Peoples Republic of South Devon

Twin town

If any of the Devon diaspora are in Newcastle tonight they can get a flavour of the old county with a short trip to the Art Works Gallery, Ouseburn.
Some 16 Devon artists’ work will be on display next to their Nurthumbrian counterparts’ in a show called Contemporary Landscapes in the environment, under the aegis of NE by SW, which is led by Devon Arts Culture and the Aurora project, which has taken not a little doing.
Five of the artists themselves will be at the gallery, along with representatives of the People’s Republic of South Devon.
As Blacksmith Spencer Field Larcome from Totnes told us: “This is a marvellous opportunity to get national exposure and my thanks go to Devon Artsculture. Not only have they been really supportive but they help educate artists to become more successful, and without them, we would not be in Newcastle.”
The show runs from tonight, July 5, 6.30pm throughout the rest of the month and August and there are hopes for a reciprical trip of northern artists to Devon next year.
Posted by Cptn

July 5th, 2007

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Future forests

Spare a thought for the woodland managers in the world of climate change. These guys and gals are looking 50 or 100 years in the future when they plant seedlings, and trees are increasingly playing a larger role in tackling climate change.

At Tuesday’s Forests for the Future seminar, hosted by the Forestry Commission South West, the organisation’s regional director, Laura Jones, said: “Woodlands in this region are managed for timber, for wildlife habitats, and as recreational open spaces for local people to enjoy.

“They bring value to all these areas of our lives, and our environments, but they need to be managed and looked after to get the best out of them. Sharing our experience, and discussing challenges in events like this, encourages us to work together to make our forests ready for the future, and able to support us through the challenges ahead.”

But forest’s aren’t only about cleaning up the air and enjoyment, doncha know, they are about renewable sources of energy, too.

Dr Mark Broadmeadow, who is the Forestry Commission’s climate change adviser, said: “Trees are frequently spoken about when people think about climate change, and there has been lots of discussion about carbon offsetting schemes. But they have far more to offer the debate than that; we recently launched the Woodfuel Strategy for England here in the South West which promotes wood as a sustainable, carbon lean, renewable energy.

“But as well as seeing woodland as a vital resource in the battle against climate change, we also have to weigh up the huge challenges, to prevent our woods becoming victims to rising temperatures and pests which are now making their homes here in warmer climes. Forest Research is at the cutting edge facing these challenges, and coming up with ways of protecting our woodlands over the coming years.”

The full agenda is available from the forestry commission site at http://www.forestry.gov.uk/fce-seminars.

Posted by Cptn

July 5th, 2007

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