COAST
& COUNTRY CALENDAR
North Devon Events - Contact Local TIC's for
2010 details |
| Atlantic
Village |
| Bideford
Buzz |
| Plough
Arts Centre |
| North
Devon Festival |
| North
Devon Theatres |
| Tour-Devon
|
| Click
here to find North Devon Church Services & Events |
| FEBRUARY
|
MAY
Great Torrington May Fair
Westward Ho! Potwolloping Festival
JUNE
Appledore Arts Festival 
Ilfracombe Victorian Celebrations
North Devon Festival
Gold Coast OceanFest, Croyde
South Molton Vintage Rally
South Molton Old English Fayre
Vintage Traction Engine & Vintage Car Rally
JULY
Lundy Island Gig Row
Bideford Water Festival

Woolsery Street Fayre

Woolsery Show

Clovelly Maritime Festival
AUGUST
Appledore Regatta
Bideford Regatta
Clovelly Rum Race
Clovelly Lifeboat Day
Clovelly Pilot Gig Regatta
Great
Torrington Carnival
Hartland Carnival
Hartland Summer Craft Fayre
Holsworthy St. Peter's Fair
Holsworthy Agricultural Show
Ilfracombe Birdman
Ilfracombe Rescue Day
Ilfracombe Carnival
North Devon Show
West Quay Fun Day, Appledore
West Down Scenic Run
SEPTEMBER
Bideford Carnival
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| North
Devon Mini Register Legendary
Grand Tour |
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| Clovelly
Lobster & Crab Feast |
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| Appledore
Book Festival |
| NOVEMBER |
| North
Devon Remembers - North Devon Festival Remembrance Concert |
Bideford
New Year Celebrations
A TOP 10 NEW YEAR CRACKER
"More than 10,000 revellers gather
in fancy dress to join in one of the West Country's largest parties
As
midnight approaches everyone gathers on Bideford's Long Bridge to
wait for the parish bells to ring in the New Year" - As featured
in the Daily Mail, Saturday December 17 2005 - TOP 10 NEW YEAR CRACKERS.
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| WHAT'S
ON |
| Event
Archive Pics |
| 2005 |
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| Bideford
Music Day |
| finergardens |
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North
Devon Focus Coast & Country Chronicle is a local community
page for North Devon news or coast and countryside press releases.
We also welcome submissions from North Devon Local Event organisers.
The listing is free for anyone wishing to promote, local village/church
events, charity or non-profitmaking fund raising organisations.
It is also free for North Devon musicians, North Devon Arts and
festival organisers who wish to promote gigs, events or exhibitions.
Free Family Fun on The Square!
Barnstaple's
Square will be transformed this Wednesday 4th August as the Museum
of Barnstaple & North Devon present a free family day of fun
as part of the 23rd annual country-wide celebration of children's
right to play - National Play Day.* Click
here to read all about it |
| WIDER
FOCUS - Click
here to view the latest Travel and Holiday
Offers including Thomson Late Deals and
Summer Holiday Offers. |
| Click
here to add your event to the 2010 Community Calendar - It's Free!
|
NORTH
DEVON COAST & COUNTRY EVENTS
(We
advise that you check with local Tourist Information Centres to
ensure events are taking place, to confirm dates & times or
see local press for further details)
NB. Clovelly Events 2010 Events, dates and content may be subject
to change, so please consult www.clovelly.co.uk
for latest details. Scroll down for the
latest
press releases |
| NORTH
DEVON LIVE |
|
MOVIE BUS Screenings
are free unless otherwise specified, and people are encouraged
to check with the project website www.moviebus.org.uk for up to
date information. Upcoming dates for the Movie Bus include:
· Friday 30 July - Landmark Theatre, 2pm - 8pm tickets
£1 from the Landmark
· Wednesday 4 August - Circus Play Day, the Square, Barnstaple
· Friday 7 August - Landmark Theatre, 2pm - 8pm tickets
£1 from the Landmark
· Friday 20 August - Landmark Theatre, 2pm - 8pm tickets
£1 from the Landmark
· Saturday 11 September - Sea Ilfracombe, on the Harbour,
Ilfracombe
|
| JULY |
| Farmers'
Market Bideford Quay - Saturdays 10th, 24th and 31st July |
| NORTH
DEVON LIVE Tuesday 20th and Tuesday 27th July Landmark Theatre,
Ilfracombe. That'll Be The Day, the UK's most successful touring
production, returns to the region with a brand-new 25th Anniversary
show. Ever-popular with locals and visitors to the region alike,
there will be two performances during the exciting Landmark summer
season of shows. Click
here to read all about it |
| Saturday
31 July - Sunday 1 August Lifeboat Weekend, held in aid of the
R.N.L.I Keeping Clovelly's lifeboat on alert for emergencies round
the clock takes effort and dedication. Held in aid of the RNLI,
Clovelly's Lifeboat Weekend is a popular celebration of the lifeboat
and her crew. To get the fun going on Saturday there's a sponsored
swim to Bucks Mills and back. Sunday is packed with entertainments,
including a hilarious race of men dressed as women, a tug-of-war
and, of course, the ever popular slave auction in which young local
men are 'sold' to the highest bidder to do their chores for a day.
And there are stalls galore. |
| AUGUST |
| Farmers'
Market Bideford Quay - Saturdays 14th and 28th August |
| NORTH
DEVON LIVE Every Tuesday this August at the Landmark Theatre.
