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Nature reserve being created alongside Somerset’s Strawberry Line

Nature reserve being created alongside Somerset’s Strawberry Line

Daniel MumbyLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceThe site near Wells offers wide views over the Somerset LevelsA nature reserve is being created as part of a key walking and cycling route across rural Somerset.Volunteers working on Hollybrook reserve are fencing off a piece of land next to the Strawberry Line, which runs from Yatton railway station to Shepton Mallet.The team plans to create a picnic area at the entrance to the nature reserve near Wells, while a…

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Emerging travel trends key for Devon’s tourism industry

  • Post category:Devon News
Emerging travel trends key for Devon’s tourism industry

Kirk EnglandSouth West environment and tourism correspondentBBCTourism bosses said 2026 is a crucial year for the industry after increases in operating costs for some during 2025The next 12 months have been described as "pivotal" to Devon's tourism sector with a need to cater to growing demands for travel involving wellness, the outdoors and nature.Adapting to "emerging travel trends" will help "get visitor numbers back up" said Sally Everton, general manager of Visit Devon.Owner of The Big Sheep attraction…

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Ice warnings are updated for South West as snow falls in Devon

  • Post category:Devon News
Ice warnings are updated for South West as snow falls in Devon

An updated weather alert for ice has been issued for the South West, as a "light dusting" fell in parts of Devon on Saturday. The Met Office yellow warning runs from 16:00 GMT on Saturday until 12:00 on Sunday. A second yellow alert runs from 15:00 on Sunday to 12:00 on Monday. The service said icy patches may cause travel disruption, as well as injuries due to slips and falls.Devon County Council warned locals to travel with care,…

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Maduro joins Iraq’s Saddam, Panama’s Noriega as latest leader taken by US | News

The reported capture of Venezuelan president evokes previous eras when other leaders were seized by the US.President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States has captured his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro and his wife amid “large scale” attacks on Venezuela, has stunned the world.Venezuela’s Vice President Delcy Rodriguez says the government does not know the whereabouts of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of listIn an audio message broadcast on state television on…

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Cornwall dentist group to fight lack of NHS provision

Cornwall dentist group to fight lack of NHS provision

PA MediaA 2024 report found 34.5% of adults in Cornwall had been able to see an NHS dentist in the previous two yearsA group has been launched to combat what one MP has described as "shocking" NHS dental provision in Cornwall.The North Cornwall Dental Group (NCDG) said it aimed to bring together dentists, health partners and community organisations from across the constituency to support the NHS locally."Too many people here in north Cornwall cannot see an NHS dentist,…

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South Devon steam railway fires up trains for winter gala

  • Post category:Devon News
South Devon steam railway fires up trains for winter gala

South Devon Railway is kicking off the new year with the return of its Winter Steam Gala.The three-day event which finishes on Sunday gives visitors the chance to ride behind a mix of heritage locomotives.The seven-mile heritage steam line runs through the picturesque River Dart valley, connecting Buckfastleigh to Totnes.Five engines will be in service, including two special guests, a Hunslet Works 1589 built in 1929 and Bagnall 2572 Judy, visiting from Bodmin Railway. Ernie Elsworth Wilson, general…

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Overlooked rescue dog finally rehomed after 1,000 days

  • Post category:Devon News
Overlooked rescue dog finally rehomed after 1,000 days

Woodside Animal Welfare TrustWoodside Animal Welfare Trust said the greyhound, called Bobby, had been at the rescue since February 2023After more than 1,000 days at an animal sanctuary, a rescue dog has been rehomed after being "repeatedly overlooked".Woodside Animal Welfare Trust in Plymouth said the greyhound called Bobby arrived at the sanctuary in February 2023. Staff at the sanctuary said they feared the ex-racing dog was about to spend another year in the kennel after 1,064 days there.…

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Beavers Chip and Willow make their home at Mapperton Estate

  • Post category:BBC Dorset
Beavers Chip and Willow make their home at Mapperton Estate

Mapperton EstateChip and Willow were released before Christmas but went in opposite directionsOwners of a country estate are hopeful that love is in the air for two beavers released there as part of a wildlife project.Chip and Willow are the latest additions to Mapperton Wildlands in Dorset, replacing Twiggy and Woody who escaped following storms in 2024.The Eurasian beavers, introduced from different locations, were released into an upgraded enclosure on the estate near Beaminster on 20 December.Upon arrival,…

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Horse rescued after getting stuck in pond on Carbis Moor

Horse rescued after getting stuck in pond on Carbis Moor

A horse that got stuck in a pond on moorland had to be hauled out by firefighters.The animal was found 3ft (0.9m) deep in mud and water on Carbis Moor near St Austell, Cornwall, on the morning of 2 January.Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service said crews first cleared vegetation and undergrowth from the bank of the pond, before using a winch to haul out the 22-year-old horse.The horse was then placed in the care of its owner and…

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Saudi Arabia welcomes request from Yemen to help resolve southern battle | Conflict News

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry has welcomed a request from Yemen’s Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) for a forum in Riyadh to resolve a deadly factional rift in the country’s south that has stoked armed conflict there and sparked tensions between Gulf Arab nations.In a statement on Saturday, the Saudi foreign ministry called on southern factions to participate in the forum in the Saudi capital to “formulate a comprehensive vision for fair solutions to the southern cause”.Recommended Stories list…

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Free swims for residents in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

  • Post category:BBC Dorset
Free swims for residents in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

Residents in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are to be given free swims as part of a residents' card scheme.BCP Council says it will introduce a free monthly swim to boost health and wellbeing, give residents discounts across the three towns, as well as offers on parking.In her New Year's message to council tax payers, Liberal Democrat council leader Millie Earl says she'll keep fighting to protect local services and set a balanced budget.She said residents will also have…

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