City birds less afraid of litter, says Exeter researcher

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Sat, 06/04/2016 - 12:06pm

Urban birds are less afraid of litter than their country cousins according to a new study co-authored by a University of Exeter academic.

The research, which highlights one way in which birds adjust to urban settings and published in the journal Animal Behaviour, shows that corvids - the family of birds which includes crows, ravens and magpies - are more likely to show fear in relation to unfamiliar objects than other birds.

However, if they and other bird species have previously encountered similar objects they are able to overcome some of their fear.

Dr Alex...

Explore the countryside with East Devon education rangers

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Sat, 06/04/2016 - 10:23am

The East Devon Countryside Team Education Rangers are about to start a busy summer spent outdoors.

Over the summer term the rangers will be running more than 50 visits to East Devon District Council's nature reserves, beaches and other sites across the area, and over 30 of these visits are to EDDC’s Seaton Wetlands site. The Education Rangers will also be involved with the busy Countryside events programme run for local residents and tourists across East Devon.

Penny Evans, Education Ranger said: ‘’Being outdoors is beneficial for children who are able to learn through...

Online Virtual Orchestra

Can you play an instrument?

The BBC are calling out for any musicians, whatever instrument you play, to join in with an online virtual orchestra.

The performance is Bizet's Toreador Song from Carmen.

Last entries have to be submitted by Saturday 27th August 2016.

The best entries will be edited together and performed at the BBC Proms In The Park all over the UK on Saturday 10th September 2016.

For more information view this link: http://www.privatemusictuition.co.uk/like-involved-virtual-orchestra/

Views sought on temporary bus station option

Residents living near the Triangle Car Park, just off Heavitree Road, are being asked to give their views on the possible use of the car park as a temporary bus station.

A temporary solution will be needed during the redevelopment of the existing Paris Street bus station. Cllr Phil Bialyk, Lead Councillor for Sport and Health and Wellbeing, said: "It's still early days and nothing has been decided yet, so we're really keen to talk to nearby residents and businesses about how The Triangle might work as a temporary solution whilst the current bus station is being redeveloped. We will...

Open air theatre returns to East Devon

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Fri, 06/03/2016 - 11:15pm

Book up for Gulliver’s Travels in Connaught Gardens on Sunday (June 5)

Sidmouth’s best loved garden will be the setting for an open air production of Gulliver’s Travels being performed by The Pantaloons theatre company on Sunday June 5.

The production – to be staged in Connaught Gardens - is a funny new adaptation based on the book by Jonathan Swift and begins at 7pm.

Later in the summer on August 10, a family-friendly production of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales will be staged by The Pantaloons in the Manor Gardens in Exmouth, again beginning at 7pm.

Tickets...

Baby and toddler safety campaign relaunches

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Fri, 06/03/2016 - 10:41pm

A Trading Standards campaign to help prevent babies and toddlers from being injured at home is being relaunched on 6 June.

Every year in England 60 children are killed, 450,000 attend A&E and 40,000 are admitted to hospital as a result of accidents in the home.

The Buy Wise Be Safe campaign aims to prevent injuries by providing clear advice on ways to make the home safer and what to look out for when buying safety equipment.

Originally developed by Trading Standards South West in 2005, the initiative was delivered across the region using a video pack through...

From law to lapdogs - Matthew needs your support !

It often takes a leap of faith to start your own business. Even more so if you’re coming from a professional career into an industry where you’re still learning the ropes.

That’s exactly what Matthew Dunne did when he left South West law firm Foot Anstey and started up Local Vets. Now he’s about to take on his next big challenge: raising money on Crowdcube.

Local Vets is a finalist in Crowd10 South West - an initiative to support ten regional businesses to launch funding campaigns during June, and we spoke to Matthew to find out more.

Despite the name Local Vets,...

RD&E’s emergency services facing unprecedented rise in attendance

The RD&E’s Emergency Department and Medical Triage Unit are under severe strain with record levels of people seeking urgent medical attention.

On Tuesday this week (31st May) 391 people attended the Trust – the highest number ever recorded. Attendance in A&E is up year on year by 11% compared to last May placing unprecedented pressure on emergency services.

With record levels of people coming to the A&E department at the RD&E, the public are being asked by doctors to use emergency services only when absolutely necessary.

Emergency services in A&E...

Exeter Craft Festival grows to three days!

For the first time in its 41-year history, this year’s prestigious Exeter Craft Festival is being extended to take place over three days on Friday 15 July, Saturday 16 July and Sunday 17 July.

The event, which brings together the wonderful work of some of the most talented craftspeople and artists based in the South West will, once again, be held on Exeter’s beautiful Cathedral Green.

‘The decision to extend the Festival to three days has been driven largely by public demand, as a number of the people who in the past have visited on the Saturday have automatically assumed...

Jump racing’s elite support golf fundraising day

Authored by Lucy
Posted: Fri, 06/03/2016 - 3:36pm

A plethora of stars from the world of jump racing will descend on Teign Valley Golf Club in Devon on Monday, June 6 when a charity golf match takes place in aid of the Injured Jockeys Fund.

The event has been organised by Malcolm Barrett from Kingsbridge who has been involved in charity fund raising days for the IJF for 15 years.

"These golf days are a lot of fun and always very popular. We’re very lucky that so many jockeys are coming don to Devon to play," he said.

Past heroes who will be taking part in the challenge include former champion jockey John Francome,...

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