There will be ABBA hits galore in Ilfracombe this summer as the
tribute show More Voulez Vous plays at the Landmark Theatre
every Tuesday in August to celebrate their incredible 20th anniversary
year. The cast present a non-stop barrage of famous ABBA hits including
Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Knowing Me Knowing You, Waterloo, Gimme
Gimme Gimme and of course Voulez Vous. Click
here to read all about it |
| NORTH
DEVON LIVE Every Wednesday this August at the Landmark
Theatre. Bringing the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas back to
Ilfracombe every Wednesday this August is the sparkling production
One Night in Vegas. Producer and star of the show Martyn Lucas presents
a musical extravaganza featuring powerful musical numbers, beautiful
showgirls, breathtaking dance routines, and a professional live
band in a fun-filled show for the whole family Click
here to read all about it |
| Callout
for the Movie Bus. The Landmark Theatre
are going to be running a series of Friday
afternoon and evening events in July and August with the Mobile
Cinema and the programme organisers hope to produce a film about
Ilfracombe and the surrounding area so if there's anybody out there
who's got old footage of that area in their attic, they would love
to hear about it!. Click
here for contact details and to read all about the Movie Bus.
Visitors may use the links above to
explore the North Devon Focus site for North Devon Tourist Information,
places to visit and things to do. >Click
here to read the latest North Devon Coast and Country press releases
- Scroll down for more North Devon Coast and Country Events.
|
|
Wednesday 4th August 11am - 3pm Free
Family Fun on The Square!. Barnstaple's Square will be transformed
this Wednesday 4th August as the Museum of Barnstaple & North
Devon present a free family day of fun as part of the 23rd annual
country-wide celebration of children's right to play - National
Play Day.* The day is set to start at 11am, kicking off with various
workshops including street dance, juggling, face painting, costume
making and circus skills. North Devon Theatres will also be on
site with a whole host of Aladdin themed activities to tie in
with its 2010 pantomime and the Museum's current exciting Pantomime
Exhibition. Families are encouraged to bring a packed lunch and
join in with a giant picnic on The Square. The afternoon will
then give the children, parents and families the opportunity to
showcase new skills and watch live street entertainers until approximately
3pm. Information Line: Museum of Barnstaple & North Devon
01271 346747
|
NORTH
DEVON LIVE 5th August Queen's Theatre Jethro's Back in Town! -The
Too Late to Grow Up Tour
After 35 incredible years in the business, Jethro still packs theatres
up and down the country. Tickets are £18. A 50p Love Arts
payment also applies to each seat sold. For further information
or to book tickets call the Box Office on 01271 32 42 42 or visit
www.northdevontheatres.org Click
here to read all about it |
| NORTH
DEVON LIVE 6th August 2010 Rock The Boat, boat and after party
is back for it's 3rd anniversary, raising money for the RNLI, main
party (boat party) starts at 1:30pm with games and competitions
with live dj's, then it's onto Bar Toko in Barnstaple for the after
party from 8pm there will be live dj's, plus more games and competitions,
this is a free event but relies on donations being made throughout
the day and night (recommended £2). Location: Main party -
River Torridge Nr. Bideford New Bridge. Afterparty - Bar Toko, Barnstaple.
More information can be found on www.rtbboatparty.viviti.com.
Don't forget to enter our competition to win 4 VIP tickets. MUSIC
GENRE: House, Electro, Acoustic, R&B, Funk and More IN AID
OF: RNLI Contact: James Ballantyne 01805 624997 Email: rocktheboat@gmx.co.uk |
| Saturday 7 August
Clovelly Gig Regatta, In the West Country we are proud of our
long tradition of racing pilot gigs. The sport's popularity is hardly
surprising - gig racing today is exciting, strenuous and often downright
dangerous, with the crews reaching speeds of 9 knots in fast-flowing
tidal waters. So come along and cheer on the rowers. It will be
an exhilarating day's racing. |
| 11th-18th August
Hartland Arts & Crafts Summer Fayre at the Parish Hall Hartland
Locally handmade crafts for sale. Free admission, wheelchair access,
free parking in adjacent car park, refreshments available. 10am-
5pm IN AID OF: Part proceeds to local charities Contact: Jeanne
Clarke Tel: 01237 451467 Email: philipclarke50@btinternet.com |
| NORTH DEVON LIVE
13th August Perky Pasquales Return to the Landmark, Ilfracombe.
The ever-effervescent comedian, Joe Pasquale, will be heading out
on the road again this summer with his 22 date one man show. The
Just Joe tour stops off at the Landmark Theatre,
Ilfracombe on Friday 13th August. Click
here to read all about it |
| 13th - 15th August
2010 Welcombe Open Studios '10, Welcombe. Welcombe Open Studios
'10 gives you the chance to visit the studios of artists & designer
makers in this beautiful village on the North Devon coast. 6 artists
open their studios over 3 days - see where they create their work
& buy directly from them. Contemporary furniture & accessories
from pachadesign, photography from Paul Jenner, paintings &
one-off ceramics by Rebecca Cohen, earthenware & raku by David
Westcott, poetry & art by John Moat & fine art & harmonography
by Rick Hall. For more info please visit http://welcombearts.wordpress.com |
| Sat 28th August
Greyhound Dog Show at the Big Sheep. In aid of the Retired Greyhound
Trust and T & ST Pony Club with 13 novelty classes for your
pooches to enter. 11am prompt start. £1 entry into the ring.
Trophies to Winners, Rosettes to 6th Place. |
| Sunday 29th August,
about 4 p.m. The Great Tour: Charity ride comes to Clovelly,
North Devon. At approximately 4 p.m. on Sunday, 29th August you
could be lucky enough to witness a host of intrepid cyclists rattling
down the cobbles of Clovelly. The inaugural Great Tour ride is one
of the UK's greatest challenges - a circumnavigation of Britain's
coastline by bicycle, starting from Seaton, Devon, on 3rd July.
