The North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Golden Anniversary Celebrations 2009-10

Fifty years ago, on 10th September 1959, when trains still came to Ilfracombe and Britain’s first motorway was just about to open, the spectacular coastline of North Devon was given special protection by designation as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This was confirmed in law by the Minister of Housing and Local Government on 25th May 1960.

This small sliver of England, just 66 square miles, has some of the finest scenery in the country. The force of the sea has created sheer crags and razor-like reefs wide sandy bays and sand dunes with a backdrop of hedged fields, steep-sided wooded combes. Hamlets sheltered from the Atlantic winds, bustling holiday resorts and scenic fishing villages complete the picture.

This special landscape provides opportunities for recreation, tourism and farming as well as rest and respite from the pressures of daily life. Since 1959 the understanding of the AONB has developed and much of the land is in conservation management. Water-sports and walking have taken the place of buckets and spades and we now care for our special landscape in the understanding that it can change to meet new needs whilst remaining beautiful for future generations.

To celebrate the Golden Anniversary of designation the AONB Partnership and our supporters have developed a programme of events and celebrations to be held between September 2009 and June 2010. These events will be open to everyone who loves the North Devon Coast and wants to experience, explore and enjoy this wonderful area.

To find our more about the AONB the anniversary events please visit our website www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk

Events Taster

Get Walking: The 2009 North Devon and Exmoor Autumn Walking Festival has joined forces with the AONB to present ten walks in the most interesting and scenic areas along the Coast. Each walk will be guided by a local expert who is involved with the day to day management of the landscape. New walks in the AONB are planned for the spring walking festival which runs from 29th April 7th May 2010.

Arty Activities: We have teamed up with Beaford Arts who will present Dimpsy Tales based on Croyde where friends and relatives of all ages can come together to share local tales that span the generations. Workshops will be held on the 8th and,12th October with a performance will be on the 17th October. Dance the North Devon Coast organized by Appledore Arts Festival) will involve young people in creating and performing a dance spectacular. Date and venue to be confirmed.

Time and Tide: North Devon Archaeological Society have put together a stunning array of speakers for our joint AONB and NDAS Golden Anniversary Conference on the Archaeology of the Coast. Join us at the Landmark Theatre in Ilfracombe on Saturday 24th October. Later in the year the AONB team will be holding an event on Planning and the historic environment in the AONB.

Fishy Fun: Clovelly Estates are staging two events in support of our 50th anniversary. On Sunday, 6 September 2009 tribute is paid to Clovelly's famous lobsters and crabs with an action packed day and on November 15th, the Silver Darlings festival will feature herring dishes, local cider and wine and maritime the Kipperland exhibition, freshly-smoked kippers and bloaters, and traditional shanty singers.

Coastwise: On the 20th October: Naturalist and wildlife artist John Walters will Celebrate the 50th Anniversary with an illustrated talk on coastal habitats of the South West at Barnstaple Library.

This is just a sample of AONB Golden Events

To find out more visit www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk