RYDA Newsletter 04/2025
Emerging Spring Insects in April
The number of insects increases rapidly in April - they are the reason migrating birds return at this time and chose England to breed in. Bees, which live in colonies all winter, are particularly in evidence around trees in blossom. You might not immediately see then, but stand below a flowering blackthorn or cherry tree, or indeed a goat willow tree with catkins on it, and you can hear a very summery hum. Oilseed rape fields in flower are another good place to hear this.
You also see lots of queen bees. These are sole representatives of their species to overwinter and at this time of year they fly around close to the ground, buzzing impatiently as they do so, looking for a hole in which to create a new colony. When they have found a suitable site, they amass a lump of pollen larger than themselves to provide food for their first offspring.
Once the colony is established - usually sometime in May - there are workers to do the food gathering and the bee queen spends the rest of her life underground, churning out larvae. So, you might say that in April they get their little bit of freedom before the hard work begins - though really, I suppose, this is the hard work, the most critical part of their life.
There are also a series of species known as March flies - tiny little flies with long bodies that appear in swarms.
A rather larger member of the group are St Mark's flies, so called because they are supposed to appear around St Mark's Day which is 25 April. The legs of these flies hang down below them as they fly, looking rather like a sting, but they are in fact quite harmless. They also swarm and are particularly fond of cow parsley and alexanders flowers, on which they can settle in great numbers.
You also get common house flies and smaller versions of the same - but the former rarely seem to be the nuisance they can become later in the summer. In general on a warm day the air can be full of tiny flying insects: you get swarms over rivers or in the air towards dusk.
Look out also for swarms of what look like tiny flies with silvery wings, but with a more fluttering flight. These are in fact a day-flying moth, the green longhorn. In grass, look down and you may notice crane flies.
Dock bugs and shield bugs of various kinds (such as green or sloe/hairy shield bugs) also emerge from hibernation in April and look for a mate. However, you need to be sharp-eyed to spot them on shrubs.
Towards the end of the month you may also spot a large red damselfly. Spiders are increasingly active but not very conspicuous, and ants have by now resumed their activities above ground.
The first three weeks of April are the peak time for birdsong, with many of the native species in full voice and migrants arriving and in a hurry to breed. The loudest and most persistent song comes when males are still trying to find a mate or establish territories, which means they have to project their song over a long distance.
Once territories are set or mates secured, singing only needs to remind neighbours not to trespass and so is of a lower volume and intensity. When there are young to feed - later in April or early in May - males have less time for singing and some species stop altogether. But other birds continue to sing until their young are fledged and independent.
Singing is at its most intense at dawn, but most of us are not awake to hear it. Partly this is the males' way of reminding rivals that they are still there, but this is also a time when it is too dark to feed, so there is little else to do. There is then a pause as the birds breakfast, but song resumes again mid morning and some species are vocal all day. As the sun declines, there is then a renewed burst, with blackbirds, song thrushes and robins tending to dominate (at least in favoured spots).
Butterflies can be quite abundant on warm days in April. Peacocks, small tortoiseshells, commas and the bright yellow brimstone all overwinter as adults and become active when the sun shines (in theory when the temperature goes above 15 degrees, though this does not seem to be a hard and fast rule).
Brimstones are the most frequently seen and the easiest to spot. The bright yellow males (they are the original "butter fly") hurry past at great speed and almost never seem to rest, but are easy to identify on the wing. When they do stop, they close their wings, so all you can ever photograph is their green (and very well camouflaged) underwings.
Peacocks are the other common species this month. They look dark in flight (the colour of their underwings) and you only can see their colourful upperwings when they settle. They have a convenient habit of basking on paths, from which they fly up when walkers approach. They also sometimes feed on blackthorn blossom.
Brimstone females have upperwings that are almost white and paler green underwings, and in flight can easily be mistaken for one of the white butterfly species. But the shape of their wings - or a sight of their underwings at rest - soon settles the argument. They tend to be seen fluttering low over shrubs, looking for places to lay eggs.
Small tortoiseshell were once also a very common spring butterfly, but their numbers have sharply reduced in recent years, and in 2024 they were almost entirely absent, suggesting they may be becoming extinct in this part of the world (they are still common further north: their declining numbers here are believed to be due to a parasite). Like peacocks, they bask on paths and fly up as walkers approach.
You may also see some red admirals. These migrant butterflies mostly do not arrive from the continent till May, but some may turn up in the second half of April. Some also manage to overwinter - it is not unheard of to see one on milder days in the winter months. But there is as yet no evidence that they go on to breed, especially as the May arrivals are already-mated females who are just looking for a place to lay eggs.
Speckled woods can overwinter as pupae or caterpillars and may be seen in woods and shady places in the first half of April, though the second half is a more normal time. They have an attractive habit of landing on leaves in patches of sunlight, making them easy to see.
The three white species commonly known as cabbage whites – the large and small white and the green-veined white - also overwinter as pupae and may be seen from quite early in April, with the small white typically the first to appear and the green-veined soon afterwards.
Commas are less common than they are in the summer, when they have new generation, but can be found near hedgerows and banks of bramble.
River Yealm Water Quality Group (An introduction)
Our beautiful River Yealm bubbles up through granite fissures clean and pure at Yealm Head above Cornwood. However, this life-giving arterial flow does not stay uncontaminated, treated by some as an open drain on its journey to the estuary.
Is anything being done? Yes.
The RYWQG was set up in 2021 and comprises of representatives from each of Yealm’s seven riparian Parish Councils. - Brixton, Cornwood, Ermington, Newton & Noss, Sparkwell, Wembury and Yealmpton including local people and organisations concerned about river water quality as may be influenced by inputs of treated and untreated sewage, industrial and/or agricultural wastes.
RYWQG meets every two months, Chaired by Councillor Liz Hitchins of Brixton Parish Council.
Main activities include:
- · measuring of water quality and ecological status throughout our catchment, including each tributary.
- · identifying and reporting upon specific areas of concern.
- · developing catchment-wide partnerships to help implement improvements.
- · raising public awareness of river water quality issues.
A full up-to-date description of activities, findings, and recommendations, with links to associated documents is available on the RYWQG website https://rywqg.com and for those who use social media the River Yealm Water Quality Group Facebook page.
To get involved, or for further information, please email: clerk@brixtonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Revisiting the Yealm Estuary to Moor (YEM) riparian corridor project.
The YEM concept paper, written four years ago, laid out an ambitious legacy project to link fragmented woodland and other habitats such as peatlands, diverse grasslands, and wetlands along the course of the River Yealm and her many tributaries.
Led from the front by the Steering Group (SG,) YEM is known as a credible environmental group by the many Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and is asked, more-often-than-not, to assist with environmental interventions.
These interventions can range from building leaky dams for the Dartmoor National Park Authority Headwaters project in the upper catchment. Supporting the seagrass Blue Meadows project https://bluemeadows.org/ in the lower catchment estuary area to Bee friendly meadow creation in the middle of the catchment.
Our plan for 2025 is to concentrate on what is being called the Big Four (B4.)
Bats, Beetles, Birds and Butterflies.
Why? To understand general trends over time and to demonstrate the value of interventions and protection of key habitats. However, we do not want to re-invent the wheel so will be looking at what data, knowledge and activities already exist.
If you would like to know more about YEM then check out our website here or if you are on social media our Facebook page, YEM (Yealm Estuary to Moor)
Community Befriending Project
Many of you will have read about the Yealmpton and Brixton Community Friendship Project. They extend the hand of friendship to those who are feeling lonely or socially isolated. They do this either by one to one visits or through the weekly coffee morning at Yealmpton Community centre. To read their latest newsletter, click here.
Tackling roadside litter in the Newton Ferrers and Noss Mayo Area
As requested, I set out my thoughts for a volunteer led long term campaign to address the issue of litter thrown from vehicles, lost from lorries and additionally irresponsible dog owners who allow pets to foul pathways and those who pick up and then throw the waste bag on the ground.
I have done some research on this issue. The best results are from a national initiative Clean Up UK. ( cleanupuk.org.uk ) This in my view really needs to be the basis of setting up this campaign for the long term. I would urge anyone interested to visit this website.
Ugborough Parish also have litter volunteers, and I am trying to contact them.
Clearly these schemes need to be led by a group of like-minded people. We have the harbour clean up every year, there would be some logic in incorporating the two together to share ideas and resources. A few people who can organise this (I am willing to be involved) is essential.
Apart from the benefits of cleaning up the area there is no reason this cannot be a fun thing to do, perhaps meeting up at the café at the green when we finish?
I am also anxious that we extend this idea into deterrence of litter offenders. It is unlikely you will catch anyone throwing litter out of a car, and we need to be careful not to create a ‘catch me if you can’ situation. Education is part of this I and I would aim to try and involve the fast-food operators who are the source of much of this rubbish to assist in this as well local schools etc.
We need to come up with a fun name for the group, get safety vests and litter picking equipment etc I am hopeful we can approach Yealm Community Energy to come up with some funding. We would also need. To involve SHDC for disposal of rubbish.
I would like to see signs such as you have for Neighbourhood Watch to deter offenders and at the same time warn fly-tippers they are being watched.
So, much to consider and I feel much to gain if we can get this going, and possibly roll it out into our neighbouring villages.
Chris Forrest cforrest@bswltd.co.uk
07802976040
Old Puslinch Farmhouse PL8 2NN
We now have a mobile Butcher in our villages Monday & Friday In Newton Ferrers & Monday in Noss Mayo. Web site link
Beef, Pork, Lamb, chicken,Turkey, Bacon, Black Pudding, White Pudding Gammon steaks, Chorizo, Snowdonia Cheese, Eggs
Planning
The number of Planning Applications in Newton and Noss has shown a slight increase, possibly in anticipation of favourable summer building conditions. Among these applications, two are particularly noteworthy.
The first is a change to the application for two new dwellings adjacent to Highlands on Parsonage Road: link to application details . This proposal included the provision of two new private parking lay-bys, each for three cars. Devon County Council Highways raised an objection on traffic safety and the applicants have submitted a modification for three parking lay-bys each for two cars. It is not clear to us how this changes the safety concerns.
The second significant application is for a new 3-bedroom house at the rear of 59, Yealm Road Click the link for more information - Land Rear Of 59 Yealm Road, Newton Ferrers.
It may be recalled that 59, Yealm Road was formerly the location of “Westerly,” which became the Newton Ferrers Sailing School. Planning Permission was granted for a substantial, modern design house in place of the demolished “Westerly”. This followed the refusal, including refusal following an Appeal, of permission for two houses on the site.
The design of the additional house, in what was the garden of Westerly, follows a similar modernist design approach to the proposed “Westerly” replacement.
This is in a location defined by the Newton and Noss Neighbourhood Plan Policy Area 1 where Development shall respect the low density of buildings, the landscape and character the area.
Your RYDA Committee feel that the design and location of this proposal will have a detrimental effect on the landscape of the area below Yealm Road and negative impact on the view of the village from Noss. We invite you to share your views on this proposal with us.
Below are the south elevation drawings for the earlier approved application for the “Westerly” replacement and below that is the same elevation of the new application, i.e. as viewed from above Newton Creek. (these drawings have been borrowed from the planning application documents for consultation purposes only).
South Elevations of the Approved “Westerly” replacement and to the right the new proposal in the original “Westerly” garden.
Whats On?
1st April 1st Tuesday Lunch Club WIC hall new members welcome. 12.00 prompt please £6pp Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442)
4th April 4.30-6.00pm Holy Cross Pancake Party
4th April 7pm Girls Night Out Choir Modbury Church
4th April 10.30-11.45 Digital Drop in WIC Hall
Felix Mendelssohn: Elijah
Minster Church of St Andrew, Plymouth
Saturday 5 April 2025 at 7:30pm
For tickets click the Book Online box
Or scan the QR code
5th April. Holy Cross Church 7.30pm Sir Joshua Reynolds Choir “The Armed Man”.
The Armed Man is a Mass by Welsh composer Karl Jenkins. The piece was commissioned by theRoyal Armouries Museum for the Millennium celebrations, to mark the museum's move from London to Leeds, and it was dedicated to victims of the Kosovo crisis. Like Benjamin Britten's War Requiem before it, it is essentially an anti-war piece and is based on Catholic Mass, which combines with other sources, principally a 15th-century French folk song.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN OF THE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
of
RIVER YEALM & DISTRICT ASSOCIATION
Registered Charity No 262929.
