THE volunteer conservation group STOC has issued a call for new recruits to help maintain its reputation for tackling a variety of projects in the Okehampton area. Since last August, Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation group have undertaken projects including completion of the Celtic Round House at Cookworthy, opening up paths in Abbeyford Wood, maintenance of the Tarka Trail and gorse clearance in Belstone and Sticklepath. More time is scheduled for Castle Drogo where tasks involve working under the supervision of both the head gardener and estate warden. Work includes thinning out woodland, maintenance of paths and rebuilding of revetments. Nearer to home, a considerable amount of woodland management has been undertaken in and near the Old Town Park in Okehampton. Through all these ongoing projects, the volunteers seek to make a positive impact on the environment. Future projects have been identified such as shrub clearance at Okehampton Primary School and assistance to English Heritage in clearing overgrown vegetation from the Wheel Pit in Skaigh Valley. The Pixie Moor boardwalk ? a STOC construction ? receives regular attention, while the floor of the Celtic