magazine magazine
JUNE 2026
Bicclescombe Park walk and talk session
AwalkinggroupgatheredatBicclescombePark on Friday 24 April for a relaxed and informative “Walk and Talk” session led by North Devon Council’sparksofficers.
The gentle walking group was welcomed into the park by the officers who maintain it, offering a behind-the-scenes perspective on the space. As the group moved through the park, parks officers shared their knowledge of the landscape, highlighting a variety of plants, trees,andwildlife,aswellasexplaininghowthe parkiscaredforthroughouttheyear.
The session created an open and engaging atmosphere, with plenty of opportunities for the group to ask questions and learn more about the natural environment directly from those responsibleforitsupkeep.Theexperiencegave attendees a deeper appreciation of the work involved in maintaining the park and the biodiversityitsupports.
The group is led by Abi Williams, Social Prescriber and Wellbeing Coordinator for North Devon Coastal Primary Care Network, who understands the importance of gentle exercise, connection, and learning in supporting wellbeing.
Having the parks officers guide us was incredibly valuable – it gave everyone a deeper understanding of the park and the work that goes into caring for it, while also supporting wellbeing through gentle activity and social connection. We are so grateful to the council officers for taking the time to conduct this session for us – their knowledge and dedication madethiswalkreallyspecial.”
Councillor Ricky Knight, Lead Member for Climate and Environment at North Devon Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see our parks officers sharing their knowledge and passion with the community in this way. Sessions like this not only highlight the rich biodiversity within our parks but also help people feel more connected to the natural spaces on their doorstep and the importance of protecting them.”
The gentle walking group meet every two weeks, often returning to the same locations such as Bicclescombe Park to observe seasonalchangestogether.
Those interested in joining the group can contact Abi Williams via email at support@ilfracombefriendship.co.uk for information on upcoming walks or keep an eye onthegroup’sFacebookforupdates.
Abi Williams said: “This group offers a space for people to slow down, connect with others, and notice the changes in nature over time. Accessibility is very important to us, and for each walk we ensure there’s parking, disabled toilets, safe routes for mobility scooters and wheelchairs, and plenty of resting spots. The Ilfracombe
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Local businesses pledge support for RUN Barnstaple
Local businesses are showing their support for Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) by sponsoring the charity’s RUN Barnstaple event, returning to the town this September. Leading the way as headline sponsor for RUN Barnstaple once more is Wollens, joined by Travel Chapter, Stagecoach, Bond Oxborough Phillips and The Brend Collection, who have all pledged their support for this year’s event.
Karl Seeley from Bond Oxborough Phillips Ilfracombe said:
“We are incredibly proud to support RUN Barnstaple and the vital work carried out by Children’s Hospice South West. As a business rooted in the communities we serve, we find this cause resonates deeply with us, both on a personal level and through our shared values. The support they provide to local families is truly remarkable, and it is important to us that we give something back to the communities that support our business. We are delighted that our team can be part of such a meaningful event, helping raise awareness and support for a charity that makes such a genuine difference to people’s lives.”
Itchy Pets Pt1
There are a few common causes of itching in cats and dogs, with fleas being a sensible one to rule out as it is readily treatable. Some pets suffer from flea allergies which can make them really itchy with very few fleas. These can be hard to spot but using a flea comb and looking for black dots of flea poo can be a good first step.
Pets can still have fleas even when regularly treated if the product used is ineffective or used incorrectly so it can be worth having a chat with your vet about the most effective products. Equally if your itchy pet has no fleas and is low risk for them you may not need to treat them.
Allergies can cause generalised itching or be localised just causing repeated ear infections indogs, paw chewing, or facial scratching in cats.
These can be due to environmental allergies like pollen dust mites or it can less commonly
be due to food allergies. | usually try and rule out food allergies first as even though this is rarer it can mean it can be fixed or significantly improved without medication.
Pets can only become allergic to food they have eaten, so the most common allergens are common foods, chicken, beef, eggs etc doesn’t mean these are bad just that they are commonly fed and would be avoided in a diet trial.
