Heath Week is once again returning to the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths, from Sunday 28th July to Saturday 3rd August, celebrating the heaths’ wildlife, geology, history and recreational use.
The popular annual event has over 20 activities for all the family to enjoy, starting with the Heath Week Family Festival Day held near Woodbury Castle on Sunday 28th July which includes heath land mini safaris in the 39-seater “Pebblebed People Carrier” giving visitors the chance to explore the hidden secrets of the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths.
Heath Week is a partnership between Clinton Devon Estates, the Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust, RSPB South West, Devon Wildlife Trust and the East Devon District Council’s countryside team, bringing together partners who have a passion for showcasing what the heaths have to offer, and sharing their knowledge about the Pebblebed Heaths, natural habitats and surrounding areas.
This year’s week-long celebration of one of Britain’s most iconic, rare landscapes near Exeter will also welcome East Devon AONB, Jurassic Coast Trust, Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, Devon Bat Group, Devon Loves Dogs, Devon Orienteering and many more, to engage the local community in wildlife, history and getting active outdoors.
The diverse and engaging programme of events include mountain biking, orienteering, a tour of the Venn Ottery Nature Reserve, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Bystock Discovery Day which includes pond dipping, shelter building and bug hunts, , a Nightjar safari at Dalditch Plantation, rambles and countryside walk, and a Devon Loves Dogs Waggy Walk which is great fun for dogs and their owners.
Kate Ponting, Countryside Learning Officer at Clinton Devon Estates, added: “Heath Week is a brilliant event which brings back people each year who share a passion about caring for and learning about our stunning heathland. It is always great to meet those who are taking part for the first time.
“These events wouldn’t be possible without our partners who come together with their own knowledge and expertise to put on a fantastic range of activities for people and families of all ages to enjoy and take part in.
“The Pebblebed Heaths are such a special place for wildlife and people, and I’m really excited about this year’s events, which celebrates our heathland heritage”.
Devon Wildlife Trust Volunteer, Liz Hamling and her husband Rog have helped organise Heath Week for 14 years “Rog and I have been involved since 2005. Our first display for Devon Wildlife Trust was at Joney’s Cross. We borrowed an old pasting table and had to use jump leads to hold the display boards in place. Heath Week has really grown over the years to the highly popular event that we have today. It’s great that so many local organisations get together to celebrate our internationally rare heathland. We enjoy sharing our knowledge and love to see children’s faces when they discover their first butterfly or grasshopper.”
Pre-booking is required for some events and activities, many are free and some ask for a donation or small charge. For full details of all Heath Week events and event booking, visit www.pebblebedheaths.org.uk/media