Fungi are some of the oldest living organisms on earth. Without fungi we would all be buried in leaves!
Fungi are unable to use photosynthesis to turn carbon dioxide, water and sunlight into food. Instead, they absorb dissolved minerals by secreting digestive enzymes into their environment, breaking down dead plants and animals. They are known as Saprophytes.
Hyphae are the threads living under the leaf litter and bark of a tree. They form a web called Mycellium which creep throughout the woodland. The mushrooms and toadstools we see are just the fruiting body of the fungus.
 (Pictured above Turkey Tail and Mycellium fungi)
Did you know Fungi have many different uses such as Penicillin, Fermentation for producing Beer, Cheese, Yeast for bread and can be used as a Pesticide! Take a walk through the woods and see how many types you can find.
 (Pictured above Fly Agaric Fungi and Jelly Ear)
Our stalwart volunteers joined the rangers in October for a day of coppicing out at Orley Common. This ancient technique involves cutting Hazel stems off at ground level in patches called ‘coupes’. This lets light reach the woodland floor, boosting wildflowers and butterflies and improving the habitat for Dormice.
The afternoon was spent forming an attractive woven corral from the cut Hazel branches, protecting next spring's juicy young shoots from hungry deer. By the time the corral breaks down the shoots will be big enough to cope with a bit of browsing.
If you would like to help your local wildlife to thrive, why not join the rangers for one of their conservation workdays. Contact 01626 215773 for more information
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Countryside Ranger activities
Leafy Lookalikes Dawlish Countryside Park. Sunday 11 December 11am-2pm. Free.
Come along and get creative Autumn style. It could get messy so dress appropriately.
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 Book and pay essential is essential for this event - £3.20 adults £1.60 children (U16).
Wrap up warm and join us for a hot chocolate and some simple star gazing before we watch the Moon rise. Then we’ll be looking through the telescope. This will be a static event on the pitches. It is weather dependent and may be postponed (activity credit given) if cloudy or wet. Call 01626 215773 or 215751 or check our social media page or webpage.
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A walk with the ranger to see what variety of birds we can find on the reserve. Adults £3.20 accompanied children £1.60. Meet at the Visitors Centre. No dogs, please. Bring binoculars if you have them (limited number available to borrow). Book on 01626 863980 or email stephen.edwards@teignbridge.gov.uk. |
Free regular walks led by trained volunteers in Dawlish, Decoy, Ipplepen, Kingskerswell, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, Moretonhampstead and Teignmouth. Contact greenspaces@teignbridge.gov.uk to find out more about our walks and what it takes to become a volunteer walk leader for yourself or your organisation.
Our new Green Flags have arrived and will be flown at Decoy Country Park, Courtenay Park, Homeyards Botanical Gardens and Teignmouth Den.
John Nutley Executive Member for Sport Recreation and Culture pictured here recently on a very blustery day in Teignmouth with Green Spaces Projects Officer Chrissie Drew
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 Do you like talking to and helping the public? Are you interested in wildlife? Do you have a few hours to spare on weekend afternoons? We are looking for volunteers to staff the Visitors Centre at Dawlish Warren. If you are interested and want to know more, call us on 01626 863980 or email stephen.edwards@teignbridge.gov.uk.
Chris Inch from the U3A Monday Movers walking group sent in the winning image of Dawlish Water (below) and receives the Plum Tree prize along with some of the group.
Below left the winning entry; below centre runner up shot of the Red Oak Tree in Teignmouth Old Cemetery; and below right runner up shot of an Acer in Homeyards Botanical Gardens.
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The carved tree stump on the Lawn was unveiled by the Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Lisa Mayne with Devon County Councillor Martin Wrigley and Cllr Val Mawhood Chair of the Civic Amenities Committee of the Town Council.
The seat was carved by Andrew Frost who has also completed other works at Dawlish Countryside Park and Decoy Country Park. The stump used for the carving was that of a mature horse chestnut tree felled earlier this year due to its deteriorating condition.
Early in 2022, All Saints Kenton Friends entered the CPRE Devon (Campaign to Protect Rural England - Devon) competition for Devon's Best Churchyard.
They were delighted when they won and were presented with a very lovely plaque and £200 to be used to enhance the churchyard environment. The award is not about having a manicured churchyard. It is about many factors including creating a welcoming space for people and wildlife, taking measures to encourage biodiversity, and engaging with the local community.
It’s about the Swifts, the bats and the ants. The huge puffballs too and the hop plant that refuses to stop growing through the Mahonia Bush. This award is also in recognition of the whole story of getting our church repaired and reopened. It has been a huge team effort. The Friends are so grateful to Teignbridge District Council grounds maintenance for their support and to the team of Idverde grasscutters. Without their help this would not have been possible. Thank you TDC!
In October the Friends of Homeyards received their trophy and certificate from South West In Bloom . The mosaic seat recently completed there also won the RHS Denise James Art in the Landscape award and the Friends are all very proud. Thanks again to everyone involved in this great work.
Author Lisa Pash. How Maria Homeyard transformed the village of Shaldon during the 1920’ and 30’s with the Liqufruta fortune. Now on sale for £10 in Shaldon at The London Inn, Bradley’s Estate Agent, Shaldon Post Office, The Ness House Hotel and in Teignmouth at the Museum and Quayside Books; or an on-line purchase can be made shortly at the Friends website Friends Of Homeyards Botanical Gardens Shaldon - Shaldon Botanical Gardens
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ACT Check out where your nearest Wildlife Wardens are and what you could do to help.
RSPB Take a look at the RSPB's nature’s calendar
Pictured below (from left to right) are Green Elf Cups, a Scarlet Elf Cap and a Reddening Lepiota
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