Two major projects to bury overhead power cables and enhance the landscape of the Dartmoor National Park have been completed in a joint project between Western Power Distribution, the South West Protected Landscapes Forum, and Dartmoor National Park Authority.
The two schemes on Holne Moor and Walkhampton Common have removed nearly 6km of overhead lines between them from open moorland.
Work on the Holne scheme started in November with the 1km or so of underground works now completed. Archaeologists were on site throughout the trenching works but disappointingly, nothing of...
The East Devon District Council Countryside team is delighted to welcome well-known local wildlife illustrator Mike Langman to the Axe Estuary Wetlands on Tuesday 19 August at 7pm for what promises to be an entertaining talk about his travels in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.
Away from the tourist areas of Cancun there is a wealth of wildlife to discover – from the warm crystal waters of the Caribbean and the world’s second biggest reef to the lush forests where the Mayan temples tower above the wildlife rich canopy.
Although Mike is known for his passion for birds, of...
During the summer holidays, Lydford Gorge has a number of events to tempt children and their families away from their television and computer screens, outside and closer to nature with all the benefits that this brings.
The Lydford Gorge walk is stunning at any time of the year and through the holidays there is also a butterfly trail. This trail is designed to teach people the differences between the butterflies found on Dartmoor, making that learning a fun experience so that everyone can then have a go spotting and naming real butterflies in the wild. There is a prize for all...
A major gas leak has closed part of Exeter city centre.
Properties in Longbrook Street have been evacuated and the road has been closed.
Fire crews from Exeter have confirmed a ruptured gas main on the corner of Longbrook Street.
A spokesman said: “A 100 metre cordon has been set up and the road has been closed. All the properties within the one hundred metre cordon have now been evacuated.
“The flow of gas has been stemmed but not completely isolated.
“Fire crews are at work with a positive pressure ventilation fan to assist with gas ventilation and...
Devon Community Foundation is delighted to announce that its Summer Grant Round is open with £125,000 available for Community Projects across Devon, Plymouth and Torbay helping to build thriving communities.
For this round the Foundation are looking to support community projects mainly run by volunteers with an income of less than £30,000 pa which are helping to bring the local community together, with grants between £500 and £1,000. For those looking for grants on a larger scale the Foundation does have a limited number of grants between £1,000 and £10,000, but the grant must be...
Local Peugeot Dealership, Truscotts Exeter, has been awarded Peugeot Business Centre status after delivering superior standards for customers in Exeter.
Truscotts Exeter, on Matford Park Road, had to achieve excellence across 35 specific business areas to be awarded the status and join a network of 88 other Peugeot Business Centres across the UK.
The Peugeot Business Centre scheme means that customers in Exeter, whether business or consumer, are guaranteed consistently high quality service. To make sure these service levels are maintained, every dealer is regularly reviewed...
Well over a thousand cyclists are expected to come to Exmouth on August 17th, to participate in one of the West Country’s most exciting and beautiful cycling events, the Jurassic Classic, for Prostate Cancer U.K.
In its third year, the route offers riders distances of 50km, 100km, or 100 miles through historic Devon towns such as Budleigh Salterton, Ottery St Mary, and Charmouth, as well as the breathtaking scenery in areas such as The Otter Vale, Peak Hill, and Exmouth. All of the distances offer a challenging ride, and this year’s fundraising hopes to break last year’s impressive...
Holiday-makers and locals have one more chance to explore the farm at Lower Halsdon in Exmouth on Friday 15 August.
Not usually open to the public, this is a rare opportunity to visit a working farm to meet the animals and try some fun family activities. The National Trust ranger team will be there to show visitors round the farm and get everyone involved in the ‘50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ ‘ nationwide challenge.
“Lower Halsdon is a National Trust tenanted farm and we are keen to show people what there is to see there”, explains Chris Jones, East Devon Countryside...
People are being asked their views about the future of Devon’s first wild beaver population for more than 300 years.
A public meeting is being held to discuss the beavers on Tuesday 19 August at The Institute in the east Devon town of Ottery St Mary (EX11 1HD), close to where the beavers are believed to be living on the River Otter.
The hosts, Devon Wildlife Trust, are inviting people to make their views known from 3pm on the day with a formal public meeting scheduled for 7.30pm that evening.
It is not known where the beavers came from or how long they have been on...
Have you ever wondered what fascinating marine life lurks in the pools left behind when the tide is low?
Join the East Devon District Council Countryside Rangers on one of their Rockpool Rambles, to explore these unique habitats and the creatures that live there, and find out how they are adapted to their challenging environment.
No need to book, just turn up with a net and a bucket if you have them. All children must be accompanied by an adult. The Rockpool Rambles are free events, but donations are welcome.
