devon

Devon residents asked to donate used Christmas trees for otters

Devon residents asked to donate used Christmas trees for otters

An animal charity has asked people to donate their real Christmas trees to create natural playgrounds for rescued otter cubs.The UK Wild Otter Trust, based in north Devon, said the trees provided enrichment for the animals and gave them the chance to play, explore and hide.The trust said otters were "famously elusive creatures, and in their natural environment, they rely on vegetation for shelter and safety" and "Christmas trees can recreate these conditions perfectly".The trust said it could…

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Firefighters tackle two gorse fires on Devon moorland

Firefighters tackle two gorse fires on Devon moorland

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue ServiceFire crews tackled the fires on Monday afternoonFirefighters have tackled two gorse fires in the same area of moorland.Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said the fires broke out on Monday at about 15:20 GMT in the West Anstey Common area, in Devon.South Molton Fire Station said on social media there were two separate fires which involved gorse on the moor and totalled about 600m (1,968ft).The service said the fires were…

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‘The best gift’ says charity founder in Bournemouth awarded MBE

‘The best gift’ says charity founder in Bournemouth awarded MBE

The founder of a charity supporting disabled people into work has been recognised in the New Year Honours list.Samantha Everard, known as Sammy, has been made an Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for the work she does with her Bournemouth-based charity Support and Mentoring Enabling Entrepreneurship (SAMEE).SAMEE, founded in 2015, helps disabled people develop employability skills and explore self-employment.Reflecting on the honour she said this was "the best gift" to share with her "incredible…

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Medical professionals recognised in Kings New Years Honours list

Medical professionals recognised in Kings New Years Honours list

Caroline RobinsonSouth WestNHS England South WestDr Michael Marsh was recognised for his contribution over many years to healthcare and public serviceA former medical director is among medical professionals who have been recognised in the King's 2026 New Year Honours list.Medical professionals across NHS England South West were recognised for services to healthcare, including two from Cornwall. Dr Michael Marsh, NHS England's former South West Medical Director, was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for…

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The 12 most important shipwrecks of the South West

The 12 most important shipwrecks of the South West

Rebecca RicksBBC South West InvestigationsPA MediaThe MSC Napoli grounded about a mile off Sidmouth, Devon, in 2007For mariners the waters of the South West have long been a challenging, and historically deadly, coastline. In the days before GPS it was the home of tragedies, disasters and misfortunes with thousands of wrecks now laying undiscovered, plundered or broken at the bottom of the sea. With the knowledge of experts, we examine some of the most notable shipwrecks to come…

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Devon’s local heroes recognised by King Charles

Devon’s local heroes recognised by King Charles

Royal NavyAngie Cheal, pictured encouraging a fellow sailor during a recovery triathlon, described the honour as "incredible"A number of people in Devon have been honoured by His Majesty the King in the 2025 New Year Honours List.Among those recognised is Angie Cheal, a Royal Navy Warrant Officer, who has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her dedication to helping sailors and Royal Marines recover from serious illness and injury.The Plymouth-based 51-year-old…

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Plans for Avon fire service to move its headquarters to Avonmouth

Plans for Avon fire service to move its headquarters to Avonmouth

A fire and rescue service is planning to leave its current headquarters and move to a new base.Avon Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) has used the joint HQ site in Portishead with Avon and Somerset Police since 2017.However it planned to move to its Severn Park Training Centre on Smoke Lane, Avonmouth permanently after the deal on sharing the site with Devon and Somerset and Gloucestershire fire services runs out in March 2028.An AFRS spokesperson said it was…

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Decline in adoption rates at Devon animal rescue group

Decline in adoption rates at Devon animal rescue group

An animal rescue centre said less people have been adopting its dogs due to animals' behavioural issues.Gables Cats and Dogs Home in Plymouth said some dogs in its care were "difficult" and had certain requirements, making it harder to find their forever homes.General manager Claire Sparkes said a lot of the rescue dogs were bought in during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown and had not been socialised or trained. She added that some dogs also suffered from separation anxiety,…

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Kate Bush ‘heartbroken’ over friend missing at sea

Kate Bush ‘heartbroken’ over friend missing at sea

AFPKate Bush said Matthew Upham was kind, thoughtful and a great deal of funSinger-songwriter Kate Bush said she was "heartbroken" after her friend went missing during a Christmas Day swim in Devon.Ms Bush said Matthew Upham, a local antiques dealer, was one of her "very dearest friends" who she had known for 30 years. The 67-year-old Running Up That Hill singer said Mr Upham's family and friends were "heartbroken" by the news.Emergency services were called to Budleigh Salterton…

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Record-breaking silk dress on display in Devon

Record-breaking silk dress on display in Devon

BBCArtist Kirstie MacCleod estimates there are between 1-1.5 million stitches on the dress, which took 10,000 hours of workA red silk dress embroidered by 380 people in 51 countries over the course of 14 years has gone on display at Killerton House near Exeter.The Red Dress Project, which saw 87 panels created and stitched together between 2009 and 2023, was begun by Somerset-based artist Kirstie MacCleod. She said: "What I really love is that probably the women and…

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Police investigate unexplained Christmas Day death near Chudleigh

Police investigate unexplained Christmas Day death near Chudleigh

An investigation has been launched after the death of a man at a rural property on Christmas Day.Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were called to the property north of Chudleigh, in Devon, at about 10:50 GMT over concerns for a man.The force said a fire was thought to have occurred but was out when officers arrived, and a man aged in his 80s was found in the property and pronounced dead at the scene.Police said the death…

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Therapy goats in Devon “bring a bit of something different”

Therapy goats in Devon “bring a bit of something different”

BBCRon, the pygmy goat, visits care homes, schools and youth clubs with his playmates Bonbon and PercyPygmy goats are among the therapy animals being taken to care homes, schools and youth clubs in Devon, to foster well-being and combat isolation.Tim Sheppard set up the not-for-profit business Tavistock Therapy Goats in 2024, to bring a sense of the outdoors to people who can struggle to access to the countryside.Mr Sheppard has other animals at his smallholding, and sometimes brings…

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