Julia Gregory

Devon farmer Mark Walter has vaccinated 1,700 sheep amid a severe bluetongue outbreak affecting livestock in south-west England. He says the virus has caused major stress and fears that 40% of his lambs could be stillborn or disabled. Deputy chief veterinary officer Ele Brown attributed the high number of cases in Devon and Cornwall to warm conditions that allow disease-carrying midges to remain active, while noting that only about 10% of eligible animals have been vaccinated. National Farmers' Union president Tom Bradshaw called for faster vaccine distribution, compensation for fallen stock and simpler vaccination reporting.

Matthew Johnson says his mother’s false claims that he suffered from serious illnesses deprived him of a normal childhood and subjected him to extensive medication, mobility aids and surgery. Lisa Hayden-Johnson was jailed in 2010 after putting him through unnecessary treatment. Johnson, now 25, says a Channel 4 documentary about the case helped him understand what happened, while hearing his mother’s comments confirmed his decision to end contact with her. The documentary, Love You to Death, includes contributions from Johnson, family members, medical staff, social workers and police investigators.

Residents were evacuated from flats on Catchfrench Crescent in Liskeard after a fire began in the building. Fire crews from Liskeard, Bodmin, Lostwithiel and Looe attended, using breathing apparatus and hose reel jets, while roofing tiles were removed during the operation. No injuries or cause of the fire were reported.

Independent tests are being conducted at La Mare de Carteret Primary School in Cobo, Guernsey, after mould was discovered in a classroom in July. The mould was treated immediately, and the States of Guernsey says any necessary remedial work will be completed before the new school term. The classroom will only be used if experts confirm it is safe.

A brightly coloured 15mm nudibranch discovered by diver Maggs Ashton in the wreckage of the MV Robert off Lundy may be an undescribed Lomanotus species. Marine naturalist Bernard Picton called the find significant, while the Marine Biological Association encouraged the public to report similar sightings. The discovery is being used as further evidence that marine species and coastal ecosystems around Britain are changing as waters warm.

A large branch from a Tree of Heaven in central Plymouth suddenly collapsed, sending shoppers and nearby customers rushing to safety and damaging a local food stand. Plymouth City Council attributed the failure to heat stress from successive heatwaves, although the tree had been inspected in July with no major issues found beyond a need for crown pruning. The council plans to remove the damaged tree and is adapting future planting and watering plans to account for climate change.

A large branch from a Tree of Heaven in Plymouth’s New George Street suddenly fell during a period of high temperatures, forcing shoppers to move to safety and damaging a nearby food stand’s gazebo, table and chairs. Plymouth City Council attributed the collapse to heat stress and said the tree, last inspected in July, would be removed because of the damage. The council is also adapting its planting plans and using rainwater storage tanks to help trees withstand climate change.

Elizabeth Brown, a 69-year-old artist from Taunton, died after a collision involving a motorcycle and a pedestrian on the A379 Torquay Road in Shaldon, Devon, on 3 July. Her family paid tribute to her colourful artwork, warm personality and close relationships, and said she had spent her final day with her partner Simon, swimming at Ness Beach. Devon and Cornwall Police continue to investigate and are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

A serious fire affecting a field and the central reservation led to the closure of the A38 eastbound between East Rattery and Lower Dean on Dartmoor. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service deployed three crews using fire beaters and two hose-reel jets after being called shortly after 14:30 BST. Smoke crossed the road, causing congestion as far as Marley Head Junction, while police warned drivers about conditions near Lower Dean and Buckfast.

The A38 eastbound between East Rattery and Lower Dean on Dartmoor has been closed after a serious fire spread from the roadside into the central reservation and a nearby field. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service sent three crews, using fire beaters and hose reel jets, to tackle the blaze, which affected about 50 by 20 metres of field and 100 metres of central reservation. Smoke caused congestion between Lower Dean, Dean, Dartbridge Junction and Marley Head Junction.

