THE Tavistock branch of Devon and Wildlife Trust is to benefit from the launch of a £42,000 project. With help from the Heritage Lottery Fund the Launceston Area Parish Wildlife Group (LAPWG) is launching its new project 'Lapwing' which will include the Tavistock group and explore the involvement of other local community groups. Since 2002, enthusiasts from five parishes around Cornwall have been learning about and helping record plants and animals they see in their gardens or on visits to other areas in their parishes. These records have helped to provide experts at the Cornwall Wildlife Trust with a detailed picture of local wildlife. LAPWG received support from 'Your Heritage Programme' to develop a new website and database, and adapt the same approach of recording information in Devon and Cornwall. Brian Stringer, the founder of the group, said: 'Anyone with an interest but only basic knowledge can still provide really valuable information about wildlife in their own local area. 'The existing parishes have demonstrated this by contributing nearly one fifth of all mammal records held by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust. 'Training opportunities provided by the award will help members to improve their recording skills and help us ensure their efforts make a difference to the conservation of our local environment.' Brian is keen to involve as many people as possible with this two-year project which started last Friday. To find out more on the project visit, http://www.parish-wildlife.org.uk">www.parish-wildlife.org.uk