News and Events 6th - 12th September

News

Rare albino crab found in Cornwall

A local fisherman found a rare catch a quarter of a mile out to sea, south of Flushing Quay. The velvet swimming crab, also known as the devil or witch crab, is usually found in much warmer waters of the Mediterranean and Black Sea. And as they’re usually of a deep blue or purple colour, this albino specimen surprised both the experts and fishermen alike.

Scottish Archaeology month

Hundreds of events and activities are taking place across Scotland this month during Scottish Archaeology Month. Excavations, workshops, walks and talks are being organised by Archaeology Scotland about the history of the areas and the particular sites, with many events aimed at local schoolchildren. The experts are hoping to teach groups about the Viking invasion, as well as how to identify Bronze or Stone Age tools.

Plants and roots used to repair Old Gatehouse

The 16th Century Willimoteswick Gatehouse, near Haydon Bridge in Northumberland is being saved and restored using the ancient technique of using plants such as sedum and stonecrop to form a protective blanket over the brickwork. The work being carried out by Natural England and English Heritage is hoped to maintain the historic and natural features of the site, and to create new and cheaper developments into future restorations.

First Boat sets out on restored Barge Canal

Droitwich Canal in Worcestershire hasn’t seen any canal boats for about 80 years. After 37-years, the £12 million campaign by the Droitwich Canal Trust is finally going to see a canal boat travel the 250-year old waterway. There are plans to fully open the 21-mile cruising ring around the county by 2011, hopefully bringing visitors and enthusiasts from across the country.

Events

Discover Kent’s finest Beer
Hops ‘n’ Downs Trail
The Wagon Store, Kent Life, Sandling, Nr. Maidstone, 7th September

Take the time to sample some of the county’s best beers and find out about the harvesting to brewing process. Timed perfectly to compliment Kent Life’s own ‘Maidstone’s Original Beer Festival’ on 11th and 12th September.

Walk across Derbyshire
Autumn Footprints Amber Valley & Erewash Walking Festival
Amber Valley & Erewash, Peak District & Derbyshire, 11th - 26th September

33 guided, free walks over 16 days, in two areas known for their natural beauty and industrial heritage. Including everything from treasure hunts to wildlife walks, a tour of Derby Cathedral and the Railway Heritage Walk. Great for all the family!

Annual Ludlow delicacies
Ludlow Marches Food and Drink Festival
Ludlow, Shropshire, 10th – 12th September

With more than 130 independent food and drink producers, inside Ludlow Castle’s grounds, food trails, demonstrations and talks, everyone’s bound to find something that takes their fancy and pleases the palate.

Green Art and Auctions
Branching Out – The Arboretum Trust
Kew at Castle Howard, 11th - 12th September

Exhibition to raise money for The Arboretum Trust, followed by an Auction at Bonhams, New Bond Street on Thursday 16th September. Celebrities such as Joanna Lumley, Jon Snow and Dame Janet Baker are among those who have created works of art out of oak tree branches to be displayed at the Castle.