CONSERVATIONIST volunteers from the Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation Group (STOC) have continued to be active, constructing a boardwalk across a marshy area near South Zeal containing relatively rare plants.

The construction and installation of a boardwalk across Pixie?s Moor has been a satisfying project for the group. The task is ongoing with more work scheduled during the next three months.

Among other activities undertaken during the winter and spring are the usual gorse management on parts of Dartmoor and undergrowth clearance in Castle Drogo Deer Park.

The group has also worked on daubing of the Celtic roundhouse at the Forestry visitors? centre at Cookworthy. The roundhouse construction has been an ambitious project with the group involved in roofing and thatching, using ancient materials and methods. The daubing of the wall is possibly the most challenging aspect of the project.

A full programme has been prepared to take STOC?s work through to the end of September. The summer always includes a concerted effort to strim a section of the Tarka Trail north of Okehampton, a responsibility of the group.

In addition, STOC members will tackle coppicing at Chilla, more daubing on the roundhouse as well as continuing to clear broom in Castle Drogo deer park. Finally, Brenamore in Belstone is due to have another visit from the group in early October to clear more gorse.

The group meets every Friday at Finch Foundry field, Sticklepath at 10am. Further information: Ian Bowkley 01837 840435 or Peter Williams 01837 840757.