The RSPB is calling for everyone in the South West to join the wildlife-planting revolution after a YouGov survey revealed that three quarters (78%) of people are now doing at least something in their garden or outside space to help wildlife (with 23% trying a lot, 28% trying a fair amount, and 27% trying a little).
The survey, commissioned by the RSPB as part of their Nature on Your Doorstep campaign, also revealed the wide range of ways that people in the South West are already gardening with wildlife in mind – 47% consider how a plant can benefit pollinators when choosing what...
A new guide published today by the RSPB and Barratt Developments, which is currently building brand-new communities across Devon, shows how to turn balconies and small gardens into sanctuaries for wildlife.
The RSPB's ‘Welcome Wildlife into Your World' guide gives top tips and advice for bringing nature to your home, especially for people with a small amount of outdoor space such as a balcony or courtyard.
The leading housebuilder is building new homes at Tarka Ridge near Barnstaple, Embden Grange , Tavistock, Braid Park, Tiverton (from Barratt Homes and David Wilson...
People of all ages are being given the opportunity to spend time in the company of insects, through a series of fascinating new poems.
Award-winning poet Fiona Benson and sound artists Mair Bosworth and Eliza Lomas release their new collection of poetry sound pieces called In the Company of Insects , to the public from Monday, June 8th.
Each poem is dedicated to a different insect – from crickets to glowworms, fireflies to cockroaches. The poems have been recorded and the world of the insect brought to life through immersive sound design, field recordings made on...
Cricket brownies and “chocolate chirp cookies” were served at a meeting about the future of edible insects.
Insects are eaten in many parts of the world, and if people in countries such as the UK and US could get over the “yuk factor” it would open a “new frontier in food”, experts said.
Insects are a rich source of protein and can be produced using far less land and water – and with a far smaller carbon footprint – than meat such as beef.
Scientists, insect producers and other experts discussed the key issues at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall...
Jammy has just moved into her new home and is a little unsure of her surroundings. Right now she’s doing what she always does when she lacks confidence - she’s covering her face and hoping it will all go away. It’s an endearing trait – and not one you’d expect to find in a red-kneed tarantula spider…
Just in time for Halloween, the small but fascinating invertebrate house at Paignton Zoo has been reimagined around the simple idea of home. You might not think you have anything in common with a tarantula – but everyone needs a home.
As the weather warms up, Devon County Council’s public health team is stepping up its advice for people to be ‘tick aware’ as they get out and about in the countryside.
The advice comes during Tick Bite Prevention Week (24-30 March) – a UK public health and awareness campaign to inform the public about the different ways to prevent tick bites. Tick bites can be a serious problem and in many cases can be harmful causing infections that can lead to serious health problems. Around 3,000 people each year are affected by Lyme disease in the UK.
A citizen science website game akin to “big brother for crickets” allows participants to take part in important hands-on research using insects to understand the ageing process.
Biologists at the University of Exeter have set up the online interactive project, to put a fun twist on an appeal for help from the public in analysing hundreds of thousands of hours of video footage.
People taking part in the Cricket Tales game, which involves watching snippets of video and labelling various cricket behaviours and experiences such as mating, fighting and being attacked by...
Experience traditional Wildflower Meadows and help with an Orchid Count on a stroll through 4 small privately owned meadows. These sites contain a wide range of flowers and insects and we should find at least three species of orchid. Help carry out a survey in each field of these most attractive of our native flowers. There will be a short walk of half a mile each way between the car park and the meadows. Sorry no dogs. Booking is essential.
Location: Ruddycleave Bridge, Ordnance Survey grid reference SX 735 746. Car Park half a mile NW of Cold...
Devon charity, the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust, has donated a large collection of butterflies, moths and other insects to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery in Exeter.
The Conservation Trust oversees Paignton Zoo, Slapton Ley, Living Coasts and Newquay Zoo and the specimens were collected by Dr David Stradling, the former Chairman, who passed away in July 2012 after a long illness. His collection was started in the 1950s and includes specimens from the UK, Switzerland, Trinidad, Argentina and Botswana.
VIP guests enjoyed a ladies pamper night at Sapphire Living Space near Darts Farm in Topsham.
The luxury kitchen and bathroom showroom joined forces with Saks Hair and Beauty and Purity Day Spa, both in Exeter, to host a drinks and canapés evening with live demonstrations. The food and drinks were catered for by Bon Gout of Exeter.
Co-owner Mark Newbery said: "This will be the first of many events we will be staging at Sapphire. It was a great success."