Fire services in Devon and Cornwall are urging residents and visitors not to use bonfires, barbecues, campfires or fireworks as hot, dry conditions increase the risk of rapidly spreading wildfires. Recent incidents included deliberately started gorse fires near Penzance, a grass and gorse fire near Truro, and a disposable barbecue discarded in a bin at Croyde. The warnings follow a UK government emergency alert about the nationwide wildfire risk, while disposable barbecues have been temporarily banned from sale because of the danger they pose.

Firefighters in Devon and Cornwall are urging residents and visitors not to light bonfires, barbecues, campfires or fireworks as hot, dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires. Recent incidents included deliberately started gorse fires near Penzance, a grass and gorse fire near Truro, and a disposable barbecue left in a bin at Croyde. The UK government has issued a national wildfire alert, while disposable barbecues have been temporarily banned from sale because of the danger they pose.

A survey led by Guernsey's Director of Public Health, Nicola Brink, found that only 27% of young respondents were confident they would remain on the island. Young people cited limited career opportunities, unaffordable housing, the cost of living, transport problems, loneliness and a lack of government attention as reasons to consider leaving. Interviewees called for stable careers, affordable housing, more free activities and stronger connections between younger and older generations.

The GSPCA is caring for an orphaned common seal pup found alone near Guernsey’s bathing pools. Believed to be only a few weeks old and weighing 10kg, the underweight pup was rescued after no mother was found. The charity will assess its condition and monitor its recovery, noting that common seals are rare visitors to Guernsey and can quickly become weak and dehydrated without their mother’s milk.

Nigel Hewitt has spent 60 years volunteering with the RSPB, beginning with efforts to protect ospreys in 1966. Now aged 77, he helps manage habitats in Devon for cirl buntings and supports the recovery of other species, including the red-backed shrike on Dartmoor. The cirl bunting, once widespread in southern England and now on the conservation red list, had more than 1,000 pairs recorded in the 2016 national survey. RSPB staff and fellow birders credit Hewitt with making a major contribution to species recovery, volunteer development and public engagement with wildlife.

Nigel Hewitt has volunteered with the RSPB for 60 years, beginning in 1966 by helping protect the first pair of ospreys to breed in the UK in more than a century. During a career at Barclays and throughout his school holidays, he contributed to habitat management and species-recovery projects, particularly for the endangered cirl bunting in Devon and the red-backed shrike on Dartmoor. RSPB staff and fellow birders credit him with extensive expertise, a lasting impact on conservation successes and a positive influence on the charity's volunteer culture.

A 16-year-old motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries in a collision with a red Volkswagen Polo on the B3254 at South Petherwin near Launceston, Cornwall. The car driver was also injured, and police notified the motorcyclist’s next of kin. The road was closed for several hours, and Devon and Cornwall Police appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Cornwall Council is using food waste collection trucks fitted with monitoring equipment to map mobile phone coverage across the county. The survey will measure 4G and 5G availability, download and upload speeds, and network-specific performance as the trucks travel Cornwall’s roads. Results expected in early autumn will help identify areas affected by poor connectivity and digital exclusion, while supporting calls for investment in improved coverage.

An IT problem at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust caused duplicate pathology results to be sent to GPs, with some patients generating as many as 200 results. Medical committees warned of a patient-safety risk and substantial extra work as practices manually review the results, potentially disrupting routine appointments and procedures. The trust said the issue followed the launch of a new electronic patient record system and a message-processing failure between systems, and reassured patients that GP practices were not responsible.

A processing problem following the launch of an electronic patient-record system at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust sent duplicate blood-test results to GP practices, with some patients generating as many as 200 results. Medical committees in Cornwall and Devon warned of patient-safety risks and a substantial manual workload as practices review results for missed abnormalities. Some non-urgent appointments may be rearranged, while urgent care continues; the trust apologized and said it is working with practices to resolve the issue.

Guernsey prison officers have been urged by Unite and the Prison Officers’ Association not to apply for temporary roles offered through a recruitment agency while colleagues are taking lawful industrial action. The unions object to temporary positions reportedly offering better pay and benefits than permanent roles, arguing that enhanced terms should instead be available to existing staff. The States of Guernsey says the roles are intended to relieve staffing pressures while permanent recruitment is completed. After constructive talks, Unite and the government agreed an action plan, but officers continued working only contracted hours pending further discussions on pay and other workplace concerns.