The riders are drawn from the worlds of sport, celebrity, charity,
politics, science and the arts. For 64 days they will never lose
sight of the sea during their epic 6,600 km pedal in aid of The
Prostate Cancer Charity and the National Grocers Benevolent Fund,
"Caravan". The fifth of the last remaining six stages
from Selworthy, North Somerset to Clovelly, North Devon, will be
one of the most arduous: 56 miles, with two valleys to negotiate
on Exmoor. Subject to weather, the most resolute of the cyclists
will finish this leg of the journey with an off-road cycle along
Clovelly's Hobby Drive followed by a bone-shaking ride down the
cobbles to the harbour, where they will be welcomed by Clovelly's
owner, The Hon. John Rous. After camping overnight at Clovelly,
they set off on their next leg to Padstow the following morning
at about 9 a.m. Everyone is invited to join in this colourful and
inspirational sporting celebration of the British coastline. For
further details, please see www.thegreattour.org |
| SEPTEMBER |
| Farmers'
Market Bideford Quay - Saturday 11th September |
| Sunday 5 September
Clovelly Lobster & Crab Feast, in support of The National
Lobster Hatchery. This popular event pays tribute to Clovelly's
famous lobster and crabs. There's always a fun party atmosphere,
so come along and enjoy a day of live folk music and theatre. And
will you be able to resist the charms of the lobster hypnotist?
There will be local craft and food stalls, a quay kitchen with cookery
demonstrations, wine and beer tasting, and no shortage of entertainments
for the children. And it's in aid of the National Lobster Hatchery
at Padstow. So don't miss it! |
| OCTOBER |
| 28th- 31st
October Hartland Arts & Crafts Autumn Fayre at the Parish
Hall Hartland. Locally handmade crafts for sale. Free admission,
wheelchair access, free parking in adjacent car park, refreshments
available. 10am- 5pm IN AID OF: Part proceeds to local charities
Contact: Jeanne Clarke Tel: 01237 451467 Email: philipclarke50@btinternet.com |
| NOVEMBER |
| Sunday 21
November Clovelly Herring Festival, In the 18th century, a hundred
boats fished for the 'silver darlings' (herring) out of Clovelly.
This Herring Festival is held in support of sustainable fishing
by traditional methods and to celebrate the herring. Mike Smylie
will be there with his popular 'Kipperland' exhibition, smoking
delicious kippers and bloaters. Simon and Ann Cooper will be bringing
along their curragh, making nets, and demonstrating flax processing
and knitting. In addition, Jim MacCool, founder of National Poetry
Month, will be performing his show of infectious verse and toe-tapping
Celtic rhythms. Enjoy herring specialities, local cider and wine,
shanty singing, a walk-about theatre and masses of stalls. |
| DECEMBER |
| Sunday 5 December
Clovelly Christmas Lights, in aid of the RNLI. (Procession starts
at about 4 p.m. from the Visitor Centre. Entry free after 2 p.m.
with small parking charge) Christmas is a magical time at Clovelly,
so don't miss this fund-raising event and the switching on of the
village Christmas lights. A brass band leads the procession down
to the harbour. There's mulled wine, a barbecue, rousing carols,
and Father Christmas makes a surprise visit. At 5 p.m. the switch
is thrown and the entire village and harbour are lit up - it's a
fantastic sight. And there are fireworks to finish off what is always
a perfect day |
| NORTH DEVON LIVE
10th December Aladdin Flying into the Queen's Theatre on a magic
carpet for Christmas 2010!It may be the height of summer but
its never too early to start thinking about whats top
of your Christmas wish list! North Devon Theatres in association
with the Hiss & Boo Company promise to grant you one very
special wish this year by presenting the traditional family favourite
pantomime, Aladdin at the Queens Theatre, Barnstaple from
the 10th December 2010 3rd January 2011. Click
here to read all about it |
| Clovelly New
for 2011: Lentsherd Children's Carnival, Sunday 20 February |
| Please
visit the northdevonfocus.blog.spot.
which we hope will be an interesting addition to North Devon Focus
Coast & Country Chronicle. Blog Roll:Swallows
and Waterfalls - Ilfracombe
In the Sun, The
North Devon Snow Party's Over,
Bideford
Bay Beachcombing, Peppercombe
Chronicles - Rosemoor
Scents and Sensibility - Tamar
Otter & Wildlife Park "In Search of Tarka" |
NORTH
DEVON COAST AND COUNTRY PRESS RELEASES
Culm Advisory Group witnesses progress at grassland
demonstration farm (Ref: DWT 13 July 2010)
 |
Devon Wildlife Trust this month invited the members
of the Culm Advisory Group to see the progress of the restoration of wildflower
rich meadows at its Dunsdon Demonstration Farm near Holsworthy. The group
which is made up of staff from Natural England, The Environment Agency,
Westcountry Rivers Trust, DWT and FWAG spent the morning at the charity's
Working Wetlands Project office at Cookworthy discussing the issues that
have arisen over the past six months relating to the management of Culm
grassland in North Devon. In the afternoon the group was taken to the
demonstration farm where they were able to witness the progress of the
series of fields which have been restored from improved grassland back
to species rich meadows. The process has been funded by Natural England
through the Special Projects scheme within Higher Level Stewardship and
has included all the new fencing, gates and hedgebanks that have also
been re-created. Devon Wildlife Trust's Becky Aston, who has been overseeing
the project, said: "It was great to be able to show off the Working
Wetlands demonstration farm which has been coming on leaps as bounds since
we did the initial soil testing and stripping back in 2008. This was the
ideal time to bring members of the various agencies that have an interest
in Culm grassland to show how the pioneering techniques have been employed
at the site which is owned by a local landowner. The site was chosen as
it lies between two sections of DWT's Dunsdon National Nature reserve
and the work will help rare species moves through the area making it more
robust. Following the soil stripping we sowed a range of wildflowers and
grasses including oxeye daisy, birdsfoot trefoil and ragged robin and
we have been pleased with the range of species that have flowered this
year." One of the group which attended the day, Rob Dixon from
Natural England said: "We were all very impressed with how the
sown sward has taken - a great improvement on what was there before. This
is a good example of what can be achieved through Higher Level Stewardship,
with our two organisations working together and with a committed agreement
holder who is keen to improve the environmental value of his holding in
this very important area." Working Wetlands has been supported
by the Tubney Charitable Trust, South West Water, The Environment Agency,
Devon County Council, Devon Waste Management, Grantscape and Natural England.
