Devon Wildlife Trust The Conservation Communities project is working in 11 parishes between Great Torrington and Hatherleigh to record as much about the natural environment as we can. Plenty of exciting species can no doubt be found in this area, but we know little about what and where they are, and how they’re doing. This project will work with communities to share skills and gain confidence in identifying what is in the local area and how to protect it.
The 11 parishes covered by the project: Great Torrington, Little Torrington, Merton, Huish, Meeth, St. Giles in the Wood, Beaford, Dolton, Dowland, Iddesleigh, Hatherleigh.
https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/what-we-doour-projects/conservation-communities-project
DBRC This project builds on many years of landscape-scale work in North Devon by both of our organisations, including the development of biodiversity audits by DBRC for numerous parishes within the NIA project. In October 2019 we secured funding through the New Heritage Lottery Fund, to work in 11 of those parishes, supporting local residents and community groups to get involved in a range of biodiversity led initiatives, which will greatly improve our collective understanding of the species and habitats there. Residents will be able to attend a range of training workshops, walks and talks, and alongside local experts, individuals and volunteer groups will be supported in a range of nature-based activities. These include setting up long term monitoring of indicator species, such as otters and dormice, sharing knowledge on nature-friendly verge management, pond creation and improving access to nature for local residents.
https://www.dbrc.org.uk/projects-surveys/current-projects-and-surveys/
Submit your Records
DWT: https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/what-we-doour-projects/conservation-communities-project
DBRC: https://www.dbrc.org.uk/wildlife-sightings/
iRecord: https://www.brc.ac.uk/irecord/
Photo: John Walton https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5925843
Videos
Meadow Mammals (55m06s)
With spring in the air you’re likely to start seeing mammals on your walks. Full of interesting facts, this talk shows you how to tell them apart from one another and you are sure to learn something you didn't already know! As part of the Conservation Communities Project, we are encouraging people to send in their wildlife records.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzBoRdBNloo
Managing Devon Hedges for Wildlife (1h05m48s)
This is an opportunity to learn about the wildlife value of our Devon hedgerows from expert Tom Hynes (member of Devon Hedge Group).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2XM9SpEAKY&t=22s
Winter Twig ID (36m54s)
During winter the leaves may have gone, but there are other ways to identify one tree species from another. Learn some of the basics for identifying one Devon tree from another in this online talk from Devon Biodiversity Records Centre.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cKDsNNXsTU
Hedgehog Talk (47m53s)
Learn how to report a hedgehog sighting and find out how you can help and encourage hedgehogs to thrive in to your garden.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV5a76XlI8I
Tracks and Signs (54m20s)
Bring out your inner detective! Find out how we can identify wildlife by using their tracks and signs. By Jess Smallcombe from DBRC