England’s over-75s football team defeated Germany 3-2 on penalties after a goalless match at Oldham Athletic’s Boundary Park. The anniversary fixture marked 60 years since England’s 1966 World Cup triumph and followed Germany’s victory over Martel’s side in the Veterans World Cup nine months earlier. England captain Geoff Martel described the emotionally charged match as one of the team’s hardest in three years and said the players’ persistence and preparation earned them the win.

The Nacra 15 World Championship is being hosted in Plymouth Sound by Hooe Point Sailing Club and Plym Yacht Club, with 60 catamarans and young sailors aged 13 to 21 competing from around the world. Four races are planned daily from Tuesday through Saturday, weather permitting, with viewing points including Jennycliff, Plymouth Hoe, Cawsand and Bovisand. Devon competitors Eliza Pritchard and Will Boalch are among the British Youth Sailing Team sailors aiming to develop toward potential future Olympic competition.

Staff at Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service headquarters freed a seven-week-old kitten, later named Jessie, after a motorist heard her crying inside a car. Staff partially dismantled the wheel arch, and Amy Down coaxed out the frightened, oily and dehydrated kitten before taking her to a vet. Cats Protection is now fostering Jessie, who was likely born outdoors and had fleas; she will be offered for adoption once ready.

Nearly £1 million from Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme will fund research into the movements and breeding grounds of endangered blue, porbeagle and tope sharks. Scientists will use electronic tags, ultrasound scanning and interviews with anglers to map migration routes, identify nursery areas and improve guidance on catch-and-release practices. Data gathered will update England’s Red List assessments and support conservation actions to protect shark populations in English waters.

Nearly £1m from Natural England will support research into blue, porbeagle and tope sharks using electronic tagging, ultrasound scanning and angler collaboration to map migration, breeding and survival. Findings will update England’s Red List and improve angling guidance. Scientists from the University of Exeter and the Marine Biological Association say the project will address major knowledge gaps and help secure the future of these vulnerable species.

A roadside display of green bottles and assorted items at Kea Corner in Cornwall has drawn local curiosity as the number of bottles decreases, echoing the children’s rhyme. Rachel Ogle created a Facebook group that has gathered thousands of followers tracking the evolving installation. Cornwall Council acknowledged the display but said it would act only if it posed a safety risk, while locals continue adding to the installation as it grows in popularity.

A Devon basketball club, Tiverton Titans, completed a 24-hour challenge by shooting 26,274 layups in a bid for an inaugural Guinness World Record. Fifteen players rotated continuously during the event at Blundell's School, which was monitored by independent witnesses and recorded for evidence submission. Coaches and participants emphasized the sport’s positive impact on young people and community spirit. The club is expanding with a new youth programme and recently launched a ladies’ team.

Surgeons at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust performed their first operation using a soft tissue robotic surgical system, marking a significant advancement for local patient care. Led by head of surgery James Clark, the system enhances precision in hard‑to‑reach areas, reduces blood loss, and is expected to shorten recovery times. The NHS, Rotary Clubs, and local charities funded the £2m equipment. The technology will support treatment for conditions including digestive and urinary cancers, endometriosis, and metabolic disorders, reducing the need for patients to travel outside Cornwall.

Surgeons at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust performed the county’s first procedure using a soft tissue robotic surgical system, marking a significant advancement for local patient care. Led by head of surgery James Clark, the technology enhances precision, reduces blood loss and may shorten recovery times while sparing patients the need to travel outside Cornwall. Funded by NHS investment and local charitable support, the system will be used for treatments including digestive and urinary cancers, endometriosis and metabolic conditions after staff training in Belgium.

Financial regulators in Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man are coordinating efforts to strengthen protections against authorised push payment fraud, urging the public to pause and verify unexpected requests for money. Officials warn that scams often involve pressure tactics and impersonation, advising people to question unusual payment requests and contact their bank immediately if concerned. The initiative focuses on retail banking customers using faster payments and CHAPS, with attention on prevention, case handling, reimbursement policies and customer vulnerability.