To be held
7pm WI Hall in Newton Ferrers
on
TUESDAY 8th April 2025
ALL WELCOME
our speaker is from The devon Air Ambulance
Free glass of wine to members
Friday April 11, 2025
Doors open at 7:00pm; programme starts at 7:30pm
Radical (12A)
A teacher in a Mexican border town full of neglect, corruption, and violence, tries a radical new method to unlock their students' curiosity, potential - and maybe even their genius.
Sun 13 Apr at 11:30 Extreme Rockpool Safari Wembury Marine Centre
14th April 10.30-12.00 Stroke Survivors Coffee Morning WIC hall meeting room
15th April 6.00pm River Yealm Harbour Authority Annual Meeting
Wed, 16 Apr at 14:00 Tots & Toddlers Rockpool Safari Wembury Marine Centre
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN OF THE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
of
Newton Ferrers & Noss Mayo WI Community Hall
Registered Charity No. 1054164)
To be held
2pm WI Hall in Newton Ferrers
on
THURSDAY 17th April 2025
ALL WELCOME
Fri, 11 April at 11:00 Wembury Marine centre Rockpool Safari
Sun, 13 April at 11:30 Wembury Marine centre Extreme Rockpool Safari
Tues 15th April WI Monthly meeting 7pm Our speaker is Mark Bailey from the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation. He will talk about their history and help people who wish to locate a grave
SUNDAY , 20 Apr at 10:00 Easter Eggcase Hunt Wembury Marine Centre
24th April Thursday Lunch club 12.15 Newton & Noss village Hall. Please contact mrandmrsbarnett@gmail.com Allergies can be catered for, also vegetarian option available. New members welcome. High water is at 16.04
Saturday 26th April - National Theatre Live - Dr Strangelove, a screening of the play 2 hrs 50 mins Tickets £12 on-line £14 on the door. WIC Hall Doors open 6.30 pm for 7 pm. Tickets available via this link to Ticketsource.
Sat 26 April at 10:30 Rockpool Safari Wembury Marine Centre
Sun, 27 April at 11:00 Extreme Rockpool Safari Wembury Marine Centre
Tuesday 29th April – 7:30pm start WI Hall Newton Ferrers
Mark Rosling – Wildflowers on the South West Coastal Path
Wildflowers of the South West Coast Path
In the Spring of 2022, Mark and Lesley Rosling (who live in Newton Ferrers) walked the 630 mile South West Coast Path from Minehead to Poole. During the course of the walk, Mark developed a fascination with the beautiful wildflowers along the route and will share photos and interesting facts about a number of his favourites. Describing himself as an enthusiastic amateur rather than a horticultural specialist he will share his enjoyment of some of the natural beauty which abounds on the coast path as well as some of the attributes, lesser known details and folklore associated with them.
Save the Date
6th May 1st Tuesday Lunch Club WIC hall new members welcome. 12.00 prompt please £6pp Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442)
Saturday May 10, Holbeton Film Club “And then come the Nightjars”
Beacon Lighting at 7.30pm Revelstoke Tea Rooms
Sunday 11 May at 11:00 Rockpool Safari Wembury Marine Centre
15th May 2-4pm WI Book Group “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time” by Mark Haddon.
20th May 7pm WI AGM our speaker is Neil Hawkes
22nd May Thursday Lunch club 12.15 Newton & Noss village Hall. Please contact
mrandmrsbarnett@gmail.com . Allergies can be catered for, also vegetarian option available. New members welcome. High water is at 14.10
Sat, 24 May at 10:00 Tots & Toddlers Rockpool Safari Wembury Marine Centre
Wed, 28 May at 12:00 Half Term Extreme Rockpool Safari Wembury Marine Centre
Thurs, 29 May at 13:00 Half Term Rockpool Safari Wembury Marine Centre
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18th June Bingo and curry evening at the Ship in Aid of Dementia Friendly Parishes Around the Yealm
Lace up your boots and hike to save lives!
5 July 2025 6:00am
Devon Heli Hike is a South West Coast Path challenge which will take participants on a journey from Jennycliff and around to Noss Mayo, taking in breathtaking views of the beautiful coastline.
Whether you join us for 14 miles or 26, you can expect a challenging but stunning route!
For more details and to register go to their web page.
