Bideford Buzz

Posted on 06/07/2010 by Tango Alpha

Welcome to the  on-line edition of the Community Newsletter for Bideford   and adjoining towns, villages, and rural area.

‘Bideford Buzz’ is produced  by a team of volunteers and relies on our local community for articles.   If you are interested in supporting this newsletter we’ll be glad to hear from you.

You can submit your article on disc or by e-mail.    However, ‘snail mail’ is equally acceptable. Material for publication should reach us during the month preceding the month of publication.

Editor – Rose Arno (Bideford Buzz).        

Telephone 07929-976120, or E-mail: [email protected]

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May events at RHS Rosemoor.

Posted on 29/04/2024 by Tango Alpha

Great Hobby Weekend, Saturday 4 – Sunday 5 May.

(Supported by Atkins Ferrie Wealth Management).

Explore a world of human curiosity and creativity and learn about special interests ranging from croquet to crochet, birding to boating, geneology to ornithology. Get hands on and try out a variety of skills and challenges and speak to passionate enthusiasts about their pastimes. You can also buy and browse from exhibitors offering specialist tools, materials and starter kits to enjoy at home. So broaden your horizons, challenge your brain and engage with a new community!

Evening Walkies, Wednesday 08 May, 6pm – 8:30pm.

Enjoy the early evening light in our gardens with your best furry friend. Admission £8 adults, £4 children – advance booking essential.

Plant Heritage Spring Plant Fair, Sunday 12 May.

Find a unique addition for your garden from Devon nurseries specialising in rare and unusual plants.

Rosemoor Live – Frances Tophill Talk and book signing, Friday 17 May, 1:30pm.

Gardener, writer and presenter Frances Tophill talks about her life and work and her latest book ‘A Year in a Small Garden’ following her progress as she creates her new garden in a terraced house in Devon. Working in a small space, the book documents her journey to bring life to her garden, including tips and tricks for you to achieve similar results in whatever spaces you have at home. Tickets £15/£20*

Rosemoor Live – Liz Shakespeare Talk and book signing, Saturday 18 May, 1:30pm.

Join author Liz Shakespeare as she launches her latest book. Delving into the history of North Devon, Liz is known for her ability to breathe new life into the true stories of the past… Lucy Jones becomes embroiled in a scandal set in Torrington in 1879, culminating in the burning of effigies by a crowd of three thousand people and making national news. Tickets £10*

Summer Half Term – Family Gardening Festival, Saturday 25 May – 2 June.

Plant the seeds of a lifelong adventure with plants with creative family activities and outdoor fun.

www.rhs.org.uk/rosemoor

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Waste & recycling collections, Early May Bank Holiday.

Posted on 27/04/2024 by Tango Alpha

Ahead of the Early May Bank Holiday Torridge District Council are reminding residents that there will be some changes to the normal collection days for Waste and Recycling, both on the bank holiday itself and throughout the following week.

There will be no waste or recycling collections on Monday, 6 May and collections will take place one day later than usual for the whole week from Tuesday, 7 May to Saturday 11 May. The normal collection timetable will resume on Monday 13 May.

Full details of the bank holiday changes and normal collection times for the rest of the year for any address in Torridge can be viewed on the Council’s website at: www.torridge.gov.uk/collectiondates

Top Recycling Tips!

Plastics and Cans: Wash and squash any plastics or cans and put them in the green kerbside box. Squashing plastic bottles and metal cans helps free up extra space in the green box, making it easier to collect and recycle more. The councils’ vehicles can also collect more in-between tipping out saving fuel and reducing carbon emissions.

Glass: All glass bottles and jars can be recycled in the black kerbside box.

