Something worth a visit! Wow!

 I have copied and pasted these images from the Life on the Edge blog pages - click here to see more of their activities: https://www.southdevon-nl.org.uk/south-devons-small-wonders/

Life on the Edge project

 Here is some of the feedback from today’s Life on the Edge afternoon; we are so privileged to have access to such expertise! A really memorable couple of afternoons, in April and May with their team.

Thank you, Tina, for the photos.

Life on the Edge walk

 A very small, and very lucky group of us spent an enthralling afternoon learning a lot about the plants and some insects (it was quite windy, so we only glimpsed a few bees and butterflies!) along the coast path from Gillard Road to Sharpham point. The depth of knowledge from Sam and Joe - plant expert - is amazing, which they shared readily with us, answering all of our questions. It was really great to meet up with more people once we reached the daisy field, ending up for tea and biscuits at the Rugby Club.

Sadly three of our number were ill and unable to come along, we send you our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Life on the Edge guided walk today!

 We wake up today with the sunshine!

LotE on Wednesday this week!

 We will be looking for these flowers, hoping to spot the long horned mining bee! Birds foot trefoil - the yellow flowers, clover and everlasting pea.

The forecast is for sunny intervals and a moderate breeze, so remember to wear something windproof if you feel the cold! 

 

Wednesday 28th May

 Our next LotE event is next Wednesday, and it’s the one where every member can take part if they wish! Walkers and non walkers alike can seize the opportunity to look for the long horned mining bee! He is only around in May and June, so you won’t want to miss out!

More to the point we have another session to learn from our wildlife experts, coming along just for us! (As seen on Countryfile!)

Please let Lynn know today that you can make it - check your email for all of the details.

Sorting out the chocolate for the tasting tomorrow.

 

 Here is our calendar of events! Note some of these dates in your diary so you don’t miss out!

From Rebecca and the Bookworms

 Bookworms met yesterday. We had been reading The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. A very mixed bag of reviews from loved it and couldn’t put it down to did not finish and a nice easy read but not memorable. After a nice catch up we’ve taken keeping the world away by Margaret Forster home with us for this month.

Glorious time at the coffee morning!

 

                 In case you see some faces and you just  can’t recall the names: above, left to right

                                        Gillie, Aldene, Jill H, Wendy C, Annie, Sally and Jill P.

Updated Calendar! Round Three!

 Here is the calendar - Lynn has asked for the Dog Walk to move to 22nd May, after our meeting. Book Share will remain on 22nd May, as usual for the fourth Thursday.

Sorry, too many Thursdays in May! I hope this is ok with everyone now!

Pocket Meadows

 Are you one of our members who has not collected her wildflower seeds to make a pocket meadow! They come with a full information leaflet, and you can plant in a window box or pot if you prefer. This is part of our Life in the Edge project to make life better for pollinators.

Jill Haslam - who can usually be found selling raffle tickets at our meetings - has the seeds for you! Ask her for yours at our next Institute meeting. Please join in if you can - together we can make a difference!

For those of us who are interested in pollinators - from Tina

 Farming Today on BBC Radio 4 today (8/5/25) said...

We've been hearing anecdotal evidence that the number of bugs on people's car windscreens has increased in recent years - pointing to a healthier insect population. Is this true, or just a blip?
They spoke to an expert from Bug Life who described a scheme where Bugs Matter Citizen Science Survey uses an innovative method for the large-scale surveying of flying insect abundance across the UK. The survey runs every summer and involves citizen scientists recording the number of insect splats on their vehicle number plates following a journey. 
The 

2025 Bugs Matter survey season will begin on the 1st May. Those keen to get involved can download the free Bugs Matter app now to sign up for next year’s survey: 

This is the thumbnail for the app.
BUGLIFE is affiliated to our own Life on the Edge projects that Brixham WI  is involved in. This is the thumbnail for the app

Committee Lunch - a great success!

 Ann W passed her initiation test for Brixham Wi committee today. There was one moment of concern, half way through….

Cribbage tomorrow

 Come to Cribbage tomorrow. Everyone welcome, even if you haven't played before. We will help you learn. 2.pm Brixham Rugby Club ...downstairs bar (please support them by buying a drink, as they haven't charged us).

And the photo. Who has the better hand?

Our WI Coffee Morning

 Another error in the calendar! Oh dear! Assistance required in checking please, everyone!

The monthly coffee morning has been moved to the second Tuesday of the month as that week isn’t quite so busy!
Five of us went along to the gorgeous café at Lupton House and enjoyed a lovely chat, sitting at one of their courtyard tables. It was very sunny and sheltered from the wind. We welcomed one of our new members, Gill Sims, this morning. We were also visited by a very tame robin, searching for crumbs amongst our feet!
I didn’t take any photos, so this one is from the Botanic Garden in Oxford.

Have you planted your seeds yet?

 The pocket meadows are just beginning to appear….here are two from Jacqui and a couple at Anj’s allotment.

We’ve given out a lot of seeds, so we should soon be seeing some little green shoots!

 

Pocket Meadows

 How is yours coming along? Can you send me a photo please? 

Here is mine: 

Be more bee friendly with this booklet:

Have you picked up your copy of this fab booklet yet? Available from Brixham library and lots of the shops in town. It has all the information you need to be more bee friendly! (See what I did there? )

There is also a booklet in the library with details of all of the South Devon National Landscape walks and activities - or find that information here:  https://www.southdevon-nl.org.uk/walks/

Our membership - a message from Tina

 The few spaces in our membership have now been filled. Please do not apply from now on as the event has closed.

Membership Secretary