News & Events
Issue 16 - February 2007
A Cleaner Avon
Work on installing new fences, water troughs and hard standings is about to start in a programme to keep cattle away from river banks and feeder streams in the Avon catchment and so reduce bacterial pollution, siltation and nutrient enrichment.
The AONB office is working with the Aune Conservation Association, the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, the Small Farms Association and local farmers, with funding from DEFRA, to run the Avon Catchment Sensitive Farming project. The scheme hopes to make improvements to water and river bed quality to benefit bathing waters, shellfisheries, salmon stocks and other wildlife.
Meanwhile, congratulations to Aune Conservation Association members for doing a litter sweep along the foreshore on New Year's Day, removing bags of rubbish from the estuary.
Berry Head Conservation Plan Approved
After extensive public consultation and research, a new conservation plan for Berry Head National Nature Reserve at Brixham was approved at a recent meeting of the Berry Head Forum and will form the basis for a major Heritage Lottery Fund bid and ten-year work programme.The towering limestone clifftops of Berry Head form one of two National Nature Reserves in the AONB, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), an important historic military site and popular beauty spot. This prominent headland at the eastern end of the AONB and is well worth a visit at any time of year.
The AONB office has welcomed the planned works which will include clearing scrub from archeological remains, conservation grazing, improved access and information, erosion repair and community involvement.
SDF 2007 Programme
We will be entering our third year of the Sustainable Development Fund grant programme in April. Information on making an application is on our website and the date for the first round of applications to be submitted is Friday 9th February 2007.
Devon Pilot Scheme Announced to Promote Innovation on Flooding and Coastal Erosion
The AONB office has been instrumental in helping to secure funding for a £245,000 community-based project to prepare for coastal changes at Slapton. This is one of six national pilot schemes approved to look at new ways of responding to flooding and erosion.Recent studies predict that the road link at Slapton should remain viable for some decades to come, but forward-looking actions need to start now.
The Slapton Coastal Zone Adaptation Plan, co-ordinated by the Slapton Line Partnership and working with local communities, will look for practical solutions to the threats of coastal erosion in the area, including transport links, environmental issues, heritage and the local economy.
Step Out for a Healthier 2007
The Active South Hams health walk scheme continues to develop across the area. These popular walks are being well-attended, and many people are discovering the benefits of regular walking in a group. Walks in Totnes, Ivybridge and Kingsbridge are led by trained walk leaders, and cater for beginners (easy walks of 45 minutes) and improvers (moderate walks of about an hour). Walking is almost the perfect activity for good physical and mental health, and can improve your confidence, stamina and energy, help with weight control, reducing high blood pressure, osteoporosis, coronary heart disease, anxiety and stress. The walks start from the leisure centres, for times and days visit www.whi.org.uk.
Sustainable Development Fund Focus
Supported by an AONB grant of £15,000, 'Eco-Active' has been delivering a programme of environmental education in 12 South Devon primary schools. A key aim of the project is to increase pupils' connection to their environment and encourage a sense of ownership and pride for both the school grounds environment and the wider AONB. Practical skills are being taught including growing food, tree planting and bushcraft, and teachers have been provided with the support and tools for education in sustainable development. Participating schools include Diptford, Kingsbridge, Loddiswell and Salcombe.
Taking a Closer Look at the Past
The programme of geophysical surveys at ancient monuments in South Devon has gathered pace since the new year. In addition to the earlier survey work carried out at Burleigh Dolts (Malborough) and Boringdon Camp (north of Plympton), further archaeological investigation has taken place at Holbury Camp (Holbeton), Slapton Castle and Lower Well (Stoke Gabriel). These five earthworks are a mixture of hillfort settlements and the aim of the geophysical surveys is to assess the existence of archaeolgocial deposits remaining beneath the surface, such as post holes, fire sites or ditches and embankments which may give clues to past activity by our ancestors.
Increasing our knowledge of these sites will help inform future management of these ancient monuments, ensuring that they are protected for years to come. The surveys have been carried out by professional archaeologicalists for the AONB's Life into Landscape project, in partnership with English Heritage and Devon County Archaeological Service.
Walk on the Wildside with Robert Waterhouse
Popular local archaeologist Robert Waterhouse will lead a walk around the stunning coastal landscape of Bolt Head and Starehold Bay on Sunday 11th February. You will discover evidence of ancient residents: prehistoric farmers who laid out patterns of fields, medieval people who made their homes in the valley, and the site of the first transatlantic cable. meeting at Overbecks National Trust car park, Salcombe, at 11am and returning at 3.30pm the walk is approximately 3 miles long with a few steep slopes. A full list of AONB coast and countryside events can be viewed on our website.