Local News

Big bumblebees take time to learn the locations of the best flowers, new research shows.

Meanwhile smaller bumblebees – which have a shorter flight range and less carrying capacity – don't pay special attention to flowers with the richest nectar.

University of Exeter scientists examined the "learning flights" which most bees perform after leaving flowers.

Honeybees are known to perform such flights – and the study shows bumblebees do the same, repeatedly looking back to memorise a flower's location.

"It might not be widely known that pollinating insects...

A pest controller in Exeter is issuing a stark warning to householders to be more careful with Christmas leftovers, after a surge in rat problems caused by a “perfect storm” of carelessly discarded Christmas food waste, cold weather and the skyrocketing population of urban rats this year.

“The problems are huge – the rat population in Exeter going into Winter was 25% higher than last year, and we are entering a cold period – rats are moving around trying to find food and shelter – many are attacking domestic bins, and anyone being careless about their Christmas rubbish will pay...

FUN-LOVING father and son Martin and Roman Kemp have partnered with Specsavers this Christmas to find and celebrate Devon’s unsung community heroes – those people who have made us smile during the pandemic.

The hunt is on for anyone whose acts of kindness, charitable endeavours or volunteering efforts could be eligible for a money-can’t-buy prize – a one-to-one video call with Martin and Roman, plus £1,000 and a glasses voucher to spend in store.

Former Spandau Ballet musician and actor Martin says: ‘This year has been tough for all of us, but there are people who are so...

The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) will gallop into 2021 with a fabulous new website making it easier for its valued supporters to keep up to date with and understand the charity’s crucial work in securing the future of native Dartmoor Ponies.

At the core of the charity’s work is its desire to inspire and connect people with Dartmoor’s wildlife, landscape and heritage. To do this, it provides innovative education and conservation opportunities so that everyone can learn more about the plight of moorland ponies, its crucial role in Dartmoor’s ecology and in helping to shape...