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Protect wildlife and animals
With March marking the start of spring, dog owners are being urged to protect new-born livestock and breeding birds by keeping their dogs on leads while out walking. With miles of footpaths, bridleways and open access land, Dartmoor is the perfect place for people to enjoy with their canine pets. But livestock worrying is a major concern; already there has been an unusually high number of dog attacks for this time of year. During the breeding season (March 1 to July 31) Dartmoor is a particularly busy place. Ground nesting birds such as meadow pipits, skylarks and snipe love Dartmoor’s vegetation and blend in so well you wouldn’t know they were there. Here, they sit on their eggs and rear their chicks but can be disturbed or hurt easily by roaming dogs. Pregnant ewes, cows and ponies are grazing the land too. New-born lambs are particularly vulnerable to harm from dogs off leads. Dogs don’t need to chase animals for them to become scared or stressed; their presence can still cause a frightened animal to abort or abandon its young – a tragedy for the animal and a financial an an emotional loss to the farmer. Keeping your dog on a lead is a simple thing to do, but helps farmers keep animals safe and healthy. Signs are posted around Dartmoor to serve as useful reminders. Ranger team manager Simon Lee said: ‘Dartmoor has always been a place where dogs and their owners can enjoy walking from challenging hikes up tors to easy strolls along riverside valleys. ‘It’s a fantastic time to visit Dartmoor; everything is bursting into life and the weather is generally milder, but it’s also a busy time for the animals and birds which call Dartmoor home too. Wherever you want to go, it’s a really good idea to keep your dog on a short lead, especially around livestock. ‘We highly recommend people follow our Love Moor Life Ranger Code when out and about. If we all do our bit, we can keep the National Park special.’ The Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society, jointly with the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council, funds the work of Livestock Protection Officer, Karla McKechnie, who is on call to deal with incidents of sheep worrying, dog attacks, casualties from road traffic accidents and livestock in distress on Dartmoor. Livestock worrying is a crime. According to the society’s figures, there have already been 17 livestock worrying incidents this year so far. In 2021, there was a total of 108 – the highest since 2018. ‘It’s so important that people keep dogs on leads around livestock,’ said Karla: ‘There’s no excuse for dogs not being under control and it’s not OK to leave animals suffering. If anyone sees a dog worrying animals, we’d encourage them to report it straight away.’ Call 07873 587 561 to report an incident, or phone police on 101.
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Incredible archaeological fi nds discovered in Devon
A mammoth, rhino and wolf are among the amazing artefacts uncovered at Sherford. Archaeologists made a number of rare and nationally signifi cant discoveries during investigations at the new town of Sherford, off ering a unique glimpse of Ice Age Britain. The artefacts have been painstakingly recovered by a specialist and highly skilled team from across the UK, and are now being analysed. Initial reports confi rm that the well-preserved remains of several species of animals have been found, including woolly mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, wolf, hyena, horse, reindeer, mountain hare and red fox. The ‘megafauna’ – large animals now extinct – that have been found are estimated to be from the last Ice Age, around 30,000 to 60,000 years ago in the Middle Devensian period. An era of great change, this is when dramatic climate change prompted mass extinctions and when ancient creatures roamed the UK. It is hoped the Sherford discoveries will provide new insights into early Britain and enrich what is already known. Sherford is a new 5,500-home community under development on the edge of Plymouth, already home to over 1,500 people. The Sherford Consortium - a partnership of Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Partnerships - instigated archaeological work at the start of construction in 2015 and have remained committed to funding an ongoing programme of archaeological investigation ever since. Excavation during infrastructure work led to the discovery of these animal remains, in an area near old lime kilns and Sherford Quarry. Over recent months, the archaeological team has conducted a detailed scientifi c sampling exercise to obtain as much information about the fi ndings as possible. The work has been led by an expert team that includes Orion Heritage, Exeter-based AC Archaeology,
and multiple expert academics. The project has involved working in close partnership with Devon County Council and Historic England throughout. The animal bones and environmental samples have been carefully recorded and removed from the ground and passed on for academic analysis and preservation. It is expected that the full archive of artefacts will return to Devon, into the care of The Box. Victoria Pomery, CEO at The Box, said: ‘What an amazing discovery this is. We already have some fascinating items in the collections at The Box from this era, some of which provided the inspiration for the hugely popular woolly mammoth and cave lion skeleton we have on display in our natural history gallery. Once all the analysis work is completed it will be a huge honour to care for and display these newly discovered fi nds, and to play an ongoing part in the public’s understanding of Plymouth and the animals that were here during the Ice Age.’ “ The Sherford Consortium will preserve the area where the The Sherford Consortium will preserve the area where the artefacts have been found, to retain this piece of local artefacts have been found, to history for future generations. retain this piece of local history The underground space will be conserved, and no for future generations. ” construction will take place on top of it. However, the entrance will be closed to both protect the historic site and ensure public welfare. It is not, nor will be, possible for the public to safely access the area in which the discoveries have been made. Rob Bourn, Managing Director of Orion Heritage and lead archaeologist on the project for the Sherford Consortium, said: ‘This is a major discovery of national signifi cance – a once in a lifetime experience for those involved. Construction happening at Sherford is the sole reason these fi ndings have been discovered and it is remarkable that they have laid undisturbed until now. To fi nd such an array of artefacts untouched for so long is a rare and special occurrence. Equally rare is the presence of complete or semi-complete individual animals. We look forward to reaching the stage where the discoveries can be shared and displayed, so that everyone can fi nd out more about our distant past.’
