Our coast - show your love with Coastwise North Devon

Coastwise North Devon launches its latest ambitious programme of talks and activities about the coast and its wildlife on October 12, in Barnstaple Library.

Ilfracombe Diver Maggs Ashton will talk about North Devon Below the Waves and show her exceptional photographs. Lundy's rare Sunset Cup Corals at Lundy were thought to be verging on extinction but rediscovered and photographed by Maggs this year.

This is the first of ten weekly Thursday morning meetings of talks and local site visits. New members are welcome to come and sample a session for just £3. Further information and the full programme is available on Facebook and www.coastwisenorthdevon.org.uk. Enquiries to info@coastwisenorthdevon.org.uk.

Chair Liesje Birchenough said "Our aim this autumn is to provide a fantastic talks programme with an emphasis on opportunities for members to meet up and socialise, indoors and out, with zoom for those who can’t always get there, whilst keeping the fee to £20.

"We kick off with what will be a visual feast of underwater photos from local diver and Coastwise member Maggs Ashton. Later we will hear from DWT’s Coral Smith, as well as talks by experts on marine mammals, offshore wind, working in the Antarctic and the intriguing Discoing Scallops, before a final session when members share some of their year’s highlights."

Liesje added: "We are volunteers who champion our coast but owe much to the North Devon AONB, the Devon Wildlife Trust and the many other visiting experts who participate. However it is a tribute to the love North Devon has for its coast that hundreds of our members and supporters, past and present, remain our greatest asset, which is why we welcome more."