Cardboard: Any cardboard placed out for collection must fit into the brown bag. Households can have up to two brown bags, and these can be ordered online at: www.torridge.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling

Recycling centres throughout Torridge also accept cardboard as well as many other materials. The nearest centre can be found using this link: www.devon.gov.uk/wasteandrecycling/centre/

Kerbside Food Caddies: Households can use plastic bags such as carrier bags to line their caddies. Lining the caddies will help keep them clean and make them cleaner for households and Torridge crews to handle. The caddies can be used to dispose of both raw and cooked food.

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Household Support Fund – fifth round.

Posted on 27/04/2024 by Tango Alpha

Torridge District Council has launched the fifth round of Household Support Funding with effect from April 2024. Nationally £421m has been made available by Central Government to cover the period April 2024 to September 2024.

Devon County Council has been awarded funding of over £5m by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for a fifth Household Support Fund, part of which it will utilise for its own support projects such as holiday school meal provision and a prepayment meter energy relief scheme operated through Citizens Advice.

Just over £2m will be split amongst the district councils for targeted support to those identified in need, with Torridge receiving £192k to allocate across the district, over six months. The previous four schemes have already released payments totalling £846k to meet basic household costs of struggling Torridge residents.

In line with previous versions of the scheme the purpose of the grant is to provide support to households experiencing hardship due to the ongoing cost of living crisis. The grants will be available to help people in need to buy food, pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living or housing costs. Previous assistance has already allowed people to purchase clothing, blankets, and fund boiler servicing or repairs during the winter months. Applications can also be made to meet the cost of purchasing or repairing white goods such as fridges, freezers and ovens, which might otherwise currently be beyond the means of struggling households.

Access to the fund will once again be via a form, with initial applications being processed by the council’s partner and local charity organisation, Encompass. The application form link will be available on Torridge District Council’s website by clicking on the “Cost of living Help” icon on the main landing page and then the “Household Support Fund” link. Alternatively, people can contact Encompass through their website or by telephone if they do not have access to the internet on 01271 371499

Steve Hearse, Chief Executive of Torridge District Council, said: “What people will need assistance with will very much depend on their circumstances. As well as food, utility bills or other major costs people may also need help with covering the cost of essential clothing, repairs to their vehicles or to pay for a monthly bus pass – to name just a few. As well as applying for these funds we would encourage them to check out all the other advice and links we have signposted on our website under the “Cost of Living Help” section”.

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Dog restrictions at Westward Ho! until 30th September.

Posted on 24/04/2024 by Tango Alpha

From the 1st of May to the 30th of September Torridge District Council will once again be introducing a restriction for dogs on sections of Westward Ho! beach and the promenade.

The restriction helps create zoned usage areas on the beach to ensure that everyone can safely access and enjoy the popular award winning resort. It also helps the authority to meet the criteria for the annually assessed Blue Flag Award, which is highly prized and important to bathers and the local tourist industry.

The restricted area will be the same as in previous years and dogs will be allowed at the north end of the beach between Sandymere Bridge and the Taw/Torridge estuary. Dogs will be prohibited to the south of Sandymere Bridge and will need to be kept on a lead on the promenade. The order allows for fixed penalties of £100 to be issued in cases where owners fail to comply with the restriction, which will be clearly laid out in signage.

Northam Burrows Lead Ranger Mike Day said; “The dog restriction at Westward Ho! helps us to provide both dog-free and dog-friendly areas on the beach. Not only is this an important part of the Blue Flag criteria, it also means that dog lovers and those not so keen on man’s best friend can all enjoy this wonderful place at the same time. We recognise what an incredible place Westward Ho! is, and we want as many people as possible to enjoy it. Please help us during this busy period by observing the signs and restrictions”.

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Northam Burrows Rangers seek volunteers for Summer projects.

Posted on 20/04/2024 by Tango Alpha

Volunteer recruitment is underway once again in Torridge for an exciting new programme of conservation projects.

As well as helping to care for some of the region’s amazing country parks and nature reserves the volunteer days are also a great way to learn new skills, acquire new insights into nature and meet like-minded people – all in the great outdoors!

