Honiton Carers enjoyed a visit from East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at their last meeting at the Methodist Church on Wednesday 13 November.

Winnie Cameron introduced Pete Youngman the AONB Project Officer for East Devon who gave a very interesting talk about his role and AONB.

Honiton is sandwiched between East Devon and the Blackdown Hills, which was designated an AONB in 1963.

Primarily it is about looking after our special areas of countryside, wild flowers, insects, birds, mammals, the landscape, wildlife and the history of the area.

There are five areas of outstanding beauty in Devon.

Pete then took us, with the help of a slides, on a walk along the coast from Exmouth to Lyme Regis, which was stunning.

Evidently the area is a superb environment for the Greater Horseshoe Bats.

The importance of the area is for people to come and enjoy and take part in outdoor recreation, such as walking and cycling in a living landscape.

This was stressed, together with the benefits to people's health and wellbeing.

The area is actually man made (not natural) where farming over the ages has shaped the landscape.

There are challenges ahead to the environment, with lost hedges, more people, more housing, larger farm buildings, development, solar farms, fencing, wind turbines, quarrying and more.

In order to protect the AONB there is a partnership 2019 -26 which involves working with children, doing walks and various other activities, workshops with local Farmers, practical action and planting hedgerows.

Winnie thanked Pete Youngman for his very interesting and enlightening talk and invited him to return at a later date.

As well as Pete Youngman, Honiton Carers also benefitted from a visit from Fay Valentine - Honiton's Admiral Nurse, who gave an update.

Fay will be holding a clinic (approx 45 min sessions) at Honiton Surgery commencing on Tuesday 26 November - for a three month trial.

For more information about Fay's Surgery please contact Honiton Surgery.

Last but not least, Vicky Combes our new Devon Carers Support worker for the area also visited.

Vicky has only been a post for a very short period, but was of great support today helping to serve the refreshments and having an opportunity to speak with carers individually.

A great session all round, with a record turnout of 35 people.

The next carers meeting will be on November 27 at Hospiscare Kings House, 2 - 4pm, when Hospiscare Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pat Jacob, will give a talk about the role of the Hospiscare Nurse.

For more information about Honiton Carers Support Group please contact Winnie Cameron on 07974636926 or email [email protected].