A PIECE of unused land at Abbotsfield in Tavistock should be retained as a nature reserve, according to some of the residents living nearby.

The future of the small copse was discussed by members of Tavistock Town Council recently, as it had received complaints from some people in the area that it was dangerous for children to play in.

The council does not have any formal deeds to the land, but is working with Land Registry to formalise the issue.

The council's properties committee last month agreed the land should be valued, with a view to selling it at some point in the future.

At last week's full council meeting, Gavin Brett, of The Retreat, spoke on behalf of residents who live close by the copse.

Mr Brett said: 'if you do decide to offer this land for sale, could you please offer it to the residents of The Retreat for first refusal? We would like to keep it as a nature reserve.'

Mr Brett said the copse was full of bluebells and other wildflowers in summer time, which encouraged birds and bats to the area.

'There is also evidence that badgers used to live there,' said Mr Brett.

'This area also is home to a tree that can be seen from most of Tavistock, a tall pine, that can be viewed from the Meadows, Bishopsmead and Gulworthy — it is part of our landscape and skyline.'

Town mayor Cllr Mandy Govier said the council's works superintendent would meet with the residents to discuss the land, to see if an arrangement could be reached for its future use.

The matter will be considered by the council's properties committee at its December meeting.