The events kick off in April running right through to the beginning of July, and as usual, will be heavily reliant on a willing volunteer workforce to partner with the rangers in their tasks.

The first event on Thursday 25 April is rush removal on Northam Burrows, which will involve controlling invasive plants to give rare dune species the right conditions to flourish. This will be followed by weeding around newly planted trees at Kenwith Valley on Thursday 16 May. The last two volunteering days will be on Thursday 27 June and Thursday 11 July, when volunteers will be asked to help to conduct plant surveys at the council’s wildflower meadows and verges and then Northam Burrows respectively.

In addition, the rangers will also be running a series of beach cleans at Westward Ho! On Sunday 19 May and Sunday 23 June between 10am and 12pm. Please meet rangers at the slipway.

All volunteer events are free to attend. Please feel free to drop in at any beach clean, but pre-booking is essential for all other events as spaces are limited. No experience is necessary, and all equipment will be provided. More information can be found by emailing [email protected] or calling 01237 479708.

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Join Appledore Singers!

Posted on 09/04/2024 by Tango Alpha

Appledore Singers is a friendly and welcoming ladies’ choir, which performs all over North Devon and beyond. Our repertoire is wide and varied and includes music to suit all tastes.

We rehearse every Monday evening, 7.30 – 9pm at Appledore Baptist Church and we are always looking for new members to join us. All are most welcome – lower voices in particular, so why not give us a try?

Contact our Musical Director Pam Beechey on 01237 420652 for further details.

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Shipping notes No. 228 (March).

Posted on 03/04/2024 by Tango Alpha

Bideford Quay.

No shipping at Bideford this month. Oldenburg still at Sharpness.

Appledore.

Quorn and Atherstone still in Shipyard.

Yelland Quay.

No shipping this month.

Bristol Channel Observations.

1/3 at 18.02 cargo vessel Wilson Main, 2,541 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 18.59 26th (She had been anchored in Blue Anchor Bay awaiting orders).

2/3 at 06.56 cargo vessel Kalli G, 3,738 tons d.w., owners Kalli G Derdes Schifahtrs Germany, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 20.13 1st.

3/3 at 14.10 vehicle carrier Grande Francia, 26,169 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 09.17. At 15.47 cargo vessel Fokko Ukena, 3,627 tons d.w., owners Fokko Ukena Vertom Bojen Germany, inward bound for Newport.

4/3 at 17.44 vehicle carrier Neptune Aegli, 6,580 tons d.w., owners Aegli Shipping Ltd Greece, inward bound for Portbury.

5/3 at 05.15 vehicle carrier Sunlight Ace, 18,855 tons d.w., owners Polar Bear SA Japan, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 0045. At 05.59 vehicle carrier Auto Advance, 12,457 tons d.w., owners Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury. At 17.52 cargo vessel Rix Union, 4,247 tons d.w., owners Coalmar Shipping Ltd Latvia, inward bound for Cardiff. At 16.52 cargo vessel Faromar, 5,234 tons d.w., owners Maxime Vertom Bojen Germany, outward bound from Swansea having sailed at 13.00. At 17.48 vehicle carrier Grand Duke, 18,315 tons d.w., owners Expellion Maritime Inc Hong Kong, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 13.00.

6/3 at 09.06 vehicle carrier Autosky, 6,504 tons d.w., owners Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 08.20 6th outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 03.30) .     At 15.47 bulk carrier Amber Lagoon, 39,202 tons d.w., owners Fjord Schiffahrtsgellschaft Germany, outward bound fron Port Talbot having sailed at 11.45 .

7/3 at 12.58 container vessel Endurance, 9,146 tons d.w., owners Endurance Bewaarder BV Netherlands, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 07.58.

8/4 at 09.55 vehicle carrier Azul Ace, 17,941 tons d.w., owners Primavera Montana SA Japan, inward bound for Portbury. (Seen again at 10.16 10th having sailed from Portbury at 06.21).