Above: Wolf skull, Woolly Rhinoceros jawbone. Below: Woolly Mammoth pelvic bone and tusk were unable to escape, and carnivorous scavengers followed and met a similar fate – or the animals died elsewhere and the bones washed into the area over a period of time. Mr Bourn added: ‘The South West would have been very different back then; it was an area where mammoths and other creatures thrived, roaming great distances across a landscape that looked very different to today. With glaciers not far away in South Wales, and a volatile climate prone to huge floods, what we have found at Sherford may well have died somewhere nearby and were washed up here to create this unique collection of historic relics.
The investigation
The significance of the recovered relics lies in their likely age and potential to provide clues about life in Britain in the last Ice Age. What has especially intrigued experts is the array of bones from different animals, which is a rare occurrence in fossil sites. The detailed samples taken from the site have so far uncovered: • Partial remains of a woolly mammoth, including a tusk, molar tooth and other bones • Partial remains of a woolly rhinoceros, including an incomplete skull and lower jaw • A virtually complete wolf skeleton • Partial remains of hyena, horse, reindeer, mountain hare and red fox • Bones of various small mammals such as bats and shrews. It is anticipated that further bones of small mammals will be identified during post-excavation laboratory analysis. Whether all of the creatures uncovered at Sherford coexisted in a similar time period, or existed at different points over a much longer time span is uncertain. One theory is that some of the creatures fell into a pit and The archaeological excavation of the Ice Age animal remains has just been completed, but work continues offsite, where the bones are now being cleaned, treated and studied in detail. A technically challenging site investigation, it has taken the dedicated team time to carefully explore and extract the findings, with sediment samples and an array of artefacts removed for testing and preservation. ‘This investigation has been in exceptionally safe hands with the best professional archaeological team we could put together, uniting a group of specialist academics from across the UK with experts that have worked closely together over a long time,’ said Mr Bourn: ‘It has also involved a team working under the ground for weeks on end to recover the artefacts and take samples with the utmost care. We have worked with passion and professionalism to carry out thorough and diligent investigations.’ Please note: While all parties involved in these exciting discoveries recognise there will be public interest, people are asked not to visit the site. This area of Sherford is not suitable or safe to visit, and access is highly restricted in the interests of health and safety.
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Ivybridge Ring and Ride to benefit from new funding
Mid Devon Mobility is to receive more than £500,000 in order to develop its ‘Stronger Together’ Project. A social transport / employment hybrid project, led by the Mid Devon Mobility VCS, working in collaboration with TRIP CTA, Dawlish CTA and Ivybridge Ring & Ride, to support individuals from harder to reach backgrounds in rural areas to access employment opportunities. The project will provide a new Give Back Scheme enabling both long-term and short-term volunteering opportunities upskilling/accredited training and improve connectivity focusing on re-employability across Devon, whilst establishing and running a Community Together Support Service to help people re-engage within their communities. Faye Ashton, CEO of Mid Devon Mobility said: ‘We are really looking forward to working in collaboration with the three other Community Transport Associations across Devon (TRIP, Dawlish CT and Ivybridge Ring and Ride) to deliver this project. The project will bring a huge amount of opportunities through training, upskilling and support services to people throughout the whole of Devon. Our charities are known for helping their older, disabled communities – however this project encompasses a new set of beneficiaries and is for the whole community to benefit, both younger and older. We believe the project and the collaboration partnership will build for a better future for the communities we strive to serve - as we will be stronger together.’ The money has been awarded thanks to Devon County Council’s successful bid on behalf of the Team Devon partnership to the Community Renewal Fund. It was announced DCC would receive £9.3-million funding which will support 13 innovative projects, including Mid Devon Mobility. Councillor Bob Deed, chair of the Devon Districts Forum, said: ‘The support this programme will benefit so many people across the county. It’s great that so many diverse projects and businesses from all over Devon are being supported. The positive impact from this scheme will hopefully benefit many of our local communities and businesses. I would like to personally thank Team Devon who have done a stellar job in bringing this all together.’ For more information or to get involvedin the project by volunteering, email ivybridgestvc@gmail.com or call 07881308734.
