A LONG running Tavistock conservation group has had to cease operations because of severe financial pressures. A combination of unsuccessful funding applications, the end of substantial lottery funding and ever increasing overheads have put an end to the Tavistock and District Conservation Project, set up 14 years ago. The organisation has carried out conservation work for both private landowners and management of publicly owned sites such as Tavistock Viaduct Walk and Grenofen Woods. In addition, it has arranged training courses as well as acting as an agent for Riverford Organics and for compost bins. TDCP chairperson Nikki Connell said without the cushion of major funding, the organisation as a commercial concern just was not viable anymore. ?We would like to thank all the volunteers, past and present for all their hard work and commitment over the years,? she said. In November 2005, the staffing was reduced and operations moved to a smaller business unit, so TDCP could continue taking out volunteers on community-based activities, including young people and those with learning disabilities. However, last week the minibus failed, which left the organisation without its essential transport and insufficient funds to replace the vehicle. But Mrs Connell said it was not all bad news, because in the longer term, volunteering opportunities in Tavistock and the Tamar Valley were looking ?very optimistic?. The trustees of the group were currently awaiting the decision of a Heritage Lottery Fund application for a project officer working with young people on sites within the Tamar Valley of Outstanding Natural Beauty. If successful, the organisation might be able to continue, albeit with a realigned focus, and negotiations were taking place with the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers to make it part of a much larger organisation, she said.