9/3 at 10.43 bulk carrier Lilac Harmony, 38,581 tons d.w., owners Tateshima Bulk Ltd Japan, outward bound from Newport having sailed at 05.36. At 14.20 vehicle carrier Coral Leader, 10,859 tons d.w., owners Kujyukuri Maritima Sa Norway, inward bound for Portbury.

10/3 at 10.45 cargo vessel Celtic Venture, 5,005 tons d.w., owners Charles W. Willie & Co Cardiff, inward bound for Cardiff.

11/3 at 12.16 vehicle carrier Carnation Ace, 16,416 tons d.w., owners White Bear Maritima Ltd Japan, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 07.32. At 14.06 vehicle carrier Nordic Ray, 7,375 tons d.w., owners Nordic Highway Ltd I.o.M, inward bound for Portbury.

13/3 at 07.58 cargo vessel Rix Lake, 3,400 tons d.w., owners Rix lake Shipping Ltd Latvia, outward bound from Sharpness.

14/3 at 05.43 tanker Navel Rigel, 74,633 tons d.w., owners Tinos Shipping Corp Mai Greece, inward bound for Portbury. At 05.57 vehicle carrier Grande Spagne, 12,594 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Portbury. At 10.19 cargo vessel Fri Sea, 3,330 tons d.w., owners Kopervik Ship Invest AS Norway, inward bound for Avonmouth.

15/3 at 17.11 cargo vessel RDJ Johanna, 3,149 tons d.w., owners RDJ Johanna Shipping B.V Netherlands, inward bound for Newport.

16/3 at 07.25 cargo vessel Celtic Commander, 5,699 tons d.w., owners Charles W Willie & Co Cardiff, inward bound for Cardiff.

17/3 at 13.19 cargo vessel Scot Isles, 4,782 tons d.w., owners Scot Line UK, inward bound for Newport. At 14.17 vehicle carrier Vega Leader, 16,396 tons d.w., owners Latte Maritima SA Japan, inward bound for Portbury.

19/3 at 07.25 vehicle carrier Neptune Dynamis, owners Dynamis Shipping Ltd Greece, inward bound for Portbury.

20/3 at 05.56 vehicle carrier Silver Glory, 13,364 tons d.w., owners Sallaum Lines DMCC U.A.E, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 00.21. At 17.57 vehicle carrier Autosun, 6,670 tons d.w., owners Uniperssoal Madeira, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 13.06.

22/3 at 16.17 cargo vessel Wilson Hawk, 4,284 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, inward bound for Sharpness.

23/3 at 04.53 bulk carrier Capricorn Trader, 81,922 tons d.w., owners Meiji Shipping BV Netherlands, inward bound for Port Talbot.

24/3 at 00.53 vehicle carrier Emerald Leader, 10,821 tons d.w., owners Frances Maritima SA Norway, inward bound for Portbury. At 12.30 cargo vessel Celtic Pioneer, 5,498 tons d.w., owners Charles W Willie Cardiff, inward bound for Cardiff.

25/3 at 06.25 cargo vessel Wilson Baerl, 2,895 d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, inward bound for Avonmouth . At 07.30 container vessel MSC Tamishka F, 16,959 tons d.w., owners Embea Oceanway Ltd Cyprus, heading south – in fact, heading for Portbury; turned round off Hartland.

28/3 at 10.07 cargo vessel Arklow Abbey, 8,543 tons d.w., owners Abbey Shipping Ltd Eire, outward bound from Swansea having sailed at 07.20. At 13.37 vehicle carrier Victoria Highway, 21,114 tons d.w., owners Olive Investment Corp Japan, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 19.55 27th.

