The organisers of Sidmouth’s first Biodiversity Festival have thanked the Sid Vale Association for their support.

The free nature and environment-themed festival began on Monday, June 5 and ends on Sunday, June 11.

Organised by the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group (SVBG), it aims to inspire and inform people about the rich diversity of wildlife present in the valley and the importance of taking steps to increase biodiversity.

The Sid Vale Association (SVA) contributed £1,600 towards the festival’s costs, with the money coming from the Keith Owen Fund. A cheque was presented to the SVBG at the end of May.

Alan Clarke, SVA Keith Owen Fund Committee Chair, said: “The Keith Owen Fund is delighted to be able to support the establishment of a Biodiversity Festival for Sidmouth. We wish the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group every success, and hope their festival will become a regular feature of the Sidmouth calendar for many years to come.”

Details of the festival's free events can be found on the Sid Valley Biodiversity Group's website