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Getting to know you
29 June 2012
Tony Whitehead
Public Affairs Officer
E-mail: tony.whitehead@rspb.org.uk
“How well do you know the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths?” That’s the question wildlife groups will be asking during this year’s Heathweek.
The week-long programme of events celebrating all things wild and wonderful on East Devon’s heaths runs from 29 July to 3 August. From ancient history to mountain biking, squiggly things in ponds to night flying predators, or just listening to a wildlife story, there is something for everyone.
There are guided walks and cycles with the RSPB, the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, the Devon Wildlife Trust, the East Devon AONB. These feature diverse sites from Aylesbeare and Woodbury Commons to the wonderfully named Stockland Turbaries. Also included is a rare opportunity to see how industry can remake this rare habitat after gravel extraction has passed through, with guided walks round Blackhill Quarry.
Toby Taylor the RSPB warden for Aylesbeare Common Nature reserve says: “Heathweek is a great way to get a flavour of life on the heaths, how the landscape has been used down the centuries and is still in use today and how that use has created a unique environment for some unique plants and beasties”.
For complete details visit the East Devon AONB website at http://www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk/uploads/documents/explore/Heath%20week%20leaflet%20for%20websites.pdf or come and join us for the opening festival on Sunday 29th July at Woodbury Castle car park 11am -3.30pm
East Devon Heath Week is organised by the RSPB, Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, Devon Wildlife Trust, East Devon District Council, Devon County Council, Natural England and the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.