A £200,000 PROJECT to create a wildlife arts and education centre at Lopwell Dam near Buckland Monachorum was unveiled during a special preview day at the riverside site last Friday.

The scheme would see the renovation of the old pump house to form an arts and education facility, creation of a nature reserve, improved access to the woodlands and better interpretation information for visitors.

State-of-the-art information technology would enable visitors to view the varied wildlife without causing disturbance.

Lopwell is managed by South West Lakes Trust.

Trust director Evelyn Stacey said Lopwell was a very special site and the intention was not to attract hordes of tourists, but to promote the area environmentally, educationally and artistically in a low-key manner.

She said: 'We want to make sure we get it right. We've only got one chance, there will be plenty of discussion before we start on any physical work.'

Julia Moysey, head of developments for the Trust, said a 50-year lease had already been secured for Lopwell from South West Water. Planning permission to convert the pump-house and provide a refreshment kiosk has been granted.

She said: 'We hope to provide a multi-purpose area, which could be partitioned into two areas, with disabled access throughout.'

Mrs Moysey said there was a 'great opportunity' to use the pump house for art and environmental awareness courses for all ages and abilities.

'It will be a great chance to encourage young people to be more aware of the area, the maintenance and care of the site,' she said.

Use of carefully placed web cameras meant visitors would be able to watch wildlife via a computer, without disturbing the animals.

'Eventually, you could view from your computer at home,' she said.

A webcam could even be installed in the fish ladder by the dam, so travelling salmon could be viewed close-up. The trust is hoping to mount a telescope at the pumphouse to watch birds, otters and seals without causing disturbance.

Bird boxes will be installed in the woods, along with a birdwatching hide and pathways will be improved, although some areas will be kept out of bounds. The path across the dam will be re-made, when tides allow.

It is hoped a community officer can be employed to oversee the area — which should also improve security at the isolated site.

Mrs Moysey said the Trust was delighted and grateful to receive a legacy of £25,000 from the late Miss Harris in memory of her parents — a sum on which bids to funding bodies such as the National Lottery would build.

Wildlife artist Robin Armstrong, who works from a studio at Lopwell, said it was a 'wonderful opportunity' to establish a 'gallery site of excellence', in addition to promoting the work of the Trust.

He also hoped to hold exhibitions and teaching workshops at Lopwell.

Funding bids to create the wildlife, arts and education centre at Lopwell will be submitted during the next month. Work will take place as funding allows.

Any organisation interested in sponsoring the scheme should call Julia Moysey on 01837 871565.

JANE HONEY