Photo: Dunsdon demonstration farm.
LANDFILL GIVES BUTTERFLIES A BOOST (Ref:
7th July 2010)
A leading South West conservation charity has
this month been awarded £257,469 to help boost the fortunes of a
number of fritillary butterfly species on Dartmoor.The Devon Wildlife
Trust has been awarded the money (spread over three years) by Viridor
Credits Environmental Company, through the Landfill Communities Fund.
It will go towards conservation work at five of the charity's key nature
reserves: Blackadon, Dart Valley, Dunsford, Emsworthy on Dartmoor and
Marsland on the north coast of the county. The much needed grant will
enable the charity to purchase an alpine tractor which is specially designed
for safe use on steep slopes like those found in Dartmoor's valleys,
along with quad bike, enabling them to better manage the sites for these
rare and threatened species. The grant will also support training and
survey work which will be carried out over the period to monitor the success
of the project. The habitat management techniques for much of the conservation
work have been developed over the past 20 years by Senior Reserves Officer
Gary Pilkington at DWT's Marsland nature reserve. Numbers of small pearl
and pearl bordered fritillaries have increased dramatically over that
period, bucking the national trend of decline. It focuses on managing
areas of bracken to increase room for violets, the fritillaries' food
plant, which growing beneath. Matt Boydell, DWT's Land Management Manager
said: " This is a significant boost for us and will help us manage
these more difficult sites and create and expand the habitats which these
butterflies thrive on. The project focuses on the management of south
facing bracken slopes increasing spring-flowering plant species including
violets and bugle which are the food plants of the larvae and adults."
Good year for rare butterfly numbers at charity's north
Devon reserves (Ref: DWT 16 June 2010)
 |
Numbers of marsh fritillary butterflies at Devon
Wildlife Trust's north Devon nature reserves have had an impressive year
in 2010 due to good weather conditions and successful winter management
work. The marsh fritillary is threatened throughout Europe. In north Devon
it thrives on Culm grasslands but these have declined dramatically over
the past century due to neglect and changing farming practices. Devon
Wildlife Trust owns and manages a range of Culm sites and counts of the
butterflies at these during June have shown excellent numbers. Especially
good results have been recorded for Volehouse Moor and Stowford Moor nature
reserves, as well as at Dunsdon National Nature Reserve. At Meresfelle
nature reserve, DWT's most recent acquisition, an encouraging 30 adult
marsh fritillary butterflies have also been spotted. It is thought that
the combination of good weather following extensive scrub clearance and
other essential management work by DWT has been responsible for boosting
numbers of the butterfly. This work was made possible by support from
GrantScape. Gary Pilkington, DWT's Senior Nature Reserves Officer said:
"It has been a really encouraging year this year with lots of adults
of this very rare and threatened butterfly seen in flight over our reserves.
We had a busy winter getting the sites in top condition to help this species
and it's great to see the results. The management for the species also
helps other varieties of wildlife that are specific to Culm such as orchids
and many birds." For more information about the marsh fritillary
and DWT's Culm reserves visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org 10 Photo: Marsh
Fritillary Butterfly
UNIQUE NATURE RESERVE OPENS FOR SPECIAL WALKS
(Ref: DWT 7 June 2010)
 |
Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) is this month inviting
wildlife enthusiasts to a special open day at the charity's grassland
reserve at Ash Moor in North Devon. The event is open to all and is a
good opportunity for local people to find out more about the work of the
Trust and the wildlife havens it protects for the future.The nature reserve
open day is being held on Sunday 13 June and will feature guided walks
around the site by members of staff and local volunteers. The event runs
from 11am until 3pm and refreshments are available. David Ireland from
Devon Wildlife Trust said: "Ash Moor is a real rags to riches story,
a site that has a troubled past which now has a far more positive future.
The local community can come along and see what the Wildlife Trust has
done with the site such as managing the woodland and hedgerows and putting
in a series of pond and scrapes." "The site is buzzing with
wildlife, a recent survey showed there are many breeding birds including
tree pipet, skylark, stonechat and reed bunting along with a whole host
of insects and plants beginning to thrive at the site so hopefully lots
for people to see on the day!" For further information and to find
out how to get to the site visit Devon Wildlife Trust's new website or
call the Trust on 01392 279244. For more information about DWT's nature
reserves visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org Access to the reserve can be
made via the Tarka Trail or if travelling by car, the event will be signposted
from Meeth with parking on the day generously provided by Imerys Minerals
Ltd. Photo: Ash Moor NROD.
