People with a keen interest in conserving and enhancing the wildlife and habitats of North Devon are being invited to the North Devon Biodiversity Forum that looks at nature conservation issues within the area.

The Forum meets every six months and is open to anyone who is interested in the work that is being done to protect the Biodiversity within the district

The next meeting being held in January will include the following: Updates from all members on all ongoing Biodiversity work News of a special event held on 12 December 2003 Presentations by guest speakers Dave Rickwood of South West Forest and Malcolm Duncan of Rosemoor Garden.

Malcolm Duncan, Director of Rosemoor Garden says: 'The Rosemoor Garden, situated in the valley of the River Torridge South of Torrington, was given to the Royal Horticultural Society by the Palmer family in 1988. The original gift of 16.6ha (40 acres) has now grown to 54 hectares with the acquisition of the surrounding woodland estate.

'After fifteen years of development the garden at Rosemoor contains a wide variety of garden features and plants of all kinds. These have attracted a varied range of wildlife, taking advantage of the new habitats and food sources on offer. We are actively seeking to further enhance the garden and estate to increase its potential for biodiversity of all kinds.

'Our projects range from the provision of nest boxes and conservation and improvement of hedges throughout the site, to the gradual replacement of the exotic coniferous forestry surrounding the garden with semi-natural woodland with its characteristic wildflowers and accompanying wildlife'. Malcolm will be giving more detail about work at Rosemoor in his presentation.

'David Rickwood of South West Forests will be giving a presentation which will include an overview of South West Forest's planting statistics since inception and, the impact of planting and current management within NDDC. He will also be talking about the current North Devon biodiversity Action Plan for New Oak woodland.

Dave Edgecombe, Biodiversity Forum Chairman says: 'Looking after our environment is crucial and the Forum is a great way of getting the people of North Devon involved. If you care about the wildlife and nature in your district, then come along and see what it's all about'

The Council's Biodiversity Champion, Cllr Geoff Fowler says: 'This is a chance for more people to become aware of the good work in biodiversity that is being carried out across North Devon.'

The meeting is being held at Barnstaple Civic Centre on 19th January. Members of the public are welcomed to the Forum meeting. For details of the time and venue, please contact Kerry at North Devon District Council on 01271 388861.

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