East Devon AONB marks the milsetone with a year of special events and activities.

The East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is celebrating its 50th anniversary.

To mark the milestone there will be a year of special events, activities and exhibitions throughout the region.

The area was designated as an AONB in 1963.

John Wilding, the head of forestry and environment for Clinton Devon Estate, and East Devon AONB Partnership chairman, said “The East Devon AONB is an inspirational place to live and work and we hope as many people as possible will help us celebrate this amazing landscape.”

The festivities will start in April with a heritage walk culminating in the Peter Orlando Hutchinson Project Conference at Kennaway House in Sidmouth.

Throughout the summer the AONB team and members of the AONB Partnership will be attending the Axe Vale Festival and the Honiton Show, with displays describing the many varied projects it supports.

From January onwards it is running a photographic competition, Focus on 50 – celebrating half a century of the East Devon AONB, and a writing competition for all ages called Life and Landscape.

Members of the public are also being challenged to walk the length of the East Devon Way during the year.

The 40 mile route passes through the heart of the AONB, from Exmouth to Lyme Regis - the achievement will be rewarded with a special 50th anniversary certificate.

An anniversary celebration will take place in September at Bicton College, which will be attended by Professor Michael Dower CBE, former chief executive of the Countryside Commission,

For more information visit www.eastdevonaonb.org.uk or call 01404 46663