LOPWELL Dam has received a grant to renovate a disused pumphouse and provide an arts and education centre for the local community and visitors.
Through the £70,000 Wildspace! grant from English Nature in conjunction with the National Lottery New Opportunities Fund, the aim is to involve the community in the improvement, care and enjoyment of the environment, and to improve access to the site through information technology.
Lopwell Dam and adjacent land is managed by South West Lakes Trust, which is working with West Devon Borough Council to get the site designated as a Local Nature Reserve.
Lopwell Dam, situated on the upper tidal reaches of the River Tavy, seven miles from Tavistock, is leased by South West Lakes Trust from South West Water.
The grant will not only assist in site improvements, it will also allow the trust to employ a community liaison officer over a three-year period to encourage community volunteers to get involved in Lopwell enhancement projects.
The trust hopes to appoint a community liaison officer from next spring.
Julia Moysey, head of development at South West Lakes Trust said: ?The Wildspace! grant and designation of the site as a Local Nature Reserve will be a great step towards involving the community in the management of this tranquil area while improving accessibility and education.?
Mrs Moysey said the trust was also interested in the possibility of a web camera offering remote access and producing pictures of wildlife without disturbing their natural habitat.
Some of the money will also be used to improve disabled access to the footpath and the building.
Mrs Moysey said the trust was still looking for more funding to support the enhancement project.
Over recent years the trust has managed the dam, original pump house and surrounding land, with Tavistock Conservation Project assisting with habitat management at the site.