nature

Angelie Pickett's painting of Ugborough was last year's winner in the older age group

Devon’s countryside charity begins its 2023 search for young artists

Authored by Sharon Goble
Posted: Tue, 06/20/2023 - 11:52am

The Devon branch of the countryside charity CPRE is looking for budding young artists who can capture the beauty and variety of the county’s natural landscapes, from its wild moorlands to its sheltered river valleys.

Young artists aged 18 and under have until the end of September to submit a painting, drawing, textile, collage, or mixed media artwork of a Devon view to win the coveted title of Devon’s Best Young Landscape Artist 2023. The landscape could be a favourite beach or beauty spot, a local park or green space, somewhere visited on a day out or even the artist’s back garden...

Schools out for summer in Devon – Six free nature activities for children

As schools break for summer the RSPB invites families to enjoy their FREE summer Wild Challenge activities to help children connect to Devon's nature and have fun.

Rosalind Allen, RSPB Education and Families Development Officer, said: “As schools in Devon break up for the summer, many parents are worrying about the increased cost of living and how they will be able to afford to have fun and quality family time over the long break. Fortunately, the RSPB’s FREE Wild Challenge scheme includes 30 nature-based activities, inspiring families to get closer to nature, discover ways to...

Steer clear of baby deer! 

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 05/30/2022 - 2:29pm

A joint campaign is underway to inform members of the public about the need to give both pregnant or nursing deer and their young plenty of space when out enjoying the countryside.

Over the coming weeks, from mid-May to July, people may discover newly-born deer hidden in the grass or undergrowth and might mistakenly assume that they have been abandoned Please do not touch, disturb or move them as usually their mothers will not be far away.

It is quite normal for newly born deer to be left hidden in grass and other undergrowth while their mothers feed nearby, returning at...

Happy people standing together in the park

Innovative outdoor singing project comes to Heavitree

Authored by Amy Hopwood
Posted: Sat, 04/23/2022 - 7:16am

We all know that being physically active is good for us, but did you know that simply being outside in the natural environment is also really good for your physical and mental health?

Research[1] shows it can help reduce anxiety and depression, helping to lower stress, blood pressure and more.

The benefits are even greater if we actively engage with nature, and the Nature Songs project is designed to do just that, using singing and songwriting to connect people to nature.

The first Nature Songs project ran in Bury Meadow Park through Winter and into early Spring,...

Work begins on new homes and nature trail in Cullompton

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 01/13/2022 - 2:44pm

Taylor Wimpey has started work on a community of new homes and green spaces in Cullompton.

Culm Valley Park , off Siskin Chase, will comprise of 105 homes, 30 of which will be provided for rent through the local authority. The development will include a new nature trail park, with around 40% of the total site set aside as green space for the residents of Cullompton to enjoy. The existing Siskin Chase play area will be extended within the site to create more space for new and existing residents to enjoy.

Culm Valley Park will reflect Taylor Wimpey’s commitment to...

How to attract and protect Autumn wildlife in your garden

Authored by Claire Small
Posted: Wed, 09/01/2021 - 12:13pm

As autumn approaches, gardeners are being given advice on how to attract and protect wildlife.

Experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have put together their tips on how to attract wildlife including birds and hedgehogs to your garden as the temperature begins to drop.

As autumn approaches, many wildlife species will be looking for a place to stay and hibernate as the cold months pass.

Gardens across the country will be acting as a home and there are small things that gardeners can do to help attract wildlife and provide them with a safe space.

Chris Bonnett...

Road verges provide opportunity for wildflowers, bees and trees

Road verges provide opportunity for wildflowers, bees and trees

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 05/25/2021 - 2:51pm

Road verges cover 1.2% of land in Great Britain – an area the size of Dorset – and could be managed to help wildlife, new research shows .

University of Exeter researchers used Google Earth and Google Street View to estimate that verges account for 2,579 km2 (almost 1,000 square miles) of land.

About 27% of these verges are frequently mown, 41% is wilder grassland, 19% is woodland and the rest is scrub.

There are "significant opportunities" to improve verges by reducing mowing and planting trees, the researchers say.

"Our key message is that there's a...

Guided Walking Tour of The Italian Garden, Great Ambrook, Ipplepen, South Devon

Event Date: 
09/06/2021 - 4:30pm to 6:00pm
Venue: 
The Italian Garden, Great Ambrook, Ipplepen, South Devon

This is a small group (10 people), guided walking tour of The Italian Garden at Great Ambrook.

Explore the garden, see the work in progress, and learn about its unique story, its creators and our restoration plans.

The garden is a not-for-profit charitable interest company and all proceeds are reinvested in the restoration and replanting of the garden.

Full details and directions on our website www.theitaliangarden.org

Booking essential.

Tickets available by clicking on “Book Tickets“ below. Price: £5 Time: 4:30pm - 6:00pm

https://www....

Introduction to Meditation - Well-being Session

Introduction to Meditation - Well-being Session

Event Date: 
16/05/2021 - 2:30pm to 4:30pm
Venue: 
The Italian Garden, Great Ambrook, Ipplepen, South Devon

]Visit this peaceful garden for a meditation session and learn about this ancient practice.

Relax and learn techniques and tips for a calmer life in this unique and beautiful setting.

Booking Essential. Only 6 spaces on each session.

Full details on our website .

https://www.theitaliangarden.org/all-events/introduction-to-meditation-16-may-2021

Introduction to Mindfulness - Well-being Sessions

Introduction to Mindfulness - Well being Sessions

Event Date: 
16/05/2021 - 9:30am to 12:30pm
Venue: 
The Italian Garden, Great Ambrook, Ipplepen, South Devon

Come into the Garden and learn about the ancient practice of mindfulness.

Relax and learn techniques and tips for a calmer life in the unique and beautiful setting of this lovely garden.

Booking essential.

Only 6 spaces on each session.

See our webpage for full details

https://www.theitaliangarden.org/all-events/introduction-to-mindfulness-16-may-2021

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