29/3 At 08.04 vehicle carrier Lake Annecy, 18,969 tons d.w., owners Picer Marine S.A Japan, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 22.02 28th. At 14.02 cargo vessel Soniland, 4,085 tons d.w., owners Soniland Shipping Co Ltd Estonia, outward bound from Swansea having sailed at 08.49. At 15.48 cargo vessel Wilson Hawk, 4284 tons d.w., owners Wilson Shipowning Norway, outward bound from Sharpness having sailed at 08.29. At 15.54 vehicle carrier Grande Italia,12,591 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Portbury.

30/3 at 15.58 vehicle carrier Autosun, 6,670 tons d.w., owners Uniperssoal Madeira, inward bound for Portbury. At 18.35 cargo vessel Eems Fivel, 3,800 tons d.w., owners Eems Fivel B.V. Netherlands, inward bound for Cardiff.

31/3 at 06.21 vehicle carrier Cygnus Leader, 20,180 tons d.w., owners Kiyomi Maritima SA Malayasia, outward bound from Portbury having sailed at 23.52 30th. At 10.57 vehicle carrier Grande Detroit, 12,420 tons d.w., owners Grimaldi Line of Italy, inward bound for Portbury.

Regards,

Norman.

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An update on BSG’s woodland project.

Posted on 04/03/2024 by Tango Alpha

A couple of weeks ago we were able to do some clearing work on the woodland site next to the skate park, with help from Rose Roberts, the ranger from the Burrows. The help Rose had arranged was amazing!

Many thanks to Rose and the students from Petroc, who are studying environmental issues, who came and worked so hard. We filled 6 dumpy bags with grass, nettles, weeds and brambles. It’s been a challenge to get volunteers to help so far, covid and the weather haven’t helped. We have only lost one tree out of the 22 we planted, which is good news. They are all native trees.

If you would like to visit the site or offer some help, please get in touch.

Above are some pictures of the students working hard for the community.

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Sign up for ‘RUN Barnstaple’, 29th September.

Posted on 03/03/2024 by Tango Alpha

www.chsw.org.uk/runbarnstaple

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A tribute to Peter Christie.

Posted on 22/02/2024 by Tango Alpha

Peter Christie.

We were very sorry to hear the news of the death of Peter Christie, Torridge councillor, author and historian, and loyal contributor to “Buzz”. He wrote a host of articles over the years, all of which have been saved for posterity in the Buzz Archives, and many which can be found on this website. He was a loyal supporter of the newsletter from its earliest days in 2005, helping us with funding via his role on the Bridge Trust, Bideford Town Council and Torridge District Council. He answered numerous questions posed by our readers on historical matters and was the ‘go to’ source for many local history queries.

He was also a personal friend and an adviser in my other role as Bideford Librarian.

All of us at “Buzz” send his friends and family our condolences at this sad time. We will miss him.

Rose Arno. Editor, “Bideford Buzz”.

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The Home Library Service.

Posted on 16/02/2024 by Tango Alpha

Home Library Service.

Libraries Unlimited, the charity that runs the libraries in Devon, are seeking to grow our Home Library Service offer – could you possibly help?

What is the Home Library Service?

It is a service delivered by volunteers and organised by your local libraries to enable people in the community who cannot physically get to a library to access reading materials and/or audio books for free. As one customer (Hilda) told us, ‘Reading takes me to “another place” and I would miss it terribly’.

What does it involve?

People apply to their local library to request the service and complete a form which gives a few details about what they would like to borrow from the library. Dedicated volunteers choose and deliver books to your home, including large print and audiobooks, free of charge and return them once used.

Who can apply to receive the service?

The service is open to anyone of any age who may not be able to get to a library for example because of health (this could be a short-term health issue), mobility difficulties or caring responsibilities.

Why become a Home Library Service Volunteer?

Current Home Library Service Volunteers describe feeling that what they do has purpose and ‘gives back’ to the community. Janie, a current volunteer, says ‘Many of my customers are fairly isolated and look forward to a short chat with me as I collect the books. At present I have 5 customers and it takes me around three hours once every 4-6 weeks to arrange a visit to collect the books; choose up to six for each reader and deliver them. A small amount of time overall, which brings much pleasure to the people using the service’.

