BIODIVERSITY - NORTH DEVON

As an ardent conservationist who lives in Ilfracombe West, I am utterly dismayed that notice of the meeting mentioned below was not publicised on this forum.  I would seek to remind residents of Ilfracombe West that the hedgebank bordering the Langleigh Park side of Langleigh Lane is, thankfully, subject to a preservation order.  It is a pity that those residents further up Langleigh Park failed to honour their commitments and Devon County Council sent in a "hit" squad to address their inadequacies, which resulted in damage to a professionally managed hedge.  The local authority ombudsman's office advisor classified the incident as "criminal damage". 

Nature Enthusiasts Gather for Summer Forum

North Devon Biodiversity Group Meeting

Nature enthusiasts are meeting next week at the summer North Devon Biodiversity Group Forum.

Three special guest speakers have been invited; Alison Cox from the Exmoor National Park Authority, Devon and Cornwall Police Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer Sergeant Dave Knight and James Diamond of English Nature.

Alison will be talking to the group about the Exmoor Biodiversity Action Plan, which aims to protect rare species of animals and plants and their habitats on Exmoor. She will explain what the National Park is doing to assist in looking after habitats such as heathland and species such as the Dormouse. This also includes the weird and the unusual such as the rare 'ballerina waxcap' toadstool. They bear a resemblance to a ballerina's tutu and seem to flourish on Exmoor, so the National Park Authority has a vital role to play in their survival.

Sergeant Dave Knight will then talk about the role the police play in protecting wildlife - not something many people associate with the force's duties. Sergeant Knight will explain how the police work in partnership with many other organisations to combat wildlife crime, which can range from the killing of animals and the uprooting of wild plants to the illegal trading of animals and cruelty.

James Diamond is employed by English Nature and over the past few years has been involved in the conservation of the second largest Greater Horseshoe Bat colony in England, which is located around Braunton. James' work has involved assisting local landowners with environmental projects that help protect this rare and important species.

The Forum will then wrap up with a news round-up from around the room, which will include some feedback from Barbara Haddrill of the Devon Wildlife Trust who is running a Marine Conservation Project. The scheme has just received a boost after securing a £8,000 per year grant for the next three years from North Devon District Council to carry out the scheme's vital education and conservation activities.

Lead Member for Biodiversity at North Devon District Council Cllr Geoff Fowler says: "The next Biodiversity Forum looks as fascinating and jam-packed as ever. It's encouraging to see that so many people are willing to work together to look after North Devon's nature and wildlife."

The Forum's Chairman Dave Edgcombe of the North Devon Coast and Countryside Service says: "The Forum is open to anyone which is interested in Nature Conservation in this area. It is a great chance to spread news about your project, meet others with similar interests and learn about all the hard work being carried out by volunteers and others working in the District."

The meeting takes place at the Civic Centre in Barnstaple on Monday July 14th. If you would like to come along, please contact Anne Skilton on 01271 388861 or e-mail communitydevelopment@northdevon.gov.uk

For more information contact:

Geoff Fowler

Lead Member, Biodiversity

North Devon District Council

01271 864211

geoffrey.fowler@northdevon.gov.uk

Dave Edgcombe

North Devon Biodiversity Group

Northern Devon Coast & Countryside Service

01237 423655

dedgcomb@devon.gov.uk