WILDLIFE CHARITY PHOTO COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED
(Ref: DWT 25 May 10)
 |
Devon Wildlife Trust's has this week announced the winners of its popular
annual wildlife photographic competition.The winner of the adult category
was Sally Sharrock of Wembury with a close up of a blonde ray taken at
Wembury, near Plymouth. On winning the 1st prize Sally said: "The
picture was taken on a Seasearch dive in Wembury Bay. We had surveyed
the reef called Porchopen Shoal and I moved down onto the sand to look
for life in the sediment and saw the ray sitting there. It allowed me
to come fairly close for a couple of shots before I moved back and left
it undisturbed. Shortly after, we also found a matching eggcase on the
beach." 2nd prize went to Robert Gill of Barnstaple with his
study of ferns taken at DWT's Uppacott Wood nature reserve. The Under
7's winner was a photo of a buzzard feather taken at DWT's Bovey Heathfield
nature reserve, Under 11's was a photo of Exmoor ponies at Meshaw Moor
and the Under 16's was a photo of a moorhen with chicks. The photos, which
had to be taken at one of the charity's nature reserves, were judged by
a panel of volunteers who were very impressed by the overall quality of
the entries. Competition organisers and DWT volunteers Sandra Wills and
Miriam Thomas said: "The photos show some of the fantastic wildlife
that can be seen on Devon Wildlife Trust's nature reserves. The best photos
will be displayed at DWT's Wildlife Festival in Plymouth on 5 June so
come and have a look!" Tozers, Rok, Williams De Broe and Eggesford
Garden Centre were the sponsors. Photo: Competition Winner Blonde Ray
by Sally Sharrock - visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org
to view all photos
GRAZING RETURNS TO NEGLECTED GRASSLAND SITE THANKS TO CHARITY GRANT
SCHEME (Ref: 25 May 2010)
 |
Devon Wildlife Trust has this month awarded a
capital work grant to agroup of local landowners in North Devon. This
grant has enabled ponies to graze a rare Culm grassland site that had
been neglected for years. Clifford Farm Cottages near Woolsery are the
proud recipient of the Working Wetlands Project grant and have used the
money to carry out scrub clearance and install fencing to improve the
management of the 2 ha site. The farm was selected as it fell within one
of the project's three target areas: Knowstone and Witheridge, Hollow
Moor and Torridge & Tamar headwaters. The fencing has enabled much
needed grazing to return to the site, allowing better overall management
and help to protect key species such as marsh fritillary butterflies which
are known to exist in the area. Devon Wildlife Trust's Becky Aston oversaw
the project. She said: 'Working Wetland's first priority is to ensure
wildlife rich habitats in the Culm are well managed and this grant is
a significant step towards this goal. Our small grants initiative is helping
landowners carry out capital works, enabling small awkward sites to be
managed more easily. This type of work is needed to save such sites from
abandonment, scrubencroachment and ultimately losing the wildlife-rich
grasslands to more common secondary woodland." Sidonie Ball,
of Clifford Farm Cottages said "It's fantastic to see these animals
set to work on this special little piece of land and we hope in the coming
years the site will be transformed!" The three Dartmoor ponies
which are now grazing the site are part of the charity's Grazing Links
initiative which brings people with livestock together with landowners
needing grazing on their holdings. Throughout the project expert advice
from the Working Wetlands team has been available so that best value and
gain is obtained for both people and wildlife. Working Wetlands has a
total of £25,000 to give out each year thanks to funding from Devon
Waste Management. Landowners with holdings of Culm Grassland within one
of the target areas should contact the Working Wetlands team at the Cookworthy
office on 01409 221823 for information. Working Wetlands has been supported
by the Tubney Charitable Trust, South West Water, The Environment Agency,
Devon County Council, Devon Waste Management, Grantscape and Natural England.
Photo: Becky Aston unloading ponies to Clifford Farm.
LOCAL COMPANIES HELP BOOST BIODIVERSITY (Ref:
DWT 19 May 2010)
This month two local businesses have become corporate
supporters of a local wildlife charity, showing that even in tough economic
times it is still vital to invest in the environment. Both Devon &
Cornwall Housing Group and Evergreen Gardens (based in Chulmleigh) have
signed up to membership of Devon Wildlife Trust's Corporate Supporters
Scheme. Cat Loudwill, Corporate and Community Relations Officer from Devon
Wildlife Trust, said: 'We are delighted to be working closely with
these companies. Along with the financial support to DWT, both companies
are providing their clients with special offers such as reduced membership
of the Trust and deals on trays of wildflower plugs. We are so encouraged
to know that even when many companies are considering cutting back, smart
thinking organisations know that a healthy environment not only benefits
wildlife but also reaps rewards for people too.' For more information
about the charity's Corporate Supporters Scheme visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org
Landing
facilities delay Severn Link service between Ilfracombe and Swansea
Click
here to read full press release
Severn Link Press Release Thursday 6 May 2010
Ferry operator Severn Link has completed
the two vessel deal with ferry operator Wightlink, taking ownership of
the 'FastCat Ryde' which will service routes across the Bristol
Channel as from this year. The 34 knot Kvaerner 'FlyingCat' passenger
catamaran, which carries up to 360 passengers, has now undergone exterior
renovations and repaint and will shortly join its sister ship, the former
'FastCat Shanklin', in Swansea, paving the way for the first modern regular
ferry service to link the shores of North Devon and South Wales due to
commence this spring. The first ferry, which is currently completing an
extensive interior refit in the docks at Swansea's SA1, has been the focus
of much public interest, with crowds of people turning out earlier this
year to watch it make a brief appearance at Ilfracombe on its way from
Portsmouth to its new home in Swansea. The completion of the purchase
of the second vessel signals a landmark moment for Severn Link, which
is now finalising a series of routes to roll out through 2010. Geoff Metcalf,
Managing Director of Severn Link, said, "We are very happy to
shortly be able to introduce the second 'FlyingCat' to her new home in
South Wales. This is the next major step in being able to commence regular
Bristol Channel crossings with a fun, fast and affordable ferry service
which will make travelling from the South West of England to South Wales
much easier than ever before." Severn Link is currently on the
countdown to announce a launch date for the first route to cross from
Ilfracombe to South Wales. Schedules, pricing and booking information
will shortly be available on www.severnlink.com and through its online
Facebook and Twitter channels. Latest Ferry News: 9th June Landing