Social connection is so important for our mental and physical health, and people of any age or stage in their lives can find themselves isolated or feeling lonely due to a change in circumstances. Many volunteers stay for a chat and a cuppa but only if this is welcomed and they feel comfortable to do so. One customer, Estelle, said, ‘I look forward to the visit and was delighted when the volunteer and the librarian were able to identify a book and author that I had enjoyed and wanted to read more of her work. Books keep you in touch with the outside world.’ Another customer, Chris, told us, ‘We are losing the mobile library, so this service is invaluable, as we are so cut off in rural Devon’.

Are you able to make someone’s day special and get that ‘feel good factor’?

How can you help?

We need volunteers to help with deliveries. This special role does suit people who are confident in choosing books and who understand the need for respecting confidentiality. Any travel expenses will be reimbursed, and the wonderful library staff and volunteer coordinators are always on hand to help with any queries and offer guidance. Due to the nature of the role, referencing and a DBS check will be required; we will work with you to try and make this process as quick and easy as possible. We aim to support anyone who is interested and will always look to try and resolve any barriers to participation. This is a flexible role which allows you to offer your time and energy around your other commitments and does not necessarily require access to a vehicle.

Who to contact?

If you are interested in either using the service or becoming a volunteer to support the service, please contact your local library so you can arrange to discuss the role. If you are not sure where your local library is, then please contact [email protected] and we can put you in touch.

There are also other volunteering opportunities available within libraries so please check out the individual libraries’ Facebook pages or contact the libraries directly if you would like to get involved.

As volunteer coordinator I am also interested in any other project ideas you may have. What does the community need? What are you passionate about? Please feel free to contact me Sarah Robinson Tel:07976584722 email: [email protected] with your suggestions.

Sarah Robinson.

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Book now to run for charity on 30th June.

Posted on 14/02/2024 by Tango Alpha

northdevonmarathon.co.uk

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Skydive for charity in June or October.

Posted on 03/02/2024 by Tango Alpha

www.chsw.org.uk/skydive

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British Naturalists’ Association – local programme, 2024.

Posted on 24/01/2024 by Tango Alpha

BRITISH NATURALISTS’

ASSOCIATION

TAW AND EXMOOR BRANCH

Local Secretary

Brian Sims

9 Old Torrington Road

Barnstaple

North Devon

EX31 2DD

Tel: (01271) 343607

PROGRAMME TO JANUARY, 2025.

PLEASE NOTE – PARTICIPATION AT ALL EVENTS IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Sunday May 19th

A walk around Emsworthy Mire for bluebells and Summer migrants including the cuckoo (hopefully). Meet at the CP* at 9.00am or if going direct then at 10.45 am at the car park at Emsworthy (Map Ref SX 748 763)

If time then a visit to Bovey Heathfield nature reserve (Map Ref SX 825 765) for a different selection of wildlife. Followed by a cream tea. Bring suitable footwear and a packed lunch.

Sunday June 2nd

A walk around the DWT reserve at Volehouse (Map Ref SS 347 165 ) for flowers and marsh fritillary butterflies. Meet at the Pill car park in Bideford at 9.30 am as limited parking on site. In the afternoon we have been invited to view the wild flower meadow belonging to the Tudor House known as Cory Manor House. The owners are happy to offer us a cream tea, Appropriate footwear and bring a packed lunch.

June 10th-14th

BNA trip to Dorset. Book in at the Kingston Country Courtyard Tel : 01929 481066. Details on visits to Arne, Brownsea Island etc. to follow.

Sunday July 14hh

A circular walk at Hartland Point. Meet at the Pill car park, Bideford at 10.00 am or 10.45 am if going direct at the Hartland Point car park (Map Ref SS 235 276) . Possible car park charge. Bring a packed lunch and sturdy footwear. There is a cafe in the car park.

