RYDA Newsletter 05/2025
April has already seen quite a lot of tiny insects emerge (it is one reason those summer visiting birds come to our shores) and this continues into May.
Ladybirds - particularly the common seven-spot ladybird - are mating in May: you can sometimes catch them in the act. Their larvae go on to feed on the late spring and early summer plant growth, with new adults emerging in the late summer to feed up and then hibernate.
In the 2010s the invasive harlequin ladybird could also be seen in a variety of different liveries: it breeds all summer and so it was feared it would out-compete native species. In recent years it seems to be much less common, however.
House flies (aka bluebottles) are also about, and as the month goes on can become a nuisance, buzzing around your kitchen. May also sees a lot of other flies of various sizes (including big ugly flesh flies, the ones that produce flesh-eating maggots, and exotic-looking scorpion flies).
In the second half of May you also start to see dragonflies and damselflies, the latter including the beautiful banded demoiselle, the males metallic blue with hypnotically patterned double wings, the females green initially but becoming more bronze with age. The males jockey for position on the fronds of vegetation on river banks.
Similar, but with brown wings and found further away from water (eg on woodland rides), is the beautiful demoiselle, again the male having a blue body, the female metallic green.
You may also see in May the blue-tailed damselfly with a black body and a blue tip, the azure damselfly which differs in tiny details from the common blue, the white-legged damselfly, the males of which are striped white when immature but go on to be a light blue, and the large red damselfly, whose colour makes it gratifyingly easy to identify.
Mating is also uppermost in the mind of a multiplicity of beetles in May, to be seen particularly later in the month, including the classic black bloody-nosed beetle, bright red cardinal beetles, red or black-backed soldier beetles (the black-backed ones sometimes
known as sailor beetles), iridescent green or gold leaf and swollen-thighed beetles on buttercups or hawkbits, and rose chafers that feed on dog roses wayfaring tree flowers and other flowering shrubs. There is even a four-spotted leaf beetle that looks like an oversize ladybird.
By rivers towards dusk - particularly chalk streams - look out for swarms of mayflies dancing up and down in the air. You can see them even in early May and indeed later in the summer, but late May or early June is the peak time. A clue to identification are the three long tail filaments visible as they float downwards in their dance and the striped black and white tips to their abdomens.
One of the most ancient creatures on the planet, mayflies actually moult twice as an adult, the only insect to do this. They first emerge from the water during the day as dull brown sub-adults that struggle to work out how to use their new wings, taking off and then landing again (a process imitated by fly-fishing) and often getting eaten by trout or birds in the process.
If they reach the safety of a nearby bush, they then moult a second time into full adults, taking to the air later in the afternoon. In this form they have a digestive system which doesn't function, so they cannot eat: they therefore live only for a night or two, just long enough to mate. It is the males that do the dance: the females fly through the swarm to find a partner, and then lay their eggs back in the water to start the lifecycle all over again. After this they die.
Dragonfly species include the broad-bodied chaser, the male having a broad blue abdomen and the female a brown one fringed with yellow, and the black-tailed skimmer, where the male has a thinner blue abdomen tipped in black, and the female is a striking yellow. Right at the end of the month in warmer Mays you may just see the magnificent green and blue emperor.
Other insects to be seen include pondskaters on still water, while crane flies can be abundant in lush grassy fields (where you may see them mating): watch for them darting away from your feet as you walk.
Peter Sims
It is with great sadness that we have recently learnt of the passing of a former RYDA secretary, Peter Sims. He was our Secretary for six years in the early two thousands and will be fondly remembered by those of us on the committee at the time, for his dry wit and his "just in time" production of our meeting's minutes !! Our condolences and sympathy go to his family.
Bluebell season is here - head outside to see woodlands transformed into mesmerising seas of blue.
Remember, bluebells don't grow where footsteps go. Help look after these fragile flowers by sticking to the paths. This photo is of Court Woodland.
Brookings down wood and Eastern Hill woodlands are equally beautiful.
The RYDA, as part of its pleasure in maintaining Allens Quay has relied on the skills of Shane Hockaday. At the beginning of the year, a fine show of crocuses has been followed by bulbs which were planted a month or two ago. The narcissus [Sir Winston Churchill], daffodils [White Lion] a selection of tulips[white at the moment but with purple to follow] and wallflowers have been well received and enjoyed. The tulips and narcissus have broken out in good colour but much appreciated has been the fantastic scent that cannot be missed as the steps are climbed.
https://www.allisonsbutchers.co.uk
It's your chance to shape the future of South Devon National Landscape.
Let us know your views by completing our Management Plan Review public survey:
South Devon National Landscape is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), and one of 46 National Landscapes in England and Wales.
Overseeing the care and management of the National Landscape is a partnership of organisations and community representatives. The partnership takes a strategic view of the area, publishes the National Landscape Management Plan, and guides the work of the National Landscape Team.
Your views will help us focus our efforts to care for the landscape and address current and future challenges, as set out in the Management Plan.
After using fake QR codes or downloading from unofficial websites, there have been a few instances where residents have fallen victim to fraudulent PayByPhone accounts.
If you are using car parks across the South Hams, please remember to download the PayByPhone app from PayByPhone directly or through the official app stores only: (Green logo of nine squares)
This spell of warm weather may have encouraged some people to take a dip in the sea. It's a great way to have fun and stay active.
But, if you're not careful, it's a lot easier to get into trouble in the water than you might think. Conditions can change quickly and if you're not prepared, you can easily get caught out.
Please note that we do not operate any QR codes in our car parks, and we make daily checks of our machines and car park signs to look out for fake QR stickers.
