WINTER NEWSLETTER 2019
Legacy to Landscape a three year project involving the community and celebrating a hidden area of landscape based upon an historic 1781 map of the Shute Estate. Our aim is to reveal the rich heritage of this hidden landscape that remained virtually unchanged for centuries.
The 1781 Estate Map
We have commissioned a high-quality scan of the original estate map upon which the project has focussed. The map drawn in 1781 by James Foster is an impressive example of early cartography. The original map was approx. 5.5 ft by 5 ft and the digital copy is no less imposing with a 660mb file size. This has made it quite challenging to make publicly accessible. We would like to thank the Carew Pole family for kindly making their historical estate maps available for digital scanning allowing these treasures to become more readily available for historic research. This scan has been made possible through the support of the National Lottery. We have included a small section of the map for you to see but for a closer at the whole map visit http://www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk/our-work/legacy-to-landscape
King John’s Oak in the spotlight again.
King Johns Oak has another moment of fame in its 800 year life time, being once again featured in a documentary film, From Mighty Oaks; a story of Trees, Woods and People. The title of which you might recognise as resonating with the Tree Charter; https://treecharter.uk/ . We will let you know when the film is to be broadcast.
Volunteers are continuing to record other ancient trees in the landscape. Please when out walking, do record any you see recording is explained on www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk; If you haven’t a tape, use your scarf or measure your hug!
A very successful year.
In 2018 the project has run over 50 events and we have some more practical events to announce. These events have attracted over 1320 people to come along. This is by far the most interest that our events have generated in a year. So encouraged by the attendance at events and the positive response we have received from participants that the project steering committee have applied to the Heritage Lottery for a successor project Wild Roots. This will be a further 3 year project that builds upon the enthusiasm the project has generated and assists local people to develop their own interests focused upon raising understanding and awareness of the areas rich heritage. We will know if the bid is successful in Mid February.
Using a drone to film KJO
Delivering over 50 events means it’s impossible to tell you about everything we have done so here is just a short selection
Shute Apple Day and Pruning workshop A magnificent display of over 80 apple varieties were on display in Shute Church whilst apples were juiced in the historic Rowlands Orchard, where the Crimson Victoria, Shute’s very own apple originated from. The project visited the orchard again in November, when owners Victoria and Rich of ‘Little Orchard Alpacas’, hosted a pruning workshop. If you would like to plant Crimson Victoria’s, they are available from Thornhayes Nursery. www.thornhayes-nursery.co.uk/
Caring for King John’s Oak. After 3 years of volunteer effort King John’s Oak is now totally free of brambles that have been competing for water and nutrients. This winter we will be mulching around its base with wood chips and planting some young oaks in tree guards. If you would like to lend a hand then please get in touch.
Virtual walks. Ruth took attendees at recent community talks, Colyford Memory Café and St Johns Thursday group, on a tour of the Shute Estate from the comfort of their own seats indoors on chilly November days. One attendee fondly remembers regular weekly swims when attending Colyton Grammar in the 1940s at the river swimming pool which was built by Frederic de la Pole.
Wheelwright visit. By far the most popular of our historically focussed events, attracting 72 people, was the tour and demonstration by Greg Rowland who demonstrated how to make traditional wooden wheels. Fascinating everyone by attaching the heated steel band to the wooden wheel and then quenching the hot metal.
Exeter Cathedral Archive. Thanks to Ken Clifford, who brought to our attention this archive as a key source in his research of the Colyton Canal. Ellie hosted a visit by our volunteers in December who were able to see the map of the proposed the canal that would have cut through church lands at Colyton. Also excerpts from the original Exon Domesday were viewed. Cathedral archivist, Ellie welcomes the community to visit the archive. www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk/history-heritage/library-archives/
Have your say
We need your thoughts about the project to help us improve what we do. If you would like to confidentially tell an independent assessor how you found the project through a short telephone conversation, then please get in touch and we will pass your details on to the assessor.
The project extends a huge thank you to all our expert leaders who kindly shared their rich knowledge and revealed the fascinating wildlife and history of this very special landscape.
Special thanks also to all the landowners who give us access to their land.
If you have any contributions, or need further information, or event bookings, please do get in touch with Ruth Worsley or Pete Youngman. Phone 01404 310012
Email legacytolandscape@gmail.com www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk/our-work/wildlife/legacy-to-landscape
Colyton Parish History Society; Shute and Whitford Parish Council, Phil Wilson and Marian Reed from Pennyhayes Farm
Helene Buse
King John’s Oak, given room to breathe
Changing times at Shute Park. A poster from the archives. In 1830 Two sovereigns was equivalent to £1,200 today.