Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy new year!

Over the last month, our Tuesday volunteers have been busy sourcing and transporting Christmas trees to local churches and village halls. This photo shows them sourcing three large trees for the Tavistock Town Hall in aid of the annual Trees of Light event organised by the Lions Club of Tavistock and Tavistock Town Council. This event started in 1999, with the aim of the public sponsoring the lights in memory of departed love ones. The proceeds this year will be donated to two Derriford charities for prostate and breast cancer care, and a children’s charity, Derriford Children’s Cancer Service.

New Tavistock Youth Café Project

In May, we were approached by Vicki and Dave from Tavistock Youth Café about a new project they were looking to start, providing weekly afternoon sessions to support secondary aged young people in home education.

Over the autumn, the group attended a 6-week programme here every Monday afternoon lead by our very own survival expert Ian and myself.  Topics included getting to know Burrator on foot, taking part in the water use challenge, learning different knots and how to make shelters, how to light fires and cook in different styles including using the cob oven, along with the final highlight, an expedition up Leather Tor.

Burrator Wildlife Guide

It has always been a wish to create our own wildlife guide to highlight the different habitats and wildlife found around Burrator. Two years ago, our volunteers Hayley, Dan and Ben took on this challenge. A few months ago we applied for a small grant to fund its printing, and it was successful. They are now in the final stages of proof reading before sending it for printing. We hope to launch it in January, and copies will be available in the centre to buy. Watch this space!

Lower Lawn Footpath Project receives the green light

Last week we received exciting news from DNPA planning department that we had permission to create our easy access footpath on the lower lawn, in our outdoor education area. Watch this space for progress updates in the New Year!

Getting creative with coppicing

This winter, our midweek and weekend volunteer groups have started to carry out coppicing at some new areas in line with our woodland and conservation management plans. One area is particularly wet, so we are keeping fit trying not to get stuck in the mud!

South West Water - Tree Launch Event

35 people attended the SWW event at Burrator Discovery Centre on Thursday 28 November, during National Tree Week.  This is part of Water UK’s pledge by English water companies to plant a combined 11 million trees over the coming decade.

Event Dates for the Diary

Christmas Garland Making

Saturday 21 December - 10am - 4pm

Come along and make your own Christmas wreath using natural materials from Burrator. The event will be taking place at Burrator Discovery Centre. £7.00 per wreath (please bring cash as we do not have online payment facilities). Support, materials and refreshments will be provided.

Please book your place in advance. For more information or to book your place please call 01822 855700, e-mail [email protected] or pop into Burrator Discovery Centre.

School Holiday ‘Drop In’ Family Activity Day

Wednesday 19 February: 10am - 3pm
Our school holiday family activity days involve a wildlife or heritage themed trail, woodwork, environmental art and outdoor cooking in and around the Burrator Discovery Centre. £3 per child, £2 per adult (cash only please). Please wear outdoor clothing and footwear. No booking needed.

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 9 Dec – 10am-3pm - SAM
• Sunday 15 Dec – 10.30am-3.30pm – EMILY
• Friday 20 Dec – 10am-3pm - EMILY
• Tues 14 Jan – 10am-3pm - SAM
• Mon 20 Jan – 10am-3pm - SAM
• Sun 26 Jan – 10.30am-3.30pm - EMILY
• Fri 31 Jan – 10am-3pm - EMILY

If you do not have your own transport please e-mail Emily at [email protected] or Sam at [email protected] and we can pick you up from Yelverton bus stop.

Discovery Centre Opening Times:  10.00am - 4.00pm

Weekdays: Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
Weekends:  

• December: Sat 7, Sun 15, Sat 21
• January: Sun 26