Wray Valley October Newsletter: Autumn Adventures Await
So, grab a warm drink, sit back, and catch up on all things Wray Valley.
Love and Marriage here at Wray Valley
Over a year ago, a couple came to us asking if they could have their wedding blessing here in the woods. After much discussion about practicalities (e.g. guests in high heels, smart shoes etc, mobility of older guests) and numbers, they decided to do the same as us and have the blessing in the gardens with the woods as a backdrop.
As it turned out this was a wise decision as their chosen day was one of the wettest so far, but they decided to go ahead with it, and they certainly have something to remember! The guests were able to shelter in our guest lounge before the ceremony and were warned to bring wellies and brollies.
Devon Open Studios: Supporting Local Artists
Last month local artist, Jacqueline Seviour, showed her stunning handmade glass pendants over two weekends in our September in our guest lounge. Here’s a short video of what you missed if you didn’t make it here.
Jacqueline, is a winner of one of the five Emerging Artist bursaries and lives just a stone’s throw away at Wray Barton. To find out more about Jacqueline’s work visit her website (www.jacqueline-seviour.co.uk).
Apple Harvestime
This year we picked and pressed enough apples to make 80 litres of organic apple juice and hopefully even enough cooking apples for our ever popular Devon Apple Cake. Take a look at our process here.
We know we promised you a chance to get involved with the apple harvest this year, but the local scouts leapt at the opportunity to do it while they were camping here which meant that we could not promote it more widely. Then unfortunately, at the last minute due to dire weather warnings of thunderstorms, they had to cancel the camp. We were then booked for other events for the next 3 weekends which meant that we had to get on with the harvest ourselves.
Did you know the bus stops here?
Despite the absence of an official bus stop, planning an excursion from here at Wray Valley is still possible thanks to the “hail and ride” bus system. On Dartmoor, outside towns and villages, buses can be flagged down for boarding and disembarking—even right here at our location!
To ensure a smooth journey, you can even track your bus using the bustimes.org app and enjoy the current £2 single fare cap.
Michelle’s birthday and our civil partnership anniversary provided the perfect opportunity to reminisce along a memorable 24 km walk. Starting at the Warren House Inn, we traversed past the Rugglestone Inn—the location of our very first walk together 14 years ago! Soon, we’ll share a blog post detailing our adventure, as well as a shorter 16km variation that will be added to our walk suggestions.
To find out more about travelling sustainably to and from here visit our sustainable transport page.
Are you ready to embark on your own navigation adventure? Or do you want to brush up a bit on your map reading first? Join us at Wray Valley for a fun-filled day of learning and exploration! Contact us today to book your personalized navigation training experience, where you’ll not only discover new skills but also create unforgettable memories amidst the breathtaking beauty of Dartmoor.
Sustainability Activity Trail: Update
Tom from Devon Habitat Services lent a helping hand in clearing the trail through the woods, while Michelle has been diligently cutting back the brambles fin the campsite.
The printed interpretation boards are now ready, and upon our return from holiday, we will work with our student intern, Ellie to set them up along the trail. Stay tuned for an announcement on how to visit and explore the trail.
During the winter, we will be working on the final stage of the project, which entails installing wildlfe nesting boxes along the trail. These boxes will provide crucial shelter and breeding spaces for various bird and small mammal species come nesting season.
Scything: A bit delayed by the rain!
As we explained in last month’s newsletter, each year scythe the Hay Meadow in late summer. So far we’ve cut and raked half of it but we’ve been seriously delayed by the wet weather.
Why scythe?
- It’s selective: targeting the tall grasses while leaving the shorter wildflowers unharmed, giving them a chance to grow and bloom and allowing sunlight to reach the smaller, more delicate wildflowers, encouraging their growth.
- Wildlife-friendly: Its a slower and gentler process compared to mechanical mowing, giving small animals time to escape, minimising disturbance, and preserving vital habitats.
- No chemicals: Unlike modern machinery, scything doesn’t require any harmful chemicals, making it a safe and environmentally-friendly choice.
- Biodiversity boost: A wider variety of plant life attracts more pollinators, insects, and other wildlife, increasing biodiversity in our meadow.
Why rake?
- Reducing competition: Clearing away the cut grass gives wildflowers a fighting chance to flourish without having to compete for resources.
- Nutrient control: Removing the cut grass helps maintain a low-nutrient environment, which is essential for promoting wildflower growth, as most wildflowers thrive in nutrient-poor soil.
- Supporting local wildlife: Piles of cut grass can provide shelter for small animals and insects, adding to the meadow’s bustling ecosystem.
Normally Kevin scythes and Michelle rakes – this year Michelle thought she’d have a go at scything. Its not as easy as it looks and she needs more practice.
Time-Out for Us: Our Autumn Adventures
Only a couple of days now and we’ll finally be off on our own well-deserved break – two weeks of walking (and wine sampling) in Northern Portugal. Its been hectic trying to get the apple picking and other jobs done before we go.
We have a friend house-sitting for us while we are away keeping an eye on the chickens and the cat, and also keeping Mum company. While we’re away, the B&B will be closed, but the campsite will remain open for your enjoyment. They won’t be able to take card payments here so please pay in cash or use bank transfer.
Rest assured, we’ll be back in time for our local half-term, ready to welcome you once again. Please use our online booking system, or reach out via email or WhatsApp to secure your spot. We’ll be keeping an eye on it while we are away and should be able to answer any queries within 24 hours.
Don’t forget to tag us
Did you share any posts on social media about your stay here? Did you remember to tag us using @wrayvalley. If you’ve got any great snaps with the chickens or fantastic wildlife shots, we’d love to see them too. Here’s one from @FiDarby.
Events this Month
Big Day Out in the Woods: A free family-friendly event on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 11 AM–3 PM. Visitors can learn about traditional woodcraft skills and explore the woodlands. East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve, Middle Trendlebere Car Park. This is a joint event organised by Natural England and Dartmoor National Park to help families discover what makes our woodlands so special
The Two Moors Festival is a classical music festival that takes place in the towns and villages of Dartmoor and Exmoor, England. It’s known for its high quality and is a significant part of the cultural calendar in the South West. The festival features a variety of events, including: Concerts, Recitals, Operas, Newly commissioned works, Talks, Exhibitions, School workshops, Masterclasses, Young Musicians’ Competition, and Residency programs. The 2024 festival will take place from October 3–13 across Dartmoor and Exmoor, with the theme being the 24 hour cycle.
More dates for your diary?
As Winter draws in and the nights get longer, the number of regular community event fixtures in the diary thins out. But when we hear about something happening we’ll let you know. Follow us on social media to keep in touch.
Thanks for Reading
As always, thank you for your support and for choosing Wray Valley. We hope to see you soon, creating new memories and celebrating the beauty of Dartmoor together. As we wrap up this edition of our newsletter, we hope that you’ve found it an enjoyable read and encourage you to share it with friends who might also appreciate the insights and updates from Wray Valley.
Your support means the world to us, and we’d be truly grateful if you could take a moment to like and follow us on social media (@WrayValley) and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. By doing so, you’ll stay connected with our latest news, events, and developments, as well as help others discover the beauty and excitement of Wray Valley.
We wish you a wonderful time ahead, filled with unforgettable adventures, memorable experiences, and precious moments with loved ones. We look forward to sharing more stories and updates with you in the coming months and hopefully seeing you here soon. Until next time!
