Talks on management of Pebblebed Commons continue

CONSERVATIONISTS are inviting people to have their say on the future management of the Pebblebed Commons. The East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust and RSPB will hold an open day at The Church Rooms in Woodbury this Saturday, October 17, keen to

CONSERVATIONISTS are inviting people to have their say on the future management of the Pebblebed Commons.

The East Devon Pebblebed Heaths Conservation Trust and RSPB will hold an open day at The Church Rooms in Woodbury this Saturday, October 17, keen to gauge people's views on the maintenance of the land.

A similar public drop-in session takes place at Salem Chapel, in East Budleigh, next Saturday, October 24.

The commons are a collection of heathland stretching from East Budleigh north towards Woodbury.

Environmentalist Bungy Williams, who works for Clinton Devon Estates, is keen for as many people to attend as possible.

Fifty-nine-year-old Bungy said: "It is very important to give people the chance to air their views about its future management.

"Some tend to think that the commons will always be there and it will look after itself but that is not the case. It needs maintenance."

Most of the Pebblebed Heaths became uneconomic land a number of years ago and now have to be maintained by its managers, the heaths conservation trust and the RSPB.

The commons are a man-made area of heath and wetland judged to be important for their special plants, invertebrates and birds.

The area, concurrently, is valued as 'wonderful wild countryside' for the use and enjoyment of local residents and visitors.

Mr Williams was presented with an MBE five years ago for services to the environment at County Hall.