THE Blackdown Hills Area of Natural Beauty Partnership is hosting its Community Conference at the Forestry Commission forest at Wych Lodge, Staple Fitzpaine, near Taunton on Saturday, June 9.

Visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about the work of the partnership and make their comments known at the free event.

There will be a host of interesting activities for all the family throughout the day with a barbecue with food from local producers while a minibus will be provided to transport people from a nearby meeting point into the forest.

Organiser Jackie Vaughan said: "The event will be a celebration of the great work being carried out in the Blackdown Hills AONB and will appeal to a wide audience who have an interest in the conservation of the countryside."

There will be an exhibition of some of the 100-plus pictures entered for the Photographic Competition organised by the Blackdown Hills AONB Partnership and the East Devon AONB.

A series of walks include a butterfly walk in the meadow, a walk around the Lodge's veteran trees and a self-guided walk through the forest.

Local storyteller Clare Viner will be talking about the woodland of the Blackdown Hills and there will be a natural arts workshop for children.

The event is free and organised so that visitors can call in at any time and participate in any of the events. However, places for walks and activities should be booked in advance.

For more information, call Jackie Vaughan on 01823-680682 or e-mail her at jackie.vaughan@devon.gov.uk Programme details are also available on the AONB Partnership website at www.blackdown-hills.net