From Kitten Rescues to Topless Swims: Devon & Cornwall's Wild Week Uncovered!

This week in Devon and Cornwall, several unique and heartwarming stories made the news. One of the most talked-about stories was about a tiny black kitten that was found trapped inside the wheel arch of a police car. Officers at Crownhill Police Station in Plymouth heard a faint meow coming from the engine and took the car to a garage. Two mechanics discovered the kitten deep within the wheel arch. She was only about two days old but was found to be healthy. The kitten was adopted by a local police officer, who will now look after her.

Another story focused on efforts to make Devon a top location for film and TV productions. An organization called Screen Devon is building a comprehensive database of scenic spots, from windswept moors to charming villages, to attract more filmmakers to the region. Recent productions, including a Harry Potter TV series, have already shown the county's appeal. Claire Horrocks, who leads the initiative, said the goal is to make it easier for producers to find the perfect backdrop for their stories and to put Devon's landscapes at the center of the UK's screen industry.

In Cornwall, a group of Japanese bamboo craft experts visited Trebah Gardens to demonstrate the traditional art of takezaiku, which means bamboo craft. Apprentice Yoshika Yakabe is among a growing number of women learning this skill, which has been used for centuries to make everything from chopsticks to bridges. The team explored the giant bamboo groves and showed how they select and cut the right canes for their intricate woven designs. Project leaders hope that the results of this collaboration will be chosen for display at the 2026 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary raised concerns about seal pups being injured on Cornwall's beaches, possibly due to dogs running off their leads. The sanctuary's animal care team has treated pups with bite wounds and is urging holidaymakers to keep pets under control and give wildlife space, especially during the October half-term. Grace Jones, the sanctuary's conservation officer, said that even friendly dogs can scare or harm vulnerable pups, and the sanctuary is not blaming anyone but wants to protect the animals.

Louise Butcher, a cancer survivor known as the Topless Runner, participated in the Devon Hospitals Charity Topless Swim 2025 to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. The event at Ilfracombe saw more than 200 women, including some with mastectomy scars, proudly taking part. The swim raised over £30,000, and teams from North Devon District Hospital and the Fern Centre cancer wellbeing team were present to offer advice about breast cancer screening and early detection.

Finally, a new campaign has been launched to reduce fatal road traffic collisions among young drivers aged 17 to 24. The Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service's Top 3 campaign highlights the risks of passing driving tests with limited experience, driving late at night, and distractions from peers. Government figures show that young male drivers in this age group are four times more likely to be killed or seriously injured compared to older drivers. Annabelle Priest, the road safety lead, said young people are at higher risk due to their age and inexperience.

These stories from Devon and Cornwall show the region's commitment to animal welfare, creative arts, community safety, and supporting important causes.