A ONE-DAY conference, run by East Devon AONB, attracted 79 people to Sidmouth's Norman Lockyer Observatory on Saturday.

A ONE-DAY conference, run by East Devon AONB, attracted 79 people to Sidmouth's Norman Lockyer Observatory on Saturday.

The Parishscapes Project topic - Reading between the lines: Mapping landscape change in East Devon - was held to showcase examples of local history projects and guide people to existing or new sources of information.

Branscombe Project representatives were among those giving presentations. The organisation has been successful in telling the story of social history in the village.

Bill Horner, deputy county archaeologist from Devon County Council's Historic Environment Record, explained how to read the landscape.

County archivist John Draisey explained how landscape historians can make the best use of the archives kept at Devon Record Office

Conference organiser Philippe Planel, Parishscapes Project Officer, said: "The packed venue demonstrates the high level of interest in our historic landscapes that exists among residents and specialists alike, in particular how our landscapes have been used and shaped in the past.

"The Parishscapes Project has been established to meet that demand and enable people to find out more."

Mill historian Martin Watts spoke on water-power in East Devon based on map and field evidence.

Phil Planel told the audience about the digitisation of tithe maps, which is well under way for all 29 parishes in and around East Devon AONB and how these are making our historic landscapes more accessible to more people.

l Parishscapes is a three year project - 2007 to 2010 - delivered by East Devon AONB Partnership with financial support from East Devon District Council, Natural England and the Heritage Lottery Fund.