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Blackdown Hills Events 2008

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Blackdown Hills
Devon and Somerset

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The Blackdown Hills are a little-known group of hills lying on the border of Devon and Somerset. Broadly, the area extends from Wellington in the north to Honiton in the south and from Cullompton in the west to Chard in the east. The Blackdown Hills are best known for the dramatic, steep, wooded scarp face they present to the north. To the south the land dips away gently as a plateau, deeply dissected by valleys. On top of the plateau there are wide open windswept spaces; in the valleys nestle villages and hamlets surrounded by ancient and intricate patterns of small enclosed fields and a maze of winding high-hedged lanes.

What makes the Blackdown Hills special is the unspoilt rural character of the "ordinary" landscape. Farming, largely dairying, has retained many traditional practices. The area remains sparsely populated and there are no towns within the AONB.

A number of events have been organised for 2008 - please see some below:

Saturday 8 March: Springtime animal tales
Storytelling and farm visit for under 6s. A chance for little ones to come along to friendly Beech Hayes Farm, see baby farm animals and then listen to local storyteller Clare Viner tell some enchanting farmyard tales.
Cost: Children free, £3 per adult. Booking required.
Location: Beech Hayes Farm, Churchinford, TA3 7DW.

Saturday 8 March: Skills in the Hills – the hedge event
The Blackdown Hills’ popular annual hedge laying event returns with a packed day of competitions, beautiful crafts and tasty food. Demonstrations of traditional rural skills, a baking competition, hedgerow walks and more, with refreshments by Smeatharpe WI.
Cost: £1 per head. Booking not required.
Location: Lower Shelvin Farm, Luppitt. Map ref: ST 163 040.

Sunday 20 April: Neroche Touching the Seasons – spring
Join Neroche lead artist Michael Fairfax to explore the spring woodland landscape at Quants Moor through an artist’s eyes. There will also be a guided walk to discover more about the history and wildlife of the area – chance to use our new hand-held digital information units.
Cost: Free. Booking required.
Location: Quants Wood. Map ref: ST 189 176.

Sunday 27 April: Birdsong in Otterford Woods
A wonderful opportunity to listen to spring birdsong in the woodland. Ornithologist Donald Campbell will be on hand to help you identify different birds and their calls.
Cost: £5. Booking required.
Location: Meet at car park. Map ref: ST 225 140.

Saturday 3 May: Dawn chorus walk and breakfast
Get up early and experience the magical cacophony of spring birdlife in Thurlbear Wood, as part of International Dawn Chorus Day. With luck this will include the unmistakeable sound of the nightingale. The walk will be followed by a hearty breakfast at the Farmers Inn.
Cost: Walk free, breakfast to be paid for separately. Booking required.
Location: Farmers Inn, West Hatch. Map ref: ST 272 199.

Saturday 10 May: Neroche Herepath trails – grand opening
Join in the celebration as the first long distance off-road trail in the Blackdown Hills is formally opened. There will be guided tours for walkers and horse riders, stalls and displays and a chance to try out innovative new digital information units. Horse box parking available.
Cost: Free.
Location: Bickenhall Farm (directions on booking). Map ref: ST 288 194.

Saturday 24 May – Sunday 1 June: Blackdown Hills food and drink festival
A celebration of good food and drink produced in the Blackdown Hills. The launch on Saturday will be followed by a week of events, tastings and special menus at local restaurants, pubs and farms where you can enjoy a huge range of high quality food and drink.
Cost: N/A
Location: Various sites.

Wednesday 28 May: Wildlife gardening workshop
All you need to know about wildlife gardening with John Hayward from Devon Wildlife Trust, whether you're an expert or a complete beginner. Learn the principles, look at the best plants and habitats to bring in the birds and butterflies and make your own 'creature feature' - a home for wildlife in your garden.
Cost: Free. Booking required.
Location: Hemyock parish hall.

Saturday 14 June: Summer bushcraft and forest open day
A family day in the woods, learning how to build shelters, light fires, make tools and search for wild food. During the day there will also be guided walks to see the Longhorn cattle and the majestic veteran oaks, plus storytelling and other activities.
Cost: Children £4, accompanying adults free. Booking required.
Location: Meet at Forestry Commission entrance north of Staple Fitzpaine village. Map ref: ST 261 191.

Sunday 15 June: Wild food walk
A new culinary adventure with naturalist David Allen! Walk at low tide on the mud flats of the Axe Estuary in search of wild food, then enjoy lunch on the beach with an open fire. This event in East Devon AONB is one of a pair of wild food walks, with the second in the Blackdown Hills in the Autumn. Numbers are strictly limited so book early.
Cost: £15, to include lunch. Booking required.
Location: Meet in lay-by near Axmouth bridge. Map ref: SY 253 901.

Saturday 21 June: Springwatch 08 in the Blackdown Hills
Find out what’s on our doorstep by exploring Blackdown and Sampford Commons with local expert Edric Hopkinson from Devon Wildlife Trust. There will also be plenty of fun wildlife activities for children. The site is home to precious plants and wildlife - a great place for a wild day out!
Cost: Free. Booking required.
Location: Meet at Wellington Monument car park and car share to site.

Wednesday 16 July: Nightjar and bat hunt
Join local experts Richard and Alison Whiteside for an expedition across Culmstock Beacon in search of the mysterious heathland bird, the nightjar. There will also be a chance to use electronic bat detectors.
Cost: Free. Booking required.
Location: Meet near Purchas Farm. Map ref: 108 154. Please check details when booking.

Sunday 20 July: Neroche Touching the Seasons – summer
Join Neroche lead artist Michael Fairfax to explore the summer woodland landscape of Quarts Moor through an artist’s eyes. During the day there will also be a guided walk at Wellington Monument to discover more about its history and restoration.
Cost: Free. Booking required.
Location: Quarts Moor and Wellington Monument. Map ref: ST 152 169 and ST 143 168.