1. BFFA Meetings moved to BDC by Don Brown

Burrator Fly Fishers Association have now started to hold their monthly meetings at the reservoir’s Discovery Centre. Burrator Fly Fishers Association is a group dedicated to encouraging the practice of fly fishing at Burrator Reservoir and elsewhere.

Using the Discovery Centre has enabled the association to develop its meetings into a more ’hands on’ style, allowing for the development of practical skills as well as theoretical. At the last meeting, the members enjoyed a fun casting competition, demonstrations about creating welded loops, a presentation on the best spots to boat fish at Burrator and all this was done at the same time as enjoying a barbecue!

The members feel that the move to the Discovery Centre has certainly been positive for the group, especially as it now meets at its home venue. Membership of the Burrator Fly Fishers is open to anyone who is genuinely interested in fly fishing. It doesn’t matter if you are male or female, old or young, a beginner or an expert. All are welcome. The annual subscription is just £17.50 per year. More details available at www.burratorffa.org or on their Facebook page. 

2. Lovely ladybirds and hot cross buns

Thursday 11 April was the date for our second family activity day this year, and our busiest family day ever, helped by the glorious sunshine!  Families enjoyed making wooden ladybirds, cooking hot cross buns over the fire, mini beast hunts, and an egg hunt with a difference!

“Thanks to all the volunteers that made today a fab, well organised event at a reasonable price.  Very happy mummy and children!

3. Chestnut Cleft Fencing – Lower Lawn Burrator Discovery Centre

The large historic beech tree at the end of Wembley Walk overhangs the bottom corner of the lower lawn. Following a tree survey, it was found necessary to temporarily fence off this area due the condition of the tree.  This temporary fencing has now been replaced by the Monday/Tuesday volunteers with a chestnut cleft rail and post fence to permanently enclose the tree area.

4. New furniture for Tamar Lakes

Over the last few months, Mike and Dave have been busy creating furniture for the new room at Tamar Lakes, which consists of a work top, table and 4 benches made out of our Burrator wood. Simply stunning!

5. New nest boxes completed

During April, the midweek and weekend volunteer teams have been busy constructing new bird boxes with different sized holes, to replace those that have disintegrated. They will be installed in the beech plantation, and become part of the annual nest box survey.

6. New work experience teams

Welcome to group 1 (of 2) from ESOL department of City College Plymouth, who will be attending for three Friday afternoons to complete their work experience placements at Burrator, carrying out a range of site tasks and conservation projects.

Event Dates for the Diary

Evening Talks:

Wednesday 22 May 2019 – 7.30pm-8.30pm – ‘Why ponds are wonderful havens for wildlife’ by Paul Martin, Education Officer, Devon Wildlife Trust.

Family Events:

Summer Family Activity Day and Fundraiser – Saturday 6 July – 12pm – 4pm at Burrator Discovery Centre

Come and take part in woodwork, cob oven pizza making, an environmental art project, letterboxing, cooking over the campfire and much more. Also enjoy tea and home-made cakes! Suitable for all ages. £3 per person.

Monthly Family Wildlife Watch Programme: 10.30am – 12.30pm

Come and take part in a range of wildlife and heritage themed activities followed by hot chocolate and biscuits. We will meet at the Burrator Discovery Centre, unless an alternative meeting point has been advertised. £3 per child, £2 per adult (please bring cash as we don’t have online payment facilities). Please wear outdoor clothing and footwear. No booking needed.

• Sunday 30 June
• Sunday 28 July

School Holiday Family Activity Days:  ‘Drop In’ between: 10:00am – 3:00pm

Each activity day will involve a themed nature trail, woodwork, environmental art and outdoor cooking in and around the Burrator Discovery Centre. £3 per child, £2 per adult (please bring cash as we don’t have online payment facilities). Please wear outdoor clothing and footwear. No booking needed.

• Tuesday 28 May

For more information or to book your place on any of the above events, please call 01822 855700, e-mail: [email protected] or pop into the Discovery Centre (PL20 6PE)

Practical Volunteering Days:

For all the days we meet at the Discovery Centre. Please wear old clothes and sturdy footwear, bring lunch and a drink and dress ready for ‘all the seasons in a day!’

• Monday 20 May – 10am-3pm
• Friday 31 May – 10am-3pm
• Tuesday 4 June – 10am-3pm
• Monday 10 June – 10am-3pm
• Sunday 16 June – 10.30am-3.30pm
• Tuesday 18 June – 10am-3pm
• Friday 28 June – 10am-3pm
• Tuesday 2 July – 10am-3pm
• Monday 8 July – 10am-3pm
• Sunday 14 July – 10.30am-3.30pm
• Tuesday 16 July – 10am-3pm
• Friday 26 July – 10am-3pm
• Tuesday 30 July – 10am-3pm

Discovery Centre Opening Times:  10.00am – 4.00pm

Weekdays: Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 

Weekends:

• May: Sun 26
• June: Sat 1, Sat 8, Sun 16, Sat 22, Sun 30