THE ENJOYMENT of Okehampton?s rivers has been further enhanced with the installation of an artistic new bench inspired by the environment. Designed by Green Space Designs Ltd of Sourton Cross, the Y-shaped bench reflects the coming together of the East and West Okement Rivers and is situated by the Bridge near The Glen and Castle Hospital. Another bench is soon to be placed in Mill Road. Both have been initiated by the Okehampton Rivers Improvement Group and funded by a grant from the Devon Action Group. Treasurer of the group Alan Flack said a lot of help was received from Tom Hills of the South West Rivers Trust. The benches, made from local cedar, contain engravings which relate to Okehampton?s history and environment such as the Pig Bridge, Okehampton Castle, fish and otters. Mr Flack said the new structures were all part of the work to enhance the ?lovely river area? which started at Pig Bridge through Simmons Park and Kempley Meadow. Environment art informing people about the variety of trees in the area is displayed in Simmons Park and two new benches have been installed in Kempley Meadow. Formed several years ago, the rivers group has a regular clean up of the rivers removing any litter and tidying up the riverbanks. ?We look after the wildlife and amenity value of the rivers and other plans in the pipeline including coppicing on the riverbanks to improve the conditions for migratory salmon,? added Mr Flack. l LEFT: with the new bench are chairman of the Okehampton Rivers Improvement Group Cllr Christine Marsh with treasurer Alan Flack and dog Juno. Picture by James Bird