facilities delay Severn Link service between Ilfracombe and Swansea
Click
here to read full press release
WOODLAND NATURE RESERVE OPENS FOR SPECIAL WALKS
(Ref: DWT 28 /4/ 2010)
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Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) is this month inviting
wildlife enthusiasts to a special open day at the charity's flagship woodland
reserve at Halsdon in North Devon. The event is open to all and is a good
opportunity for local people to find out more about the work of the Trust
and the sorts of places it protects.The nature reserve open day is being
held on Sunday 9 May and will feature guided walks around the site
by members of staff and local volunteers. The event runs from 11am until
3pm and refreshments are available. David Ireland from Devon Wildlife
Trust said: "Halsdon is one of our best woodland nature reserves
and it's getting better with each passing year! We have undertaken a series
of new woodland management works over the past years thanks to funding
from RockETS so this event will give people
a chance to see what has been going on and what's new. The bluebells should
also be showing in their full glory. They alone make the nature reserve
worth a visit." Booking is essential. To book a place on one
of the walks, call Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244. For more information
about DWT's nature reserves visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org Photo:
Bluebells at Halsdon (©Kevin New)
CHARITY ACQUIRES CULM GRASSLAND FOR NEW RESERVE
(Ref: DWT 26 April 2010)
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A leading South West conservation charity has
this month purchased 35 acres of rare Culm grassland on the River Torridge
in North Devon. The purchase is set to become the charity's latest nature
reserve. The land which was part of Marshall Farm near Woolsery has been
bought by the Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) and is a prime example of the
species rich wet grassland of the area. It borders other high value Culm
grassland sites at Bursdon Moor and also sits close to one of the charity's
other reserves, Volehouse Moor to the east. The new site has been given
the name Meresfelle Nature Reserve, a title derived from an old name for
the area dating back to the 13th Century. The site is already buzzing
with wildlife. Species recorded on the reserve include small pearl bordered
fritillary, snipe and adders along with a new record of a rare marsh fritillary
butterfly which is threatened throughout Europe. Matt Boydell, DWT's Land
Management Manager said: "This site will be an excellent new addition
to our suite of Culm grassland nature reserves in North Devon. The site
has not been grazed for nearly a decade so it is in need of some appropriate
management such as scrub clearance and swaling (controlled burning) but
we are excited to be able to secure this land and get to work restoring
it for the future." The land purchase is part of the charity's
wider conservation work in north Devon through the Working Wetlands project
which aims to restore, re-create and reconnect wildlife rich sites in
the area. Matt added: "Our strategy at the moment for land acquisition
is to secure sites near to our other reserves or in priority areas to
help enlarge and connect them to make them more robust to tackle a range
of threats such as climate change. We have a highly experienced team of
staff that are able to manage these Culm sites and through the Working
Wetlands project we are able to advise other landowners how best to manage
their holdings to benefit wildlife." Photo: Meresfelle nature
reserve
Charity launches appeal to help train the next generation
of conservationists. (Ref: DWT 6 March 2010)
A local charity has this month launched an appeal
to raise funds to train full time volunteers to help conserve Devon's
most precious wildlife havens.The Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) is asking
local people to help support its new estate team. The first group of three
volunteers joined the Trust inOctober, and they have been working hard
over the winter season improvingsome of the county's best wildlife sites.
Each week they are put through their paces, learning how to manage a range
of habitats such as heathland, woodland or rare Culm grassland, and they
are already making a huge difference. Edric Hopkinson, the DWT Reserves
Officer responsible for overseeing their training said "Managing
our nature reserves to benefit wildlife can be a really challenging task.
Our Reserves Officers have really benefitted from the additional support
provided by our enthusiastic volunteers. It's a win-win situation - they
are helping us to get our wildlife sites in top condition and we are helping
to train the reserves officers of the future." It costs about
£12,000 to equip, train and support the estate team each year -
the money raised will help pay for our volunteers to gain licenses to
use specialist tools and machinery which they use to manage the sites.
Anybody wishing to donate can do so online at www.devonwildlifetrust.org
or by calling Devon Wildlife Trust on 01392 279244.
Winter wildlife work completed despite bad weather
(Ref: DWT 18 March 2010)
 |
Restoration of traditional Culm Grassland pastures
at a number of north Devon nature reserves has been successfully completed
this month despite difficult weather conditions. The restoration work
has been carried out at Volehouse Moor and Mambury Moor nature reserves,
near Bradworthy. Both are owned by Devon Wildlife Trust. The work has
been made possible thanks to funding from GrantScape which is helping
the charity restore and improve many of its north Devon Culm sites as
part of the Working Wetlands project. At Volehouse Moor a long section
of hedge has been 'layed' to benefit local species and create a better
stock proof barrier. Large areas of willow scrub have also been removed
from both sites to help regenerate species of plants associated with Culm
grassland. Gary Pilkington, DWT's Senior Reserves Officer, said: 'We have
shown over the last few years that this type of work can be very successful
in bringing back this type of lost pasture and we are excited to see how
these sites will look in the summer months when Culm is at its best. The
weather has made it difficult to get out and do the work this year and
we have had to plan things carefully to make sure all the work was completed
in time for the coming nesting season. Along with the funders GrantScape,
we would also like to thank our group of volunteers for their support
during these gruelling conditions!' Photo: Volehouse Moor scrub clearance
ICE CREAM COMPETITION LAUNCHED TO HELP AID WILDLIFE
(Ref: DWT 19th Feb 2010)
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Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT), with Langage Farm,
is already planning for the summer with the launch of a competition to
design a new flavour of ice cream with a wildlife theme. The competition
is open to all. To enter, all you have to do is come up with a name for
a wildlife-themed ice cream and list the ingredients it would contain.
