News & Events
Issue 17 - May 2007
AONB team update
The AONB unit will shortly be welcoming Sarah Porter as our new administration and information officer, replacing Vicky Sharley who left recently to join the Connexions service. Sarah - who currently lives and works in Totnes - will bring the AONB team of five back up to strength and has a background in business, tourism and retail management.
Sarah Porter - 01803 861384 from 14th May
Annual Forum
The 2007 Annual Forum will take place at The Flavel Centre, Dartmouth on Wednesday 20th June. The theme this year is changing land ownership in the South Devon AONB, and its effect on land management. Charles Wreford-Brown of Luscombe Maye will examine the trends in buying and selling land during the past 15 years and David Leach of Devon Wildlife Trust will give his overview of the Landscape Heritiage Scheme and prospects for the future. There will be discussion time with a panel of experts, followed by light refreshments. Attendence is free, registration required by 15th June. Please see www.southdevonaonb.org.uk
Diane Lethbridge - 01803 861378
Yealm Estuary Plan: have your say
The Yealm is the latest of the South Devon estuaries to have its conservation plan updated - and the final consultation period is still open for comment. Issues raised in earlier discussions included the need to improve water quality, address diffuse pollution, improve information about the condition of wildlife habitats, and deal with marine litter. This lovely wooded estuary and sheltered harbour forms part of a wider European marine conservation site linked to the Tamar, Tavy and Lynher as well as the sea in Wembury Bay and Plymouth Sound. Copies of the Yealm Estuary Environmental Management Plan consultation draft can be downloaded via our website home page www.southdevonaonb.org.uk
Robin Toogood - 01803 861384
Sustainable Development Fund focus - Local Schools get 'Eco Active'
After securing a SDF 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 participant's connection to the environment and encourage a sense of ownership and pride for both the school grounds environment and the wider AONB. Practical skills have been taught including growing food, tree planting, and bushcraft, and teachers have been provided with the support and tools for education in sustainable development. This project will continue into the current financial year. Participating schools include Diptford, Kingsbridge, Loddiswell and Salcombe.
Liz Davey - 01803 861183
Slapton coastal adaptation plan: project officer needed
The Slapton Line Partnership is seeking to recruit a business and community development manager to progress a wide range of projects in the Slapton area. The aim is to help build resiliance in the local economy, environment and communities and prepare for the challenges of future coastal change. A community-based adaptation plan provides the framework for the work. This will be one of a series of national demonstration projects about managing change in coastal communities, supported by a funding award from government.
For further information about the post, see the job vacancies page on the South Hams District Council website: www.southhams.gov.uk
Robin Toogood - 01803 861384
Avon Estuary Forum
The Avon Estuary Conservation Forum will be meeting on Thursday 17th May at 7pm at Thurlestone Village Hall. The meeting - which is open to anyone interested in the care and special character of this beautiful estuary - will highlight progress on recent research projects, farm conservation schemes, water quality projects and a wide range of other issues.
Meanwhile, the Aune Conservation Association will be running a series of open lectures throughout August about the Avon - details are on the socials page of the website: www.aca.aveton-gifford.co.uk
Nigel Mortimer, Marine Conservation Officer - 01548 843791
AONB Action Plan update
The AONB Unit is currently upadating the action programme for the AONB, as part of the AONB Management Plan process. A consultation draft will be uploaded to the AONB website shortly and further news will follow in the next e-bulletin.
Roger English - 01803 861384
Partnership committee
At the March meeting the committee discussed renewable energy and gave consideration to recent planning applications relating to various wind turbine generators of different scales and in different locations. The committee also approved and adopted the position statement on renewable energy. The next meeting will be on Friday 15th June at Stokenham Village Hall commencing at 10:30am. Further details will be available on the website in June www.southdevonaonb.org.uk
Robin Toogood - 01803 861384
Launch of The Greenway Walk
A new trail has been launched on the National Trust's Greenway Estate at Galmpton near Brixham. The Greenway Walk is six and a half miles long and features some spectacular views of the coast and the Dart Estuary.
To celebrate the launch of the Greenway Walk local historian John Risdon led a walk for press, media and invited guests along a section of the trail, followed by an official opening by journalist Martin Hesp who writes and broadcasts extensively in the Westcountry.
The walk features numerous joining points for longer and shorter trail options. Its proximity to Torbay means very easy access for Brixham and Paignton residents to the fabulous countryside and coast on their doorstep.
A colourful new leaflet, illustrated by Plymouth artist Brian Pollard, has been published to illustrate the walk and to highlight historic features including The Elberry Cove bath house and the Galmpton creek boat yard. It is available free of charge from information centres or a version can be downloaded from www.southdevonaonb.org.uk
Keith Rennells - 01803 861456
Taking a closer look at the past
The programme of geophysical surveys at archaeological 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 archaeological 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, in partnership with English Heritage and Devon County Archaeological Service.
Tim Pollard - 01803 861201
Step on 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 walks leaders, and cater for beginners (easy walks of 45 mins) 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 dates visit www.whi.org.ukKeith Rennells - 01803 861456