people have already signed up to this year's 30 Days Wild but the
message is there's still time to do so at
www.wildlifetrusts.org/30DaysWild. We're
delighted that BBC Radio Devon is once again backing the campaign and broadcasting a
suggested Random Act of Wildness every day of the month on its David Fitzgerald Show
and other programmes. This year we're also calling on people to share their
experiences of 30 Days Wild with us on twitter, Instagram and facebook using
#30DaysWild and twitter handle @DevonWildlife."
Devon Wildlife Trust is kicking off its 30 Days Wild with a special event at its
Cricklepit Mill base in the heart of Exeter during half term week on Wednesday 1
June. DWT's Steve Hussey said:
"Our Fun Day is the perfect way to start your 30 Days Wild. The event is free and
people can drop in any time between 10am and 3pm. We will be challenging visitors to
complete 10 Random Acts of Wildness in one day! From bug hunting in our meadow and
creating wild art to making a bird feeder and scribbling a poem - it promises to be
a wild beginning to June."
Cricklepit Mill is a short walk from Exeter's historic Quayside and can be found
next to the Bishop Blaize pub, EX2 4AB. For more details on this event visit
www.devonwildlifetrust.org/whats-on
#30DaysWild - Lewis Hussey, age 12, Exeter. Photo taken at Exmouth Beach copyright Kathryn
Edwards (All rights reserved)
#30DaysWild - Imogen Hussey, aged 16, balances on tree trunk Photo taken at Haldon Hill copyright Kathryn
Edwards (All rights reserved)
A Devon-based conservation charity is looking for help from the public to suggest
names for its new beaver mascot.
The beaver in question is a human-sized beaver costume made to promote the work of
Devon Wildlife Trust with England's only known wild beaver population on the River
Otter in East Devon. The costume, which has striking teeth and tail has been
produced with support from South Devon-based Cofton Country Holidays, which is
itself a David Bellamy Conservation Award Scheme Gold award winner.
Speaking for Devon Wildlife Trust Steve Hussey said:
"We wanted a beaver mascot to help us raise the profile of the River Otter Beaver
Trial and its vital work. When Cofton Country Holidays generously stepped in to help
us we were delighted."
"We hope that lots of people will get to see the mascot and learn about the project.
His/her first outing was at this year's County Show, after that he/she will be
seen around the county at events."
"We're really pleased with the mascot costume and have a number of staff, volunteers
and helpers from Cofton Country Holidays who have said they are happy to wear it.
Now all that is lacking is a name. That's why we're now asking the public to help us
name that beaver!"
Mellony Kirby, Director at Cofton Country Holidays commented:
"Conservation is very close to our hearts. We work hard to provide guests with a
rich environment in which to observe wildlife here at Cofton. 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, and so for us the
opportunity to raise the profile of the Trust's work to encourage a wild beaver
population on the River Otter seemed too good an opportunity to miss.
"We're looking forward to hosting the River Otter beaver mascot throughout the
spring and summer when Devon Wildlife Trust will be joining us here at Cofton for
pond dipping days, giving kids the chance to discovering wildlife in the water
alongside supervised activities."
The beaver mascot's first appearance was at this year's Devon County Show.
People who want to suggest a beaver name can do so by visiting the Devon Wildlife
Trust stand.
Devon Wildlife Trust is also inviting people get in touch via Twitter using
@DevonWildlife with their beaver name suggestions.
Steve Hussey said:
"We're looking for an imaginative beaver name. After the recent Boaty McBoatface
debacle we've chosen not to run this name selection as a vote. Instead we are
reserving the right to choose the winner and it won't be Beaver McBeaverface or
anything that doesn't represent the correct tone for our work for wildlife!"
The beaver outfit being modelled at Cofton Country Holidays
Mellony Kirby, director of Cofton Country Holidays, the
River Otter Beaver Trial mascot, Helen Scott, director of Cofton Country Holidays,
and Mike Elsey, Corporate Support Officer for Devon Wildlife Trust.
The Burton Art
Gallery & Museum will be hosting a free event to collect stories about the glove
industry in north Devon for a new series of short films.
Glove Stories is the latest project from community film makers North Devon Moving
Image to collect and preserve valuable first hand accounts of life in north Devon.
Gloving was an important industry for centuries with factories in Appledore,
Bideford, Great Torrington and Pilton in Barnstaple as well being a source of
income for many home workers. The industry came to an end in 2006 when the last
factory closed its doors for the final time.
Terry Priscott a former glove worker who runs the The North Devon Glove Industry
History Page on Facebook says
"It was once North Devon's biggest employer. If you
are local to the area, particularly Great Torrington, it is highly likely that some
of your ancestors worked in the glove industry! Gloving is an important part of
north Devon's heritage but there are currently no books or other information
available on it."
NDMI's Glove Stories project aims to set this right by recording personal
reminiscences from those who were associated with north Devon's glove industry and
use them to produce a series of short films. The films will be free to watch via
NDMI's website and at The Burton Art Gallery & Museum. There will also be a
screeening of the series at White Moose Gallery in Barnstaple to complement the Hand
to Hand exhibition by local artist Sue on 14 July.
Amanda McCormack, Creative Director of North Devon Moving Image says
"We are
inviting people to come along to the Burton on Saturday 2 July to share their Glove
Stories either by interview on camera or by writing anecdotes on our Glove Stories
memory cards. It would be great to see some old photographs and artefacts too."
Photos show images recorded at Great Torrington Museum.
The event runs to coincide with Bideford Heritage Day on Saturday 2 July from 10am to 4pm at The Burton Art Gallery and
Museum Kingsley Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 2QQ.
