North Devon celebrates 50 years of beauty

11/10/2009 1:17:00 AM

TravMedia.com: Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership has produced a beautifully illustrated brochure outlining its development over the last half-century, future plans and special qualities.

Highlights include the series of ‘personal treasures’, which members of the community, AONB Partnership and local officers wanted to share with others for them to enjoy. These feature places within the area that hold special memories as well as beauty spots and areas of important historical or geological interest. AONB ‘champion’ comedian Bill Bailey has also talked about his favourite place.

A time line cleverly lists notable public events alongside important developments within the AONB such as 1961, when the first man went into space and the Somerset and North Devon Coast Path was designated. The brochure also contains information about the exciting anniversary events and activities programme, which is already underway. More dedicated and linked events will be announced shortly as well as plans for a grand finale.

Commenting on the golden anniversary in her foreword, Rose Day, Chairman of the North Devon Coast AONB said: “During these last fifty years, enlightened stewardship has protected this very special landscape, whilst allowing it to adapt to changing times. Today, in additional to traditional ‘bucket and spade’ holidays, a wealth of exciting recreational and cultural activities are available.”

The North Devon Coast AONB was designated on 10 September 1959 and confirmed on 25 May 1960 in recognition of its stunning coastal landscape, which is of national and international importance. For fifty years the Partnership has protected and conserved the area and will honour this landmark birthday with a series of events highlighting the different aspects of life, culture, history and wildlife across the region from September 2009 to May 2010.

Copies of the brochure are available free from libraries, tourist information centres and selected local attractions or it can be downloaded from the AONB’s website, www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk, which also contains a wealth of information about the area.

- Ends -

Return to previous page