Itching can also be due to yeast or bacteria overgrowth, mites or rarer disorders with the positive being that most respond well to veterinary treatment either directly or by treating the symptoms.
Next month I'll go over how to do a diet trial, what hypoallergenic means and what we should look for in supplements.
Best wishes Freya Brookes - Tarka Vets
Make your own mini garden!
Something a little different this month—a recycled plastic bottle garden perfect for even the tiniest balcony or courtyard. It's a win-win: save space, grow herbs or strawberries, and help the environment. What you'll need: Start collecting two-litre plastic soft drinks bottles now (minimum five). Save the lids from two bottles; discard the rest. Cut the bottom two inches off all but one bottle.
Building your tower: Pierce a 1mm hole in both lids and attach one to your bottom bottle. Wire this bottle (neck down) securely to a strong trellis, railing, or chain-link fence using garden wire—it needs at least two circles of wire to support its length. Fill with compost to about three inches from the top, then attach a second and third bottle the same way, adding compost to each. You can extend your tower by adding more bottles or create multiple gardens alongside it.
Written by Kate Helyer
The watering system: Cut the top six inches off your uncut bottle to form a funnel (this prevents blockages). Attach it to your stack, then place your top bottle with the pierced lid into the funnel—this is your water tank. It collects rainwater or can be topped up during dry spells, irrigating your garden by dripping water down through the layers.
Planting: Cut three-sided 'pockets' into the sides of your compost-filled bottles, spacing them alternately with 3–4 pockets per bottle. Pierce extra drainage holes around the bottom bottle's neck. Plant strawberries, herbs, salad leaves, or trailing flowers like lobelia into the pockets. They'll look snug at first but will settle as watering pushes the compost outward.
Your space-saving garden is ready—and keeps pests away too!
Get in touch: katiedock@hotmail.com
North Devon Ramblers walks
Thursday 18th June
A circular stroll, coffee and chat through Valley of the Rocks, Lee abbey Cottage Tea Rooms and the SWCP.
Meet at Barnstaple Bus Station at 9.40am.
Estimated Finish: 3.15pm
Tuesday 23rd June
Time Out Tuesday – Braunton
A circular 5 mile stroll around Braunton Meet at The Countryside Centre Caen Street Car Park.
Start Time: 6.30pm
Estimated Finish: 8.30pm
Friday 26th June
Webbers Post to Wooton Courtney
A 7.5 mile circular leisurely walk across open moorland with beautiful views over Exmoor.
Meet Webbers Post Car Park.
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 3.30pm
Tuesday 30th June
Time Out Tuesday – Barnstaple
A 5 mile circular leisurely stroll around Barnstaple.
Meet at Barnstaple Railway Station Start Time: 6.30pm
Estimated Finish: 8.30pm
In addition there is a Two Moor Ways 50th Anniversary walk in June led by Two Moors Way Assoc. Please refer to our website for more information: northdevonramblers.org
Wednesday 1st July
Brownsham to Clovelly Circular
A 5.5 mile circular walk through woods, fields and the SWCP. Steep in places
Meet at Brownsham NT Car Park
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 2.30pm
Tuesday 7th July
Time Out Tuesday – Ilfracombe
A circular 5 mile stroll around Ilfracombe.
Meet at the Jonathan Edwards mosaic on the Promenade
Sunday 5th July
South Molton and North Molton
A 9 mile circular walk through woodland and farmland.
Meet at South Molton main car park
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 3.30pm
Start Time: 6.30pm
Estimated Finish: 8.30pm
Thursday 9th July
Great Torrington Circular
A circular walk around Torrington Common and along the Torridge
Meet at Torrington Common- Old Bowling Green
Start Time: 10.30am
Estimated Finish: 2.30pm
Tuesday 14th July
Time Out Tuesday – Bideford
A circular evening stroll around Bideford.
Meet at Tarka Otter Statue
Start Time: 6.30pm
Estimated Finish: 8.30pm
We have been caring for older people (65+) in Ilfracombe for over 30 years. Our Victorian house has a homely, informal feel and lovely coastal views. Our staff are key to creating a welcoming, family-like atmosphere where our residents feel secure, comfortable, listened to and valued.