-----------------
For more information or to offer help volunteering on the day
please contact Amanda McCormack on 01271 860610 or email
northdevonmovingimage@outlook.com.
This community project has been made possible with funding from The Bideford Bridge
Trust and Torridge Councillor Peter Christie.
A Devon-based orchestra has left its usual habitat of rehearsal studios and concert
halls behind to take part in a very different kind of photoshoot promoting its
latest concert.
Members of the Exeter Symphony Orchestra recently went wild to promote 'A Concert
for Wildlife' which takes place at 7.30pm on Saturday 16th July at Exeter Cathedral.
The concert, which is being generously supported by South West Water, aims to raise
funds for the charity Devon Wildlife Trust. It seemed only natural to the organisers
that the musicians should pose with their instruments in the great outdoors at the
Trust's Bystock Pools nature reserve, near Budleigh Salterton. In full concert
dress, members of the orchestra took part in the promotional photoshoot against a
backdrop of gorse, heather and bird song.
Mike Elsey of Devon Wildlife Trust is organising 'A Concert for Wildlife' and
explained:
"We want the event to bring together the beauty of classical music with the beauty
of Devon, its wild places and wildlife. The idea for the photoshoot came from this.
The concert's aim is to raise funds to allow Devon Wildlife Trust to continue to
care for its 50 nature reserves. So what could be better than taking the musicians
to one of them, the wonderfully wild Bystock nature reserve?"
It was a new experience for the musicians. Miles Leonard, Chairman of Exeter
Symphony Orchestra said:
"It certainly was a beautiful and surreal morning we all spent at Bystock Pools
having the portraits taken by photographer, Matt Austin! As well as putting on our
own concerts, we're also really keen to engage with the wider community, so it's
great to be involved with Devon Wildlife Trust, following on from recent successful
projects with ABF - The Soldiers Charity and Da Capo Youth Ensemble."
For this special concert the Exeter Symphony Orchestra will be featuring the
international violinist, Tamsin Waley-Cohen. The musical programme of well known,
popular pieces has been specially chosen because of their strong links to nature.
The Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust Harry Barton said:
"I'm delighted that the Exeter Symphony Orchestra has agreed to perform a
fundraising concert for us and at such a wonderful venue as Exeter Cathedral.
Devon's exceptional wildlife brings colour, beauty and wonder to our lives. The
musical programme includes some of my personal favourites, and is a reminder of how
many of the greatest pieces of music ever written have been inspired by nature. It
promises to be a fabulous evening."
A Concert for Wildlife is one of a spring and summer calendar of events being
organised by Devon Wildlife Trust designed to showcase local nature. The events are
being generously supported by South West Water and also include:
·
Wembury Marine Centre Schools Education Programme - South West Water's
support will ensure that 50 schools and more than 2,000 school children are able to
visit Wembury Marine Centre and learn about the incredible local coastal wildlife.
·
Bystock Discovery Day - Tuesday 26 July . This wonderful East Devon
nature reserve (near Exmouth) opens its doors and its wildlife secrets to the
public. Supported by South West Water.
Alan Hyde, Head of Communications at South West Water, said:
"Our partnership with Devon Wildlife Trust is about protecting the environment and
supporting schools and communities to learn about and get involved in the natural
world around them. This inspired concert celebrates the sights and sounds of
wildlife with a selection of musical masterpieces. It should be a great occasion."
Miranda Krestovnikoff, television presenter of Coast, The One Show and Inside Out is
also involved in the Concert for Wildlife event:
Julia Iddon - violinist, Exeter Symphony Orchestra - Photo copyright Matt Austin (All rights reserved)
Soloist Tamsin Waley-Cohen - Photo copyright Patrick Allen (All rights reserved)
Garry Lester - double bassist, Exeter Symphony Orchestra - Photo copyright Matt Austin (All rights reserved)
Miranda Krestovnikoff - Photo copyright Epic Photography (All rights reserved)
Sophie Brewer - flautist, Exeter Symphony Orchestra - Photo copyright Matt Austin (All rights reserved) Tickets for 'A Concert for Wildlife' which takes place at Exeter Cathedral at 7.30pm
on Saturday 16th July are priced from £12 and are available
Award-winning folk-singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Seth Lakeman will be
playing at The Factory in Barnstaple for a standing show ahead of releasing a new
album 'Ballads of the Broken Few' in Autumn 2016.
Seth has successfully steered English folk music into the mainstream with
high-energy performances and a series of best-selling albums over the last 10 years.
His previous albums include 2014's Word of Mouth which entered the UK Top 20 album
charts on its release, Mercury-nominated 'Kitty Jay' and the gold-selling 'Freedom
Fields'.
The last few years have been eventful and busy for Seth. In between writing and
recording albums he has played to audiences around the world including two tours of
Australia, he has become a dad to twins, played with the BBC Concert Orchestra,
presented a show on BBC Radio 2 and played at a diverse range of venues including
the Royal Albert Hall, the Minack Theatre, a number of Cathedrals and in Trafalgar
Square.
Seth's new album 'Ballads of the Broken Few' has been produced by Ethan Johns who
has worked with Kings of Leon, Joe Cocker and Laura Marling to name but a few and
will be released through Cooking Vinyl.
Be ready to embrace some amazing talent and memorising folk music.
Tickets on Sale from Friday 9am
DOORS: 7.30pm
MINIMUM AGE RECOMMENDATION: All ages. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
Physical tickets available from North Devon Theatres box offices
PRICE: £18 - Standing only
[Box office booking fees may apply.]
The Factory
Petroc Brannams Campus
Oakwood Close
Barnstaple
Devon
EX31 3NJ
M +44 (0)7446 692751
www.thefactoryvenue.co.uk
