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Ruby Country...great
name for a place, isn't it? But do you know where it is?
It covers a huge part of Devon heartland - 45 parishes in all - but
with a population of just 18,000 people.
This is rural Devon at its most rural, and you'll find it in the north
west corner of the county.
Ruby Country is farming country. There's Hatherleigh, Holsworthy,
Sheepwash, Bradworthy, Exbourne, and Broadwoodwidger, to name but
a few well known farming strongholds.
But there wasn't much farming done here during and after the 2001
foot-and-mouth disaster, which hit this part of Devon more than any
other.
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| The
view from Meldon Viaduct |
With agriculture
the main form of employment in Ruby Country, foot-and- mouth hit people
hard, which is why local councils and environment groups decided to
band together to develop a more diverse - but sustainable - economy.
The result is 'Ruby Country' - a rural regeneration initiative led
by the Devon Wildlife Trust and supported by local district councils,
the county council, and the Government's farming ministry, Defra.
It project, based at Beaworthy, also receives European funding.
The idea is to increase the public's awareness of this unspoilt piece
of Devon, develop walking, cycling and horse riding routes, and encourage
people to come and take a look at the amazing wildlife on offer.
Named after a cow...
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A
Ruby Red cow takes a rest
Photo: Kithill Farm, Holsworthy |
The area
has been called Ruby Country after the district's breed of Ruby Red
Devon cattle. The distinctively coloured cows are one of the things
you notice in north west Devon's countryside.
Another key part of the natural environment is the culm grassland.
Amazingly, culm grassland is now more endangered than the tropical
rainforests, with many of its previous strongholds in Europe and Britain
disappearing.
In Ruby Country though, it continues to thrive, and it provides a
great 'home' for a wide range of plant, animal and insect species
- among them, the endangered Marsh Fritillary Butterfly.
Come and take in the scenery!
Eight circular walks have been opened across the area, so the public
can take in the sights and sounds of this delightful corner of the
county.
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Marsh
Fritillary Butterfly
Photo: Devon Wildlife Trust/Gary Pilkington |
The walks
vary from one mile to seven miles, and there are also cycling and
horse riding routes.
More should be completed during the next 18 months.
Woodland, rivers, and open countryside combine to provide an environment
for the whole family to enjoy. Not to mention the fresh air!
Ruby Country co-ordinator Rosie Austin, said: "Ruby Country is
a celebration of this part of Devon, which has been something of an
unkown area - even to people from other parts of Devon.
"We're looking to bring people in on short breaks from Devon
and Cornwall, by promoting the natural beauty of the area."
And, this being farming country, there's also plenty of fresh, local,
food and drink on offer as well!
First ever Ruby Country Festival
To help increase the profile of this area, the first ever Ruby Country
Festival is being held on 5-13 June 2004.
Walks, nature trails and educational events are taking place - and
there will be the chance to sample some of that local produce.
For more details of Ruby Country and the festival, see the links on
the left of this page.
Article first published: 18th May 2004.
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