Sunday August 11th

A walk out to Baggy Point for birds, flowers, butterflies and possibly seals. Meet at CP* at 9.30 am or if going direct then in the Baggy Point car park (Map Ref SS 432 397) (Post code EX33 1PA).at 10.15 am Car park charge. Bring a packed lunch and sturdy footwear. Possible cream tea.

Sunday September 8th

Another popular request, this time a walk around Torrington Common for butterflies, flowers and trees. Meet at CP* at 10.00am or in the Torrington Common lower car park at 10.30am. Steep in places. Sturdy footwear and a packed lunch. This may be the last cream tea of the year.

Sunday October 13th

A Fungus foray led by our own John Willatts. Meet at the Devon Birds Reserve at Godborough (Map Ref SS 475 273) at 11.00 am. Steep in places, so sturdy footwear. Bring a packed lunch.

Saturday November 9th

Annual General Meal, at the Royal North Devon Golf Club, Westward Ho!.6.30 pm for 7.00 pm. After the meal there will be entertainment before the serious part of the evening when you decide what outings you would like for your branch in the forthcoming year.

Sunday December 15th

Birdwatching Bonanza. Meet at the CP* at 9.00 am to go to Topsham. If going direct be there at Dart’s Farm at 10.15 am (Post code EX3 0QH) visiting Dart’s Farm, Goosemoor, the RSPB Reserve at Bowling Green Marsh, the River Clyst, the Goat Walk and possibly Exminster Marshes and Powderham. Packed lunch, hot drinks, warm clothes. Level walking,

Sunday January 12th 2025

A trip to the RSPB Reserve at Ham Wall on the Somerset Levels hopefully to see bittern, kingfisher and a starling murmuration. Meet at the CP* at 9.00am or if going direct then at 10.45 am in the Ham Wall car park (Post Code BA6 9SX) where there are toilets and a small shop/cafe. Bring warm clothing, hot drink and a packed lunch. Very level walking.

CP* This is the former Park and Ride car park in Barnstaple alongside Park School..This enables us to amalgamate into fewer vehicles and save money and help protect the environment At the time of going to print it was free.

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‘Upstream Thinking’ project has many benefits.

Posted on 18/12/2023 by Tango Alpha

More than 40,000 native trees are being planted for farms and landowners to help reduce land run-off and improve natural water quality as part of South West Water’s catchment management programme, Upstream Thinking.

The trees, which were provided by the Woodland Trust, will be delivered and planted by Upstream Thinking partners Devon Wildlife Trust, and will see a range of native tree species like blackthorn, hazel and oak delivered to farms across Devon.

The native trees will encourage water to soak into the ground and thus help to stabilise the soil, reducing the rate of run-off from land into watercourses and thereby improving water quality. The trees will also help to capture carbon and increase biodiversity on the land.

The latest intake of trees will be delivered to around 60 farms across eight river catchments, taking the number of trees planted across the region by the Upstream Thinking programme to 260,000.

Tim Dart, Upstream Thinking Project Manager at Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “We are really pleased to be delivery partners on South West Water’s Upstream Thinking programme and for their support in delivering this important project to improve water quality and resilient water resources, along with the environmental benefits this brings for wildlife and people”.

Upstream Thinking is an award-winning catchment management programme delivered in partnership with Westcountry Rivers Trust, the Wildlife Trusts in Devon and Cornwall, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and South West Lakes Trust. The programme involves working with landowners to look at how land is managed to drive improvements in raw water quality in rivers across the region.

Eleanor Lewis, South West Outreach Manager for the Woodland Trust said: “The benefits of trees are numerous and we are pleased to be able to support the Upstream Thinking project. Partnership working is key and this highlights how organisations can come together to work with landowners and farmers to find solutions to some of the problems we face”.

South West Water is committed to boosting nature recovery through planting 300,000 trees by 2025, and expanding Upstream Thinking to provide benefits to 146,500 hectares of land by 2030.

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