A public Rock-Pool Ramble on 28 May at Croyde at 1.30 pm will launch a very special 2013 summer programme of free shore events for the public organised by Coastwise North Devon. Download the Summer Events poster here.
The summer season will culminate in the North Devon BioBlitz, a count of coastal wildlife of land and sea against the clock, to be held on Saturday 7th September at Woolacombe with kind permission of Parkin Estates and the National Trust.
This nature festival will celebrate the North Devon Biosphere’s 10th Anniversary and has been made possible thanks to a grant of £4500 from the Big Lottery.
Dozens of naturalists and volunteers have already offered to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with the hundreds of visitors expected and planning is well underway.
Coastwise Projects Co-ordinator, Jim Monroe says “We will be using the summer shore events to raise interest and support for the BioBlitz. It will be a first of its kind for North Devon and is quite a challenge to organise. The grant from the Big Lottery is a huge help. Our aim is to make the BioBlitz fun for everyone, as well as informative and good for the environment, just what the Biosphere is all about.”
Action will centre on Woolacombe Green around the Biosphere’s superbly equipped science tent where the public can mingle with naturalists and view their displays. Alongside, partner organisations will run related activities for all ages and abilities. Throughout the day there will be guided walks to look for the wildlife of the dunes and cliffs, and rock-pool rambles along the shore.
Enquiries to [email protected]. The full programme is available on www.coastwisenorthdevon.org.
All events are free, but a small charge will be made for the identification cards which are a very good way to start building up a knowledge of the marine world.