| An evening of celebration and presentation in the East Devon AONB On Wednesday 27 September, the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership was delighted to host their 15th annual meeting at The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth. The stunning new restaurant venue helped welcome over 100 guests in support of the AONB and provided a fantastic locally sourced menu. With a theme of wildlife, the environment and heritage, the event focused on recognising the diverse conservation and enhancement work taking place within East Devon. The achievements of exceptional local projects, nominated for their contributions to communities within the AONB, were celebrated and four shortlisted nominees; Beer Village Heritage, Thelma Hulbert Gallery, Shute Community Primary School and Woodbury Community Orchard, were all in the running for the AONB’s Acland Award. After a record number of nominations and a closely fought selection process, the overall Acland winner for 2017 was Woodbury Community Orchard. Founded in 2013, the orchard project has inspired a whole community and planted over 66 locally sourced apples, pears, plums and a cherry trees. Harry Barton, Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust, was keynote speaker and the audience enjoyed hearing about the diversity of East Devon’s landscapes and marine life and the habitat and species conservation work the Trust undertakes, often with the support of volunteers. Mike Baker, CEO of the Donkey Sanctuary, also took to the stage to give a presentation about the breadth of work undertaken by the charity and the local and international impact of their work with donkeys. |