Community News pages 50-53

Fine for 15,000 fish deaths

The North Devon company that caused a pollution incident leading to a devastating fish kill on the River Mole near South Molton, has been fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £9,836 in costs.

Agricultural contractors, A J Sing and Son Ltd, of Pillavins Farm near South Molton, pleaded guilty when they appeared at Exeter Magistrates Court on Wednesday July 28th. Ryan Adams, an employee of A J Sing and Son Ltd at the time of the incident, also pleaded guilty, and was fined £667 with costs of £2,000.

In July 2019, Environment Agency officers found an estimated 15,600 dead fish along a

4.7 kilometre stretch of the River Mole (above), including salmon, brown trout, sea trout, bullheads, stone loach and minnows. Environment Officer Nicola Rumsey said this was a “truly shocking” fish kill on a previously pristine stretch of water, adding, “It may take a number of years for the fish population to fully recover.”

The incident was caused by a spill of anaerobic digestate, a kind of fertiliser packed with nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, due to an unrepaired leaking pipe followed by a period of heavy rain.

S.O.S. Save our Scouts

For 100 years Chulmleigh Scouts have been serving the local community, but now that’s under threat due to a lack of team members.

The 1st Scout Group urgently needs six new volunteer leaders to be able to resume it’s activities for local young people. Training will be given to those who join up.

If you would like to learn new skills and work with young people in a fun environment, please contact: please contact Hayley Hardy: Hayley.Hardy@middevonscouts.org.uk

Olympic pride

North Devon athlete

Phil Norman said he was proud to have achieved his dream of competing in the Olympics in Tokyo. A late muscle injury meant he finished his heat in the 3000m steeplechase event in 13th place. The 31 year old thanked everyone for their support.

Pony round-up on Exmoor

The spectacular annual gathering-in of the herd of Tippbarlake Exmoor ponies (left) took place in early August on Brendon Common in Exmoor National Park. They are rounded up to record them and for health checks. For info: wildponywhispering.co.uk

Beaver is first born in 400 years

A baby beaver has been born on Exmoor for the first time in four centuries. Known as a kit, it was spotted on camera (below) at the National Trust’s Holnicote Estate, where the animals were reintroduced just 18 months ago. Rangers say the family is thriving.