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It was great to see both new and familiar faces last week as we welcomed nearly 50 partnership members, ambassadors and interested individuals to our summer AONB Partnership event, at Colyton Ffeoffes Hall.
The event was a great success as an opportunity to learn more about ‘Woods & Water’ in the AONB, with our speakers giving valuable insight into the history and growing importance of managed woodland and projects working to improve conservation and our resilience in the fight against flood and water pollution.
Following an informal network over lunch, there was also the chance to enjoy a guided walk around the Coly River with local landowner Tony Underdown, who gave fascinating first-hand and anecdotal insight into the history and challenges of his riverside farming.
Many thanks to our speakers, ambassador volunteers and Tony for your excellent contributions.
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The AONB Partnership Annual Meeting is a key event in our calendar and it’s coming soon.
Join us for an evening of presentation and celebration at the AONB Partnership Annual meeting on Thursday 20th September 2018.
Our focus this year is Art and Wellbeing in the Natural Environment, and we’re delighted to start the evening with a viewing of the ‘Art on the East Devon Way’ exhibition at the Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG).
We then welcome AONB Partnership members, Ambassadors and special guests to join us at the Beehive to learn from our keynote speakers and enjoy the opportunity to network, in an informal environment, over a complimentary buffet (Not an AONB Ambassador? Find out how you could become one).
We will also celebrate exceptional local projects contributing to art, health and/or wellbeing in the environment, with the presentation of this year’s Acland Award.
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The countdown to the East Devon AONB Acland Awards has begun and we need your nominations for outstanding individuals, projects or initiatives that deserve public recognition and celebration for their efforts.
This year we hope you will help us highlight Health and Wellbeing projects.
Eligible nominees could include any project, operating within the East Devon AONB, working to enhance physical, mental, social or cultural wellbeing via a connection with the natural environment
Help us give a worthy project the credit they deserve and make a nomination.
Please forward to any groups, schools or organisations that might be interested.
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Help Keep East Devon Outstanding
The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Draft Partnership Plan (2019-24) is now out for consultation. The document outlines the priorities for the AONB Partnership, building on the successes of the last 15 years.
The current (2014-19) Strategy has guided the direction of the Partnership in this work over the last 5yrs, enabling initiatives such as new multi-use facilities, policy development, farm support programmes, community orchards, bat monitoring, habitat improvement schemes, archaeological research, heritage projects, walks, talks and events, business advice and rural development schemes across the AONB.
Members of the public are now invited to 'have their say' on the proposed plan for 2019-24. Hard copies of the draft Plan will be sent to all libraries in and around the AONB, as well as to all Parish Councils within the AONB. The Draft Partnership Plan and associated documents can also be viewed on our website.
In addition, a drop-in exhibition will be held at Kennaway House between 3-7 September 2018 for members of the public to view documents and provide feedback. Staff will be available at set times during this period. The closing date for feedback is 18 September 2018. If you experience any technical problems accessing the documents on line, please contact the AONB office on 01404 46663 or email info@eastdevonaonb.org.uk
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Calling all East Devon Businesses
Has the Beaver re-introduction programme affected your business? The project research team at Exeter University have created a survey and are keen to hear from businesses to learn if they have (or have not) seen impacts (whether positive or negative) as a result of beaver presence.
Responses to the survey are anonymous and participants will be offered the opportunity to see the outcomes when they become available. Businesses within and outside of the river catchment area (the Otter and tributaries) are encouraged to respond so that comparisons might be drawn.
The survey should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, and will be open until the end of 2018. Businesses only please. To contact the team directly, please email
Roger Auster: rea213@exeter.ac.uk
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Art on the East Devon Way
Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the East Devon Way, our partnership project with the Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) continues to go from strength to strength
Inspiring people of all ages to connect with nature in new and creative ways, events so far have been a huge success with excellent feedback – and a great deal of enjoyment.
This is fantastic news for us as we really hoped to help forge connections that might otherwise be missed within the AONB landscape.
There’s still time to get involved and try one of the workshops or family events along the East Devon Way.
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Green Spaces = Happy Places
It’s well documented that spending time in nature is good for us – it has been found to increase happiness, improve mental health and strengthen immune systems – as well as inspire a more active lifestyle and creativity.
In 1982, the Japanese government recognised the benefits to the degree they created a public health programme (that continues today) recommending shinrin-yoku - the practice of forest bathing - to enhance health, wellness, and happiness.
Here in the East Devon AONB we have some of the most beautiful landscape, green spaces and woodland to enjoy – whether you call it shinrin-yoku, forest bathing, a walk in the woods, or a stroll in the park, take some time this summer to connect with nature and feel good.
5 woodland areas you might like to visit: Holyford Woods, East Hill, Harpford Woods, Shute Woods, Offwell Woodlands
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