Posted on: 11 September 2018Devon's five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) will be helping people to make the most of the UK's finest landscapes during a nine-day programme of events starting this weekend (15 September).AONBs across the country have organised a series of events to help people explore the great outdoors, starting on Saturday (15 September) and continuing through to Sunday 23 September.Devon's AONBs are in East Devon, South Devon, the North Devon coast, the Blackdown Hills and the Tamar Valley, with these last two extending into adjoining counties. The AONB designation aims to conserve and enhance their outstanding landscapes, whilst also taking account the needs of their local communities and supporting opportunities for access, enjoyment and understanding of these unique areas.Events include –Blackdown HillsOtterhead Lakes Heritage Open Day from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 15 September at the Otterhead Estate.Uffculme Green Day, from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 22 September at Magelake Hall in Uffculme.East Devon

East Devon AONB Harpford WoodsSidmouth Blue Plaque Walk on Saturday 22 September from 2pm – 4pm, meeting at Kennaway House in Sidmouth.An 8.5 mile walk on Mutter’s Moor, Sidmouth on Sunday 23 September from 10:30am – 3:30pm. Meet at the car park at The Knowle, EDCC Council Offices. Booking is required for both walk on 01395 516441 Email:[email protected] Woods Family Map Event on Saturday 22 September. Drop in between 10am – 4pm, no booking required. Contact Emma or Anna at Thelma Hulbert Gallery: 01404 45006.North Devon Coast

North Devon Coast AONB Cockington mouth beach cleanBeach clean at Cockington at 2pm on Saturday 15 September, meeting outside Greencliff Farm (Abbotsham EX39 5BL), and a beach clean at Welcombe at 3pm on Monday 17 September, meeting in the Welcombe Mouth car park (EX39 6HL).Braunton evening bat walk at 7pm on Tuesday 18 September at Braunton Countryside Centre. For more information contact [email protected] or 07968 079436South Devon

South Devon AONB Radio Devon walk Start PointBig Night Out on the Beach at South Milton Sands from 4pm on Saturday 15 September, with watersports taster sessions, rockpooling, children’s activities and a lantern-lit sundown parade.Beach clean around Scoble point on Sunday 16 September. Meet outside Harbour office, Whitestrand, Salcombe, at 1:30pm. Booking is essential 01803 861384 or email [email protected] Valley

Tamar Valley AONB Bere Alston walking groupThe Bere Alston Walking Group. Meet in the free car park at the end of Pilgrim Drive, Bere Alston, at 10am for a 30-40 minute stroll. Free tea/coffee will be provided at the end of the walk at Hope Cottage Cafe.Drawn to the Valley Open Studios – starting from 10am on Saturday 22 September. Artists open the doors to their studios and other venues throughout the Valley, to showcase the very best of locally produced arts and crafts.

Councillor Roger CroadCouncillor Roger Croad, Devon County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Environment, said: "The coast and countryside of Devon's AONBs is beautiful all year round, but Autumn is a particularly special time in the county and Outstanding Week provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate our finest landscapes. There are a range of events to enjoy across Devon and to explore what our AONBs have to offer."For more information go to – www.landscapesforlife.org.uk/events/outstanding-week/