Rural skills, creative crafts and a celebration of wildlife

By [rrothery]

IF you want to know more about sustainable and creative living, the Yarner Trust at Welcombe runs a great selection of practical and exciting courses in everything from traditional soap making to backyard poultry keeping.

This year, though, the trust is offering special courses with North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to celebrate the latter's 50th year. These include a half-day nest box making course to learn about birds, their food and nests (Tuesday, February 16); hedgerow basket making (Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21); a practical day discovering how to repair cob structures and work with lime (Friday, March 26); and a chance to create landscape sculptures from natural materials (Tuesday, April 13).

There is also a two-day Baskets From The Beach course on Thursday, May 27 and Friday, May 28, which starts with beachcombing at Welcome Mouth. 'Finds' are later combined with willow to create individual baskets. Course prices are around £45 per day (bursaries are available to ensure the courses are affordable to all).

For those who love wildlife, a three-night residential Butterfly Break featuring guided visits to the Devon Wildlife Trust's nature reserve at Marsland might appeal. This site has become nationally known for increasing numbers of the rare Pearl Bordered Fritillary butterfly. It takes place over the early spring bank holiday weekend from Friday, April 30 to Monday, May 3.

Also planned are a dawn chorus walk, a look at woodland management for dormice and a spring flower walk; there will also be free time to enjoy the reserve and spectacular rugged coastline. This unique opportunity to experience the hidden valley's wonderful wildlife at close quarters costs £160 per person B&B (self-service).

Full details can be found on the website www.yarnertrust. org; to book a place call 01288 331692 or e-mail info@yarner trust.org.uk. For information about the North Devon Coast AONB visit www.northdevon-aonb.org.uk.