Sticklepath Okehampton Conservation Group (STOC) is seeking new volunteers. Now in its 17th year, the group provides a valuable service to various organisations in and around the Okehampton area. During the past six months, it has helped to create the nature area at Okehampton Primary School, improved access to Okehampton?s Old Park, and carried out general maintenance on the churchyard of Okehampton?s parish church. Other tasks have been undertaken further afield, including work on Gidleigh Churchyard, Meldon Reservoir paths, the Castle Drogo Estate, and parts of the Tarka Trail. The most satisfying of recent projects has been the construction of a boardwalk at Cookworthy Forestry Centre. This involved several Fridays making up the actual sections before installation and securing the boardwalk through a cleared marshy area near the visitors? centre and was completed in time for the summer season. Apart from Christmas and Easter, STOC volunteers work every Friday in all weathers. The work they undertake is not strenuous and members are not asked to do anything beyond their physical capabilities. Most group members are retired men and women. However, there are also some young people in the group who have time to give to their community, as well as several members ? accompanied by their carers ? who have learning difficulties. Among the tasks the group has planned for the next four months are further work at Meldon Reservoir and Quarry area, in Abbeyford Woods, on Pixie Moor near South Zeal, and in the grounds of Okehampton Primary School. Anybody interested in joining should drop in at Finch Foundry in Sticklepath on a Friday morning or call 01837 840757 or 01837 840435 for further information.
