North Devon Focus Coast & Country Chronicle

Click here to book Butlins Street Dance Festival

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 Pasquale’s 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 it’s never too early to start thinking about what’s 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 Queen’s 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)

Dunsdon demonstration farm photo copyright DWT

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)

Small pearl-bordered fritillary photo copyright DWT

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)

Marsh Fritillary Butterfly photo copyright DWT

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)

Blonde Ray DWT Photographic Competition winner photo copyright Sally Sharrock

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)

Becky Aston unloading ponies to Clifford Farm. photo copyright DWT

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)

Bluebells at Halsdon photocopyright (Kevin New).DWT

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)

Meresfelle nature reserve photo copyright DWT

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)

Volehouse Moor scrub clearance photo copyright Devon Wildlife Trust

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)

Photo: Langage Farm ice cream photo copyright DWT

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)

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)

Butterfly Break photo copyright Yarner Trust

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)

Les Deadman driving the new Pasquali tractor photo copyright DWT

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)

Sir Hugh Stucely and Dame Suzi Leather at Affeton Moor photo copyright DWT

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)

Dunsdon hedges restored photo copyright DWT

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