BRAUNTON BURROWS BIOSPHERE EVENTS REPORT 2003

The designation of the revised Biosphere Reserve has generated increased interest throughout this year resulting in many more requests for talks, walks, literature and detailed information about, for example, locations of rare species, access to the site, educational and other facilities.

An enlarged programme of talks and guided walks was organised this year to include the wider Biosphere. At Braunton Countryside Centre a series of 12 weekly talks took place on a wide variety of themes relating to the Biosphere area: wildlife, geology and local history. These were all well attended and very much appreciated by both locals and visitors. These talks raised nearly £400 for the Countryside Centre. At present it is the only interpretive centre featuring the core of the reserve in the context of the buffer zones and is staffed and funded entirely by volunteers and voluntary donations. There are already requests for more talks on additional subjects next year. Another 15 talks have been given to local groups and societies and demand for these is increasing too. These also lead to the society requesting a guided visit.

Visits to the Biosphere generally have increased this year with 25 different groups ranging from large college groups of 80 students to specialist societies. Demand could not always be fulfilled, many are planning repeat visits next year and request a knowledgeable guide. In addition the programme of 10 Biosphere walks open to all took place, 6 on the Burrows, 4 on various parts of the Biosphere reserve. These all attracted a far larger number of participants this year and undoubtedly this demand was stimulated by the Biosphere publicity and the thirst for knowledge that this generated. Some walks needed two guides to cope with the large number. In addition the Coast and Countryside Service organised three Biosphere Weekends, one in May and two in September. Other events such as the North Devon Walking Festival were enhanced by incorporating parts of the Biosphere in their programme of walks. The local Field Centres - Hallsannery, St Georges House, Yenworthy Lodge continue to use the site. The whole Biosphere area is attracting more interest from specialist groups such as the recent visit to the Marsh by the botanical section of the Devonshire Association. More visits by experts from afar can lead to new discoveries e.g. an extremely rare hybrid willow found in the Burrows this year is a first recorded in Devon. Students have made contact from several Universities wishing to base their final year dissertations on the Biosphere and I have advised them of lines of research beneficial to the site.

Mary Breeds produced a display on the Biosphere, first used at the Biosphere Conference at North Devon College in April and is writing a booklet about the flora of Braunton Burrows with an accompanying display in Barnstaple Library in November supported by a Tarka Millennium Award.

The increase of interest in the Biosphere has highlighted the urgent need for the provision of informative interpretive boards in the three main car parks. This must be a priority in the coming months

Conservation management of the core area continues with extensive mowing and some grazing with traditional breeds - Red Devon cattle and Portland sheep. Even after extensive mowing instigated by the MOD and EN, which is very expensive, we are unable to cover all areas. The grazing trials set up in 1998 were completed this year - a report on the results of the vegetation monitoring and its conclusions from an independent assessor is due in 2004. On many unmanaged areas the uncontrolled growth of tall grass and scrub continues to smother the special flora. Excavations to remove surface vegetation and produce wetter conditions during 1999 & 2000 were carried out to recreate habitat suitable for the Water Germander, a plant formerly known from 10 counties, now only two. On the Burrows its population declined by 78% between 1984 and 1998. The plant has reappeared on 7 of the 8 excavated sites and is now thriving on them. Water table readings taken on October 2nd showed the lowest levels ever recorded since readings started in 1966.

The Sand lizard was first introduced in 2001 with 3 autumn releases, a total of 117 specially bred hatchlings freed. Breeding was confirmed this year - an adult female and a recently born juvenile seen. This demonstrates that the lizards have found conditions very favourable on the Burrows. The Crested newt has been found in 7 of the 29 ponds on the dune system, a night survey in two of the ponds on the 2813 revealed 61 individuals.

Regular rabbit counts, started in 1999, have continued and show an increase in numbers.

Stock razed area, 1.5 mile route	1999 average 56 _	1999 max 107
	2003 " 128	2003 212
Un razed area, 4.7 mile route	1999 " 74	1999 115
_i	2003 " 610	20031610

Illicit camping & noisy all night parties have proved virtually impossible to control, both visitors and wardens have been intimidated by campers.

Gangs of up to 6 poachers with firearms have hunted over the dunes, adjacent agricultural fields and Braunton Marsh at night; since their visits the Roe deer population has declined and 6 sheep have disappeared without trace from the dune system.

Concern grows over the increasing use of the Burrows for exercising dogs, many of them uncontrolled. Ground nesting birds such as the Skylark have declined and future grazing management could be jeopardised. Visitors are appalled at the dog excrement on the site, especially that which is bagged and scattered on the site.