For example you could have vanilla ice cream with dormouse-shaped chocolate
pieces and call it 'Dormicecream'. One lucky winner will visit Langage
Farm to see their flavour being produced in the dairy - and will take
home a year's supply! Once on sale the winning flavour will be sold around
the region with a donation from every pot of ice cream sold going to the
charity. Rod Birtles, DWT's Marketing Manager said: "Langage Farm
proves that local produce can be fun as well as good for wildlife. Farms
account for some 80% of Devon's area, and an important part of our work
is to support and advise farmers on balancing profitable food production
with the needs of wildlife. The ice-cream competition is a light hearted
way to remind people of this connection." Langage Farm's Richard
Scutt said: "At Langage Farm we have a long and deep association
with the Devon landscape and it is important to us to help look after
our local wildlife. We are delighted to support Devon Wildlife Trust's
work." To enter, send your ingredients list and suggested name
on a postcard to Devon Wildlife Trust, Cricklepit Mill, Commercial Road,
Exeter, EX2 4AB. Or send an email to shussey@devonwildlifetrust.org Closing
date for entries is 6 May 2010. The winning entrant will be announced
in the charity's Wild Devon magazine and on its website. Photo: Langage
Farm ice cream
GREEN SHOOTS OF RECOVERY FOR NATURE RESERVE (DWT
23 Feb 2010)
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Restoration of traditional Culm Grassland pastures
at a north Devon nature reserve has come a step closer as seedlings start
to appear in seven fields sown in the autumn. Vealand Nature Reserve,
near Holsworthy, is owned by Devon Wildlife Trust. The restoration work
began last year thanks to funding from GrantScape which is helping
the charity restore and improve many of its north Devon sites in the Culm
Measures as part of the Working Wetlands project. The fields covering
an area of seven hectares were seeded with a mixture of 18 plant species
featuring Culm grasses, sedges and flowers. Prior to seeding the improved
fields were deep ploughed, soil stripped and harrowed to a fine tilth
in preparation for the seeds. Gary Pilkington, DWT's Senior Reserves Officer,
said: 'It's great news to start seeing signs of new growth from these
fields. It has been quite a task to get to this stage and we are encouraged
with the progress and look forward to the summer when we might start to
see the plants in flower.Vealand is well situated to become an excellent
example of Culm Grassland being nearby to many other good Culm sites.
We hope in time, these painstakingly restored pastures will support many
rare species such as the marsh fritillary butterfly.' For more information
about the nature reserve visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org Photo: Vealand
seedling DWT
COURSES FOR EVERYBODY(Ref:
Yarner Trust 18th February 2010)
There's really good news from
the Yarner
Trust in
Welcombe this year to lift your spirits and welcome in the spring. Yarner
would like to encourage more people to enjoy their inspiring courses,
and have created a bursary to help fund places on courses. A generous
legacy from one of their founders, Tom Welch, has made sure that courses
remain within everyone's reach. Anyone can apply and it's a very simple
process, so just call Yarner on 01288-331692 or email info@yarnertrust.org
and they'll help you get started. All they ask in return is your honesty
in paying the full rate where you can afford to do so. Just some of the
new courses that might inspire you include Stone Carving, Cheese Making,
Beekeeping and beauty products. Not forgetting their popular favourites
such as Lime Rendering, Yurt Making and Smallholding. There's also a special
4 day Butterfly Break where you get a mini holiday as well as exploring
Devon Wildlife Trust's nature reserve at Marsland. The Yarner trust is
in Welcombe, between Bideford and Bude, just off the A39 and is a registered
charity.
FARMER GETS FIRST GO ON CONSERVATION CHARITY'S NEW KIT
(Ref DWT 16 February 2010)
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Devon Wildlife Trust has this
month lent out its brand new Pasquali low ground pressure tractor to a
landowner in North Devon, the first to benefit from the addition to the
charity's machinery ring.The tractor was purchased as part of the Working
Wetlands Project to help with conservation work on environmentally sensitive
sites in three target areas of the Culm measures in the north of the county.
Lesley Deadman from West Bursdon Farm near Hartland was delighted to get
his hands on the specialist bit of kit that is designed to handle rough
wet ground, and set up with a flair mower to tackle rush and scrub that
commonly invades areas of the Culm grassland that the charity is working
to protect. He said: "It's ideal for cutting firebreaks and paths
and along fence lines to act as a deterrent against fire. It's an extremely
useful machine able to cut small areas and is really easy to manoeuvre.
It's particularly very good for reducing rushes." The equipment adds
an extra element to the already burgeoning range of kit that the charity
lends out, including cattle handling units and trailers all to better
enable landowners to manage their rare grasslands as easily and cheaply
as possible. Simon Berry, DWT's Grazing Links Officer said: "The
Pasquali tractor is light weight, and with the low ground pressure it
is able to work in wet conditions as well as on awkward and steep slopes.