Plymouth Pay by phone app is RingGo (pink logo)
Planning
Significant items from this month’s Planning Applications: Widey Cross (B3186) (Click the link for detail 1185/25/PAU ).
Among this month’s planning applications are two for land near Widey Cross. Firstly, a change of use from an agricultural barn to a gym. The barn, situated behind the Pilates Studio, was approved in 2013 for storage of hay, straw and grain.
The second application is for permission in principle for one self-build, single story dwelling, situated behind the above barn 0920/25/PIP.
Following the development at Collaton and the proposal for the land opposite Butts Park, some may feel that ribbon development along Parsonage Road / B3186 was inevitable, but is this desirable? Would development here in preference to other locations deeper in our twin villages obviate a potential increase in traffic through the villages? Your views are important given the forthcoming consultation and referendum on the local Neighbourhood Plan.
Venta
An application for “Reinstatement of landing & associated step access” has been made for an area of foreshore near Doctors Steps associated with the redeveloped house “Venta”. A proposal for a quay and boathouse was previously refused but this new application excludes any building, though a proposed substantial stone faced, concrete capped quay remains. The Neighbourhood Plan has attempted to constrain the construction of more quays along the waterside to preserve the appearance and habitat of the riverbanks.
Westerly
An application for a new 3-bedroom house at the rear of 59 Yealm Road, Newton Ferrers has been refused. Saltwind, Bridgend (0966/25/HHO)
Alterations to a three-bedroom house to provide a first floor and front garage extension, new access steps to the side of the property, a rear patio & replacement balcony, plus internal & external upgrade & renovation. The extension will incorporate a large flat roof which appears to dominate the site and nearby buildings.
As always, your views on these and any planning issues are always welcome.
Marine Case Management System - INTERNATIONAL PAINT LTD
Subject: Consultee Notification of Decision
Application Number: MLA/2023/00454
Proposal: Marine License Application for Environmental Dredging with Land Disposal (Voluntary Remediation)
Applicant: Mr Wilfred van Noord (INTERNATIONAL PAINT LTD-AMSTERDAM)
Location: Newton Ferrers, Devon
The above application was decided on 7th April 2025, taking into account your observations.
After full consideration of the facts, circumstances of the case, and the views of all interested parties, this particular application was Approved with Conditions.
Full decision details may be found on the MMO's online Public Register at: https://marinelicensing.marinemanagement.org.uk/mmo/fox/live/MMO_PUBLIC_REGISTER
The website address above and application number get access to all the relevant information regarding this.
It does not work if you simply cut and paste the application number into the search bar on the initial page, you have to go into “View Public Register” and paste the application number.
Then look in “Marine License applications and requests”
Whats On?
Gentle Exercise Classes
These weekly classes led by our team of physiotherapists are continuing except for the last week of may. We meet between 10.00 & 11.00 in the Newton & Noss WI community hall, followed by tea, coffee & biscuits £5 per session. Contact Jane 872627 or Barry 872619.
Classes are suitable for all abilities and ages. No class on May 28th
2nd May WIC hall 10.30-11.45 Digital Drop in “Backups”
6th May, 12.00noon 1st Tuesday Lunch Club WIC hall new members welcome. 12.00 prompt please £6pp Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442)
9th May WIC hall 10.30-11.45 Digital Drop in “Weather App met office”
10th May. Holbeton Film Club are showing "And then come the nightjars". An unlikely friendship forms between a cranky Devon farmer and the vet who's assigned to cull his precious herd following the foot and mouth outbreak in 2001.
Doors open at 7pm. You'll be given a warm welcome when you arrive, and can spend some time chatting to friends before the lights go down at 7:30pm. We charge just £4 (£2 for children under 12)
You are welcome to bring your own alcohol if you wish, or you can treat yourself to one of our fabulous chocolate-covered ice creams!
Sun, 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.
16th May WIC hall 10.30-11.45 Digital Drop in “Using your android phone”
17th May Yealm Art Society workshop. 10.00-14.00 Yealmpton Community Centre with Sarah Smalldon “Colour Explosion” Unashamedly Cheerful art. www.yealmartsociety.com
19th May Songs of Praise from Holy Cross Church 6.00pm
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
23rd May WIC hall 10.30-11.45 Digital Drop in “Talk tbc”
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.
30th May at 2pm. Come and have a go at Dresden style painting with ink and acrylic paint on parchment paper.
Yealm Parchment Group meet in Newton Ferrers Community Hall. @ 2pm, with individual tables so you can maintain social distancing.
Come along and experience this engrossing 15thCentury art form.
We are a small friendly group who work at their own pace. £8 Parchment, pattern, backing papers, written instructions, paints, inks and tuition included.
Tools can be provided if necessary. Tel Lesley 07838375449
Save the Date
3rd June,12.00noon 1stTuesday Lunch Club WIC hall new members welcome. 12.00 prompt please £6pp Allergies can be catered for. Please contact Jeanne (872442)
26th June Thursday Lunch club 12.15 Newton & Noss village Hall. Please contact mrandmrsbarnett@gmail.comAllergies can be catered for, also vegetarian option available. New members welcome. The tide will be out.
18th June Bingo & curry evening at The Ship Inn in aid of Dementia Friendly Parishes Around the Yealm
Lace up your boots and hike to save lives!
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.
Supporters can join this event on 5th July 2025 and take on either a 14 or 26 mile trek along both rugged and paved terrain, river crossings, seascapes and rolling hills while taking in stunning panoramic views of the South Devon Coast.
This challenge brings with it the knowledge and feel-good factor that those who take part are helping to raise awareness and much needed funds for their local Air Ambulance charity.
