'Unprecedented' is a word often used to describe the challenges the world is facing during the Covid-19 pandemic – we are living through a historic time.

And the Dawlish Local History Group wants to record it for future generations of local residents.

The group wwants to hear from anyone living in Dawlish who would like to contribute their experiences of this year's events.

Anyone can share their thoughts and experiences

In a notice posted on the group's website shortly after the first lockdown began, a spokesman for the group said: "We are interested in what is happening to all age ranges, whether it is new parents, school pupils, workers – whether able to go to work or not - senior citizens and those who are self-isolating for one reason or another.

"You could give us a single thought or description of something that has happened, right up to keeping a diary of events."

The group says only a few people have responded so far.

But now, with the second lockdown beginning, this could be a good time to contribute to the records.

How one local resident lived through lockdown

One Dawlish resident who has already written about her experience of lockdown is Frances Hutchinson, who writes a blog called Artificially Hip, covering many aspects of her life.

In July she wrote a post called Lockdown in a Small Town, in which she describes the difficulties she faced, living alone, and the support she received from the community.

In these extracts, she also describes how Dawlish's nature and wildlife helped lift her spirits:

"I live in a town well known for its waterfowl, both on the river and in an enclosure with some non-native species.

"I have always enjoyed nature, especially waterfowl, but during this time I really got into watching the birds in town.

"I have started to learn some more of the species we have and have observed the differing behaviours of the birds.

"I find watching them quite therapeutic, it can be relaxing and help me to feel a little more cheerful.

"I even joined Chris Packham's Self Isolating Bird Group on Facebook to learn more about birds and other wildlife.

"Spring is a good time to keep going out and visit the same places regularly with the trees and flowers blossoming and the birds at their most active.

"I have watched a pair of swans raise cygnets and a goose family with goslings.

"I saw how the young gradually develop and change over time.

"Lockdown would have been a lot harder in winter, being able to go out less often and nature being less active.

"On a good day pain wise I would make my walk to or from town a little longer, exploring my local area.

"I am lucky to live near parks, countryside and the coast. I can think of a lot worse places to be stuck in lockdown."

To read the rest of Lockdown in a Small Town, and the rest of Frances's blog posts, visit Artificially Hip

To contribute your own experiences to the Dawlish Local History Group, email [email protected]