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• • • Nearby shopping facilities. Pets considered. St. Ann’s Chapel has a post office and store. Woodland surroundings with views of the rolling hills of Dartmoor.
• • • Good shopping facilities. Plenty to explore. Dartmoor is only a 10 minute drive away.
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Fire Fogger for Shaugh Prior Common
A crucial piece of fi re fi ghting equipment has been purchased for Shaugh Prior Common should a wildfi re break out. As part of ongoing work promoted by the Dartmoor Fires Partnership to develop a Dartmoor wide Fire Plan, Shaugh Prior Commoners with full support from Shaugh Prior Parish Council and local police have been able to purchase a fi re fogging unit. The fi re fogger will not only benefi t the Shaugh Common but also the villages within Shaugh Prior Parish in the event of a wildfi re breaking out on the moor. Following work from Shaugh Prior Commoners’ Association and the local police, Aggregates Industries at Lee Moor agreed to secure a fi re fogger for the use of trained farmers (commoners). Rob Steemson, community and landscape management ranger with Dartmoor National Park Authority, has provided advice throughout as part of his work within the Dartmoor Fires Partnership and as emergency offi cer. He said: ‘The natural hazards of the moor make it diffi cult to fi ght wildfi res. The fi re service has purchased smaller equipment themselves and now Shaugh Prior Commoners having a highly eff ective high pressured water vehicle. The unit can be mobilised quickly on a quadbike or small terrain vehicle to provide invaluable help to put out a fi re before it takes a hold. The purchase compliments what other local Commoners Associations have nearby and will help protect a busy part of Dartmoor.’ Instrumental in sourcing the fogger was Julia Sanders, secretary of Shaugh Prior Commoners’ Association. She said: ‘We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Adam Bromley for pursuing this with Aggregates and being able to give this very generous and kind gesture to
Pictured above, left to right: Rob Steemson, emergency offi cer, Dartmoor National Park; Nick Wassell, chairman, Shaugh Prior Parish Council and commoner; Keith Stone, chairman, Shaugh Prior Commoners’ Association and vice chairman Shaugh Prior Parish Council; Adam Bromley, quarries manager, Aggregate Industries; Julia Sanders, secretary, Shaugh Prior Commoners Association; and James Brothwood, quarries manager, Aggregate Industries.
our commons and parish. We now have a crucial piece of equipment should a wildfi re break out on our common, especially as the industries are on the moor and some properties in the villages are so close.’ • The Dartmoor Fires Partnership involves Devon and Somerset Fire & Rescue Service, Natural England, Dartmoor Commoners Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Duchy of Cornwall, Common Landowners, Police, Forest of Dartmoor Commoners Association, Ministry of Defence, and other agencies. Its aim is to get an all-embracing fi re plan for all commons and access land with ongoing agency and individuals support working alongside work already in progress by DNPA, DSFRS and within the current Forest of Dartmoor Fire Management Plan.
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Citizens Advice is here to help during the cost of living crisis
Research from National Citizens Advice has shown that around three-million households are facing a cost of living crisis this winter, unable to afford basics like food or heating. Citizens Advice South Hams are urging anyone who is currently struggling to get in touch. They have a team of advisers and specialists who can help with benefits and income maximisation, to debt and energy advice and more.
Debt advice
Debt can have a crippling effect on your ability to manage and can considerably affect your mental health. It is important to seek help. Citizens Advice South Hams have two fully qualified debt relief intermediaries who can offer free, confidential, and impartial advice. They can support you in creating an action plan to help you prioritise your debts, work out how much you can pay, and make sure you’re getting all the help you are entitled to. They can also support you if you cannot pay your debts. Call the designated debt adviceline on 01803 659 734 and leave a message, or email debt.advice@ southhamscab.org.uk
Energy Advice
The specialist energy team at Citizens Advice South Hams offers a full energy assessment to each client including looking at tariffs, energy discounts and assisting with energy billing and account issues. They also offer practical energy efficiency advice and can liaise with landlords regarding property issues and improvements. Call the energy adviceline on 01803 659 733 and leave a message, or email energy.advice@southhamscab.org.uk
Further support
Citizens Advice can also help you to access charitable support including food banks. The adviceline 0808 278 7948 is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. They can also be contacted by video call using the link on the website southhamscab.org.uk In person support is available for vulnerable clients at the Citizens Advice office, Follaton House, Plymouth Road, Totnes, TQ9 5NE - they are open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm.
