Nature conservation @ East Devon

The Peaslands Knapp nature reserve run by the Sid Vale Assn is real haven:
Sid Vale Association - Peaslands Knapp

And there are lots of things going on all year round:
Futures Forum: Peaslands Knapp... meadows and sheep
Futures Forum: Apple-pressing at the Knapp, Sidmouth - Saturday 4th Oct
Futures Forum: Butterfly Day at Peaslands Knapp >>> Saturday 20th June

The neighbouring Knapp nature reserve is run by the District Council:
The Knapp Community Nature Reserve - East Devon

The work which goes on there has received considerable praise from the District Council's countryside ranger:

Praise for volunteers who dedicate time to maintain East Devon’s beauty spots

09:31 22 April 2016

Eleanor Pipe

Peasland's Knapp new gate and entrance way. Wild Lupins on Knapp Hill, Sidmouth. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref shs 1269-21-11AW. Click on myphotos24 to order your copy of this photograph

New recruits welcome as group gets set to mark third year of preserving conservation sites

Dedicated conservation volunteers have clocked an ‘amazing’ 1,800 hours to keep East Devon’s countryside looking beautiful.

A group established in September 2013 has gone ‘from strength to strength’, and members have been praised for their commitment to maintaining nature reserves, including Sidmouth’s Peaslands (sic) Knapp and Seaton Wetlands.

East Devon Conservation volunteers work under the guidance of countryside ranger Nathan Robinson and play an important role in the development and preservation of the district’s wildlife and habitats.

Nathan said: “It’s been a pleasure working with such a diverse group of dedicated people. All the volunteers come from different backgrounds and each volunteering session provides a great social occasion, bringing people from across East Devon’s communities together. Each volunteer offers something different, whether it is expertise in hedge laying, a passion for wildlife protection or the ability to tell a good joke at tea time.”

Volunteers say they have developed new practical skills and grown in their understanding of habitat management techniques through involvement in a variety of tasks throughout the year.

The varied work includes scrub clearance, coppicing, tree felling, hedge laying, wildlife surveys and control of invasive species.

Volunteers are essential for the conservation and preservation of East Devon’s countryside sites.

Nathan added that the group is very welcoming and there is no experience necessary, just a willingness to get stuck in.

If you are interested in volunteering for the countryside team, email countryside@eastdevon.gov.uk or call 01395 517557.

Praise for volunteers who dedicate time to maintain East Devon’s beauty spots - News - Sidmouth Herald

The District Council values it nature volunteers:
21 April 2016 - East Devon Conservation volunteers set to mark their third year of service - East Devon

It runs several events at its nature reserves and runs many campaigns in East Devon:
Help our hedgehogs! - East Devon
Bluebell Celebrations at Holyford Woods on May 1 - East Devon
Dawn chorus - East Devon

See also:
East Devon Conservation Volunteers (EDCV) - East Devon

Countryside sites

Information about our countryside sites in East Devon

1. Seaton Wetlands

   Nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalk through beautiful marshland and reed beds alongside the river Axe, home to an abundance of wildlife.

2. Holyford Woods Local Nature Reserve

   A tranquil woodland teeming with wildlife, ideal for a family outing

3. Delderfield Community Nature Reserve

   Tranquil wildflower meadow with breathtaking views over Sidmouth and across the bay to Portland on a clear day

4. Honiton Bottom Community Nature Reserve

   This site supports a wide range of common plants and wild creatures

5. The Maer Local Nature Reserve

   Ideal for a quiet stroll just away from the busy sea front and a secret haven for wildlife

6. Exmouth Local Nature Reserve

   Find out more about one of the biggest local nature reserves in Devon

7. Trinity Hill Local Nature Reserve

   Trinity Hill Local Nature Reserve is a natural oasis in the midst of conifer plantations

8. Knapp Copse Local Nature Reserve

   A perfect mix of woodland, meadows, a stream and spectacular views set in a hidden valley in the heart of East Devon

9. The Knapp Community Nature Reserve

   A tranquil green space in Sidmouth with views of the surrounding countryside and across to the sea

10. Fire Beacon Hill Local Nature Reserve

    Fire Beacon Hill is an area of lowland heath, which offers a bird's eye view of the surrounding countryside and coast.

11. Cranbrook Country Park

    Cranbrook Country Park is an area of green space in the heart of a brand new community. It falls within the flood plain of the local stream – the Crannybrook – from where the town gets its name.

Countryside sites - East Devon

And:
East Devon Council build £4,000 temporary badger accommodation during Exmouth tennis court works | Exeter Express and Echo
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