countryside

Village celebrates opening of new homes

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 10/09/2015 - 8:24am

Residents of Sandford, near Crediton, are celebrating after the official opening of affordable new homes in the village. Summerfield Developments have recently completed work on the Creedy View development set in the Mid-Devon countryside.

The scheme is the first major residential development in the area for over 20 years and each of the nineteen properties have been carefully designed by the Taunton-based developer to complement its delightful rural location, while offering all the benefits of a modern home.

Chair of Sandford Parish Council, Shuana Waller, invited local...

Explore the natural world with Devon rangers

Join the East Devon District Council Countryside rangers during the summer holidays to explore some local habitats and discover more fascinating facts about the world of rockpools and bugs.

Did you know for example that male and female crabs can be identified from the shape of their tail or that crickets have ‘ears’ on their legs?

East Devon's rangers will be leading the rockpool rambles so just turn up at the events and bring a net and bucket if you have them. Events are free but donations are welcome, and will help the team continue the events programme in the future....

Sweet dreams under the stars at Wetlands

Enjoy a starry night (or two) with the Countryside team at Seaton Wetlands in August

Seaton Wetlands are at their spectacular best at dusk and during the early hours of the morning, so don’t miss the chance to sleep under the stars and rise and shine with East Devon District Council’s Countryside team on Friday 7 August, starting at 5pm, for a unique camping experience.

Bring your camping kit, go on a night walk, cook over a campfire, discover the moths that live at the Wetlands, listen to stories and wake up to the dawn chorus and a sunrise breakfast.

To book a...

Can you spot an outsider?

Authored by Marc Astley
Posted: Wed, 04/15/2015 - 10:32pm

The majority of Devonians can spot an outsider moving to the area in as little as five minutes, a new study reveals. To fit in with the locals, those moving to the area need to ditch designer gear in favour of hardy wellies and stop being in a hurry. The findings come from a unique study by Devon estate agents, Luscombe Maye, in response to latest official figures* that show the South West is the destination most people are moving to, particularly from London. While the majority of Devonians think the influx to the area is great news for prosperity and bringing a new dynamic to the area,...

Wildfires warning as warm weather arrives

With sunny weather predicted for this week many people will be encouraged to be outside, whether this is a causal stroll in the countryside or hiking across Dartmoor.

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Service remind walkers and campers to be mindful of the impact and damage that a gorse fire has on the environment.

They also tie up valuable fire resources for some time.

The Fire Service are advising people to be vigilant in rural areas and follow this simple advice:

• extinguish cigarettes and other smoking materials properly • never throw cigarette...

Explore Devon the naturally healthy way

A host of opportunities to explore Devon the naturally healthy way are on offer during February half term, giving people the chance to take a deep breath of fresh air and make the most of Devon’s fantastic woodlands, parks and urban green spaces, moors and coasts.

Explore Devon is a new website packed with activities and places to go during the February half-term, and ways to entertain the children; offering the chance to go outdoors and get muddy, build a den, collect bark rubbings, climb a tree or play hide and seek.

Winter in Devon is a great time to wrap up warm and...

Council and Bicton College form partnership

East Devon District Council’s Countryside Team has joined forces with Bicton College to provide work experience placements to Countryside Management students. This relationship will give the next generation of rangers an insight into habitat and visitor management across all the council’s nature reserves including Knapp Copse, Holyford Woods and the Axe Estuary Wetlands. The students will gain invaluable skills in conservation, running events, working with volunteers and delivering education sessions.

Councillor Iain Chubb, Environment Portfolio Holder said: “This partnership...

Devon clothing brand celebrates success

This time last year, two Devon students were piecing together their ideas to create a new lifestyle brand, and in May they will celebrate a year since the launch of Elsie & Arthur.

Jack Williams, 22, and Allie Lawson, 21, both originally from North Devon, set up the brand after being awarded a launcher loan from School For Startups, founded by ex-Dragons’ Den investor Doug Richards.

Elsie & Arthur uses influences from the Devonshire countryside and traditional British culture to create high quality clothing, using only natural textiles such as cotton, wool and silk...

Wassail

Event Date: 
19/01/2014 - 2:30pm to 3:30pm
Venue: 
Killerton House, National Trust, Broadclyst, Exeter, Devon EX5 3LE

Dust off Christmas and greet 2014.

Help us wake up the apple trees in our orchard for our next cider crop in the autumn. Bring something along with you to make a loud noise, featuring live music.

Free entry for national trust members, please visit nationaltrust.org.uk/killerton for further details.

Hone your hedge-laying skills and help wildlife

Authored by lamorna
Posted: Tue, 10/22/2013 - 1:36pm

Hedge-laying is good for wildlife, and can be fun and good exercise for humans too.

That’s the message from EDDC’s Countryside Team as they invite people to fill the limited spaces on a hedge-laying day on 1st November 2013.

Much of the work carried out by Countryside staff and volunteers is practical and hands-on at the nature reserves across the district. Sites are managed with people and wildlife as the priorities and the team are keen to keep traditional practices alive as far as possible.

Nature Conservation Officer Steve Edmonds said: “A laid hedge has several...

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