Fingle Lectures: November and December

As temperatures have dropped, the river level has risen and the trees are looking decidedly Autumnal, it’s time to turn our attention to the final two Fingle Lectures of the year. On Thursday, the 7^th of November, Dave will talk about Ash Dieback, the devastating disease affecting ash trees. He will share the latest findings and talk about our management of the disease. Then on the 5^th of December, the renowned Devon naturalist, ecologist and artist John Walters will use his field sketches and photographs to illustrate a talk about the wildlife of Dartmoor. John’s drawings and stories are beautiful and evocative so we’re in for a real treat!For more information about both talks please see below:Ash Dieback: latest findingsThursday 7^th November, Fingle Bridge Inn (EX6 6PW), 7pm start, Free - all welcomeAsh dieback is a devastating disease which is predicted to severely affect or kill over 90% of ash trees. As Ash trees are the third most common tree in Britain (after oak and birch) the disease will change the landscape forever and threaten many species which rely on ash. Devon is no exception, ash dominated woodland covers 22% (about 11,000ha) of all broadleaved woodland and there are at least 1.9 million mature ash trees outside of woodlands, for example, in hedgerows. David Rickwood, will share the latest findings and talk about how we are managing the disease.John Walters: The Wildlife of DartmoorThursday 5^th December, Fingle Bridge Inn (EX6 6PW), 7pm start, Free - all welcomeRenowned Devon naturalist, ecologist and artist John Walters will talk about the wildlife of Dartmoor. John draws and paints wildlife directly from life in the field, because he feels this is the only way he can capture the life and vitality of his subjects. He is also a keen photographer who specialises in taking photographs of insects. This talk will feature his field sketches, photographs and videos and will include a wide variety of birds, mammals and insects. Including the world’s largest slug, adders and roe deer.