Community
Community Events
We are constantly developing this section of the site and would love to hear your ideas. If you know of East Devon traditions and customs or would like to write about your town, village or a project in the AONB, please contact us aonb@eastdevon.gov.uk
East Devon District Council Countryside Service produces a programme of community events and activities for Spring/Summer. Click here for more events Look out for their Coastal Festival which takes place along East Devon beaches during the month of August.
"Your Countryside Matters!"
In 2004, East Devon District Council Countryside Service toured the district with a roadshow programme, as detailed below:
The roadshows provided an opportunity for local people to meet representatives of the Countryside Team and the AONB Team and to find out about Local Nature Reserves, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty within the district, community grants and recreational activities and events. The roadshow programme also included a community consultation exercise which encouraged people to express their views about the countryside in East Devon and to highlight any areas of concern. Click here to view a copy of the Community Consultation Report (pdf 188KB)
'Biodiversity and Landscape' 2005
Sid Valley Countryhouse Hotel, 28th Nov, was attended by over 80 people - 67% were community representatives, 26% officers and 7% local business. Dr Andy Clements, Director English Nature was key note speaker.
'Community and Landscape' 2004
Branscombe Village Hall was the venue for the first Annual Forum on Saturday 16th October 2004, providing an opportunity for people who live and work in and around this special area to find out what the AONB designation is about and what the East Devon AONB Partnership members have achieved over the past year.
The morning session included a panel of speakers - Jay Talbot, Chief Executive from the Community Council of Devon, Sue Craythorne, Community Strategy Officer from Devon County Council and Barbara Farquharson from the Branscombe Project. 70 enthusiastic people supported the event, with representatives and individuals from local farms, schools, conservation groups, business associations, local parishes and the District Council all contributing to the 'Question Time' style panel session, where the morning's speakers were all put on the spot.
Councillor Tony Reed, Chair of East Devon AONB Partnership
welcoming guests to the Forum
Celebration
of Devon's hedges
The East Devon AONB supports Devon Hedge Week every October.
In 2006 practical courses were run by the Devon Rural Skills Trust near Woodbury, there was a hedges and scrapes walk along the Otter with Doug Cullen (Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society) and a Blacklake arm event.
In 2005 guided walks took place at Higher Weston farm with EDDC Education Ranger and Max Hooper (of Hooper's Law fame relating to the ageing of hedges), Blacklake farm demonstration and a hedgrow 'fruits' walk in the Coly Valley with Axe Vale Conservation Society.
In 2004 the RSPB planted young trees to fill in gaps in a hedge corridor used by dormice at Aylesbeare Common. Blacklake Farm, a Soil Association organic demonstration farm, at East Hill near Ottery St Mary, organised a walk and hedge laying demonstration. The Axe Vale and District Conservation Society, led a short walk and practical hedge laying experience at Gays Farm in the Branscombe valley. And Bicton College, Budleigh Salterton, ran a full weekend’s hedge laying course.
Learn more about Devon’s hedges at www.devon.gov.uk/devon_hedges
Celebration of East Devon's heathland
The East Devon AONB supports East Devon Heath Week every July/August.
In 2006 the East Devon AONB were involved in guided mountain bike rides, heathland restoration at the Norman Lockyer Observatory and the Heath Week festival day which included family activities from 'Time Team' style archaeology digs to wildlife safari jeep rides and reptile rambles.
In 2005 the East Devon AONB were involved in guided mountain bike rides, quarry walks and the heath week open day at RSPB Aylesbeare.
Further details of outdoor activities.