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Try a shelter fi rst when looking for your forever pet
At Woodside, placing a dog in the best possible - and forever - home is vital, even if the charity promises to take its pets back if necessary, even years later. Woodside Founder Carole Bowles MBE said: ‘We take animals in for all sorts of reasons. Some are simply due to lack of research before buying, some are found to take up too much time, while others develop expensive to treat breed faults, such as those frequently seen with the fl at faced varieties. The most heart-breaking intakes are due to owner death, care home entry or the need to move into a no-pet rental. This is when our staff pull out all the stops to provide comfort to those handing over a much-loved companion.’ There’s no doubt that pandemic purchases, easy internet sales and the growing number of foreign imports, has increased Woodside’s workload when things don’t turn out well. Carole also expressed her worry for the future of the more mature dogs advertised online: ‘If a dog is being sold on due to undisclosed training or health issues, the chances are high that it will either be sold again or end up in a shelter. We know from experience that multiple homes do not bode well for canine mental health. So much so that we have had to devise a programme to deal with the issues that arise. It has proven highly successful - but like all our work, needs funding.’ Woodside advises the following for anyone considering getting a dog: • Try a shelter fi rst, ours leave us neutered, vaccinated,chipped, wormed, fl ea treated and with a returns policy. • Google your chosen breed. It may need far more exercise and care than you can provide. • Be aware that there are over 400 genetic faults in pedigree dogs and their crosses. Speak to your vet fi rst. • Talk to your pet insurer. High health risk breeds have high premiums. • Imported rescues are often street pack dogs that may struggle to cope in a home environment. • And if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Animals from Woodside currently looking for a forever home: Loki - Eight year old Loki is a typical Malamute, likes a bit of human attention but will also happily lay outside by himself. He does like the sound of his own voice and suff ers from separation anxiety so he will need a rural home, where he cannot upset any neighbours, which is the reason he came into Woodside. Baygle - is a 3 year old male Beagle. He came in to Woodside due to owners circumstances changing. Baygle is good with other dogs and able to live with them, but he isn’t able to live with cats. He cannot live with children under twelve years of age. He is looking for an experienced home, someone who has had an active or challenging breed before. Baygle is a very sweet boy but has a lot of energy and needs mental as well as physical stimulation. Duke - is a 16 year old neutered male DSH black and white. He came in to Woodside due to owners passing away. He is a very friendly boy who is looking for his forever retirement home. He does suff er from Irritable Bowel Disease and is on life long medication to help keep this under control. Being older he is looking for a home in the Plymouth area so that the Trust can help support his care.
Thank you! A huge thank you to Stephen and Dawn, owners at Honicknowle News, and their customers who generously donated a huge van full of food to Woodside Animal Welfare Trust! There was something for all the charity’s animals - the cats, dogs, rabbits and the livestock and even the staff! He came in to Woodside due to owners circumstances changing. Baygle is good them, but he isn’t able to live with cats.
Dartmoor Zoo shares success story
Since Dartmoor Zoological Society opened its Hedgehog Rescue, also known as ‘Prickly Hedge Lodge’, a dedicated team of staff and volunteers at Dartmoor Zoo have worked tirelessly to care for multiple hedgehogs and nursed them back to health. Each hedgehog has its own story to tell and everyone at the zoo is pleased to share a wonderful success story. Dasher (the zoo’s Christmas baby) was found wandering at a school in the middle of the day. On arrival to the zoo, she was treated for parasites but it was soon clear that more was going on and she had an underlying injury which began to show itself. Dasher quickly deteriorated over the fi rst week and her ear and nose turned into a large abscess. After antibiotics and careful treatment from the team, it fi nally healed and her health started to improve. With just a little scar on her nose to show the injury, she has quickly become a fi rm favourite. She is extremely inquisitive, always watching what the staff are doing and has the best manners during treatment. At nearly 700g, everyone is looking forward to releasing her back into the wild during the spring. There are many costs associated with running a rehabilitation facility if you would like to donate, visit bit. ly/DZSHedgehogRescue
Sparkwell Parish Council - wildlife initiatives story
At the end of February, the ‘State of Britain’s Hedgehogs 2022’ report was published by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) giving an insight into the status of hedgehogs in the UK. Hedgehogs in Britain have undergone a historic decline in recent years and the diff erences between urban and rural populations are becoming increasingly apparent. In urban areas, the picture is of a stable population showing signs of recovery. This highlights the importance of gardens and green spaces and local action by Hedgehog Champions all over the country. Unfortunately, rural hedgehog populations remain low and in the last 20 years, numbers have continued to decline nationally. The loss of hedgerows seem to be partially responsible and encouraging farmers and land owners to restore and extend them will help. Research funded by the BHPS and others have found that hedgehogs prefer villages to open farmland as they travel about following hedgerows and fi eld margins in search of food. They can travel about 1.5 miles each night so understanding how they move through the landscape is important, especially if their travels take them across roads where many mortalities occur. In our eff orts to help prevent hedgehog deaths in our parish, you will have noticed the road signs reminding motorists to slow down and look out for our nocturnal visitors. Unfortunately, hedgehogs freeze when they encounter a vehicle on the roads so if you do see one at night, please stop and move it to a place of safety.
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