THE reappearance of a rare plant in Okehampton?s Old Park has been encouraged thanks to the removal of purple moor grass and subsequent grazing. The environmental management work carried out at the park by Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation group (STOC) over the last few months has resulted in the reappearance of pale butterwort. Other tasks undertaken by the volunteers during the winter months have included maintenance of a section of the Tarka Trail in the Jacobstowe area, involving strimming of the path, and path clearance at Abbeyford Wood and along Skaigh Valley. STOC are a group of volunteers from the Okehampton area with its home base in Sticklepath, who meet every Friday at 10am at Finch Foundry Car Park, Sticklepath, before going to the scheduled task for the day. One of the most satisfying tasks undertaken in recent months has been the construction and installation of a boardwalk across Pixie Moor, South Zeal. This project, initiated by Dartmoor Ranger Ian Brooker, is now nearing completion and will enable walkers to cross a stretch of moorland otherwise made inaccessible by a large area of deep bog. It is hoped that the entire length, measuring some 300 yards and including a substantial footbridge, will be ready for a grand opening this spring. A full programme has recently been prepared to take STOC?s work through to early May. Tasks include ongoing projects such as Abbeyford Wood, Old Park Okehampton and Tarka Trail. Also nearing completion is the Celtic Roundhouse at Cookworthy Forestry Centre. The group is always keen to welcome new recruits. For further information contact Ian Bowkley on 01837 840435 or Peter Williams on 01837 840757.