Volunteers and former miners marked the 25th anniversary of King Edward Mine Museum with the unveiling of a restored wooden headframe, one of the last of its kind in Cornwall. The structure, originally built at Geevor and relocated several times, was restored through thousands of volunteer hours and installed to reflect its historic design. Trustees highlighted the importance of the headframe in demonstrating mining processes, while the museum invited new volunteers to support ongoing work.

A Guernsey library has launched a summer reading challenge encouraging children to read six books, featuring a musical theme and activities under the banner Read to the Beat. Nearly 2,000 children participate annually, earning rewards including a medal and a swim voucher. Bright Beginnings volunteers will support participants by discussing books and celebrating progress. Organisers emphasise the challenge’s importance for confidence, learning and wellbeing during the National Year of Reading.

Emergency services and residents on Sark continued damping down efforts after a major fire on Little Sark. Police praised the community for supporting visitors and supplying water during challenging conditions. The fire covered about 20,000 square meters, and five Guernsey firefighters were injured en route to assist. Authorities noted the unusually large scale of the fire and extremely dry conditions, with access to Little Sark restricted to residents.

A large jellyfish bloom washed into Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall, covering the terrace and filling the shallows. Staff reported unprecedented numbers, while marine experts linked increased sightings to calm weather, warmer seas and changing ocean conditions. Species included moon, blue, barrel and occasional Mediterranean mauve jellyfish, some of which can sting. Experts advised caution and first-aid steps for stings and encouraged the public to report sightings to track changing jellyfish patterns.

A large bloom of jellyfish washed into Bude Sea Pool in Cornwall, covering the terrace and filling the shallows. Staff said around 16 wheelbarrows of jellyfish were stranded and unable to survive out of the water. Wildlife experts reported increased inshore jellyfish sightings due to calm conditions and warmer seas, including occasional Mediterranean species. Advice was given on handling jellyfish stings and the public was encouraged to report sightings to support monitoring efforts.

The newly appointed Constable of St Helier, Inna Gardiner, aims to make the town more attractive for families and residents of all ages, highlighting the unique character of areas such as La Vallée des Vaux and Havre des Pas. She plans to improve neighbourhoods like Cheapside, prioritize communication with parishioners, and begin by listening to residents’ needs. Gardiner has also launched a consultation on refurbishing St Andrew's Park to encourage community use. She succeeds Simon Crowcroft after his 25-year tenure.

A lesser yellowlegs, a North American wading bird, was recorded in Jersey for the first time after being sighted at St Ouen's Pond. Members of Jersey Birds observed the bird briefly before it left the island the same day. The British Trust for Ornithology noted that only a small number of sightings occur in the UK, typically later in the year, underscoring the rarity of the event.

A lesser yellowlegs, a North American wading bird, was spotted at St Ouen's Pond in Jersey, marking the island’s first confirmed record. Members of Jersey Birds observed the bird during a brief visit on Monday before it departed the same day. The species has been seen previously in Guernsey and only occasionally in the UK, with most sightings occurring in late summer to early autumn.

Robin Smith, Jersey’s Chief Officer of Police, has been appointed chair of the Jersey Opera House as the venue moves forward following a major refurbishment. Leadership praised the cultural importance of the theatre and highlighted Smith’s experience and community understanding. He succeeds interim chair Laura Robertson, who oversaw the building’s reopening and appointment of its chief executive. The Opera House began searching for a new chair earlier this year, with the role requiring around eight days per month.

Two Catholic churches in Jersey—St Mary and St Peter in St Helier and St Patrick in St Clement—will close after 12 July due to falling income and rising maintenance costs. The Diocese of Portsmouth said the closures will allow resources to be redirected to support the island’s remaining five churches. Declining offertory donations and high upkeep costs prompted the decision, which follows consultation with parishioners. Some Mass times and locations will be adjusted, including moving the Polish Sunday Mass to Our Lady’s Church in St Martin.

Refurbishment has begun on the Green Street car park in St Helier, starting with the top deck before progressing to lower levels through August. Infrastructure and Environment warns some work will produce harmless odours, while most of the car park remains open during repairs to joints, coatings, steelwork and concrete columns.