We could do with another with the current demand!" Devon Wildlife
Trust's Working Wetlands project has been supported by the Tubney Charitable
Trust, South West Water, The Environment Agency, Devon County Council,
Devon Waste Management, GrantScape and Natural England. Rob Dixon from
Natural England came along to see the equipment in action, he said: "This
is a really useful tool to help land managers keep on top of difficult
sites. Some of Devon's most important habitats are under threat from lack
of management but many farmers work hard in tough conditions to maintain
these areas, many of which are designated Sites of Special Scientific
Interest or County Wildlife Sites. This tractor is very light, and with
its weight spread over four equal-sized wheels, will minimise the impact
of necessary management on fragile grassland. We are already letting farmers
know of its availability it's free of charge, and this will be a valuable
tool for them to use where heavier machinery is impractical." For
more information about the Pasquali tractor and how to make use of the
resource, call the Working Wetlands team on 01409 221823 or email sberry@devonwildlifetrust.org
Photo: Les Deadman driving the new Pasquali tractor
CHARITY COMMISION CHAIR VISITS CRICKLEPIT MILL
(Ref: DWT 27th January 2010)
 |
Last Friday, Dame Suzi Leather, Chair of the
Charity Commission, was given a special tour of Exeter's Cricklepit Mill,
headquarters of Devon Wildlife Trust, to witness the work of the county
charity. Director of the charity Paul Gompertz led the tour of the historic
mill which was followed by lunch with some of DWT's trustees. In the afternoon
Dame Suzi was also taken on a site visit to Lutworthy and Affeton Moors
to view progress of the ground breaking habitat restoration work taking
place there as part of 'Working Wetlands', a project which is working
in partnership with farmers in the Culm Measures of Devon. Dame Suzi,
who lives in Exeter, has been Chair for the last four years and was delighted
to witness the essential conservation work carried out by DWT. "Charities
are uniquely important to our society and the Commission has a vital role
to play in supporting them, both individually and collectively. Devon
Wildlife Trust appears to be working on a very large scale across Devon
and it was fascinating to see such dramatic work first hand,"
she said. Paul Gompertz said: "It was a pleasure to have the company
of Dame Suzi for the day. She seemed particularly impressed with the scale
of our work here in Exeter and in north Devon where we have been clearing
large swathes of conifer plantations so they can revert back to wildlife
rich Culm Grassland. We hope she will return towards the end of the project
to see how much has been achieved." (Photo: Sir Hugh Stucely
and Dame Suzi Leather at Affeton Moor)
DEVON DORMICE GO NUTS OVER FUNDING BOOST
(Ref: DWT 26 Jan 2010)
Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) has just received
funding to help with conservation work to improve the lot of dormice at
a number of its nature reserves. The £4986 grant from the Pennon
Environment Fund will help the charity's reserve officers to implement
and enhance coppicing regimes at its Andrew's Wood, Lady's Wood, Scanniclift
Copse, Sourton Quarry and Dunsford nature reserves in the coming months.
Dormice thrive in woodland with hazel coppice, as one of their staple
foods is the hazelnut. An autumn diet of these helps keep them sufficiently
plump to survive their annual winter hibernation. Although dormice are
also found in hedgerows and other habitats, these Devon Wildlife Trust
nature reserves are known to be some of their most important and protected
strongholds. DWT's Reserve Officer Jackie Gage said: 'The money will
help pay for our time on the reserve coppicing the hazel trees so that
they are kept in the best possible condition for the populations of dormice.
By allowing more light into the woodlands, these activities will allow
denser and more species-rich understoreys to develop. This in turn will
increase the amount of food and cover available to dormice throughout
the seasons when they are active." Over the coming months the
dormice on the sites will be monitored using nest boxes and nest tubes
which will be put up at the sites with the help of volunteers. This part
of the project has also been paid for using some of the grant money. Jackie
added: "It's important that we continue to monitor populations
in Devon, particularly as we are the Biodiversity Action Plan lead partner
for the species. We cannot continue this important work without the volunteer
and financial support which this funding gives us." Pennon Group
is the parent group of Viridor Waste Management and South West Water and
through its Environment Fund supports environmental and social improvement
projects across the region and nation. For more information about DWT's
reserves and how you can help visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org
HISTORIC HEDGES RESTORED AT
NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE (Ref: DWT 6 January 10)
 |
Devon Wildlife Trust last month planted a series
of new hedges at its Dunsdon National Nature Reserve to help restore the
traditional network of small fields that would have once been a feature
of the local landscape. The site, near Holsworthy, was planted up with
locally produced native species by the charity's reserves team and long
term estates volunteers. The hedge species including a mixture of hawthorn,
ash, oak, hazel and rowan will sit on traditional Devon hedge banks which
were created last year. Gary Pilkington, DWT's senior reserves officer,
said: 'These new hedges will provide essential wildlife corridors at
these Culm grassland sites. The hedges are replacing ones that were removed
through agricultural improvement in the years before DWT took charge of
the land. We used Tithe maps from the early 1900s to work out exactly
where the original hedges were located.' The project has been supported
thanks to funding from The Tree Council's Real Hedge Fund (working in
conjunction with the National Hedgelaying Society and Stella Artois).
For more information about the site visit www.devonwildlifetrust.org
PRESS RELEASES
FROM THE DEVON WILDLIFE TRUST www.devonwildlifetrust.org
*DWT has 11 Local
Groups based around the county. All play an important role in DWT's
work and are always looking for more volunteers.
*DWT cares for some 40 nature reserves around the county. Most are
open to the public.
*DWT currently has over 31,000 members.
*DWT has been protecting Devon's wildlife for over 40 years. Click
here to view archive Devon press releases
THE NORTHERN DEVON COAST & COUNTRYSIDE SERVICE
1. The Northern Devon Coast and Country
Service (NDCCS) is jointly funded by Devon County Council, Torridge District
Council, North Devon District Council and the Countryside Agency. www.devon.gov.uk/ndccs
2. The North Devon coast was designated an AONB in 1959 and is comprised
of two defined Heritage Coasts and covers approximately 171 sq km. The
Hartland and North Devon Heritage Coasts together with the UNESCO Biosphere
Reserve at Braunton Burrows make up one of the finest 'Protected Landscapes'
in England. www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk
As the Highway Authority for Devon, the County Council is responsible
for 3,200 miles (4,960km) of public rights of way. www.devon.gov.uk
3. The Countryside Agency - The work of the landscape, access and recreation
division of the Countryside Agency is concerned with protecting our landscapes
for now and future generations whilst also encouraging respect and enjoyment
of our beautiful countryside. www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/index.asp
Click here
to view more North Devon press releases
You will find many
local events and interesting articles in local community monthly newsletters
and church magazines so don't forget to lend your support and pick up
a copy of the "Parkham Pie" or "The Village News"
covering the Parkham Area or Bucks Mills, Clovelly, Hartland and Woolsery
Available at:
Hartland Post Office, Village Shop, Woolsery, Clovelly Post Office,
Bucks Cross Post Office, Clovelly Cross Petrol Station, Clovelly Church,
Bucks Mills Church
"Bideford Buzz" - Newsletter for the Bideford area is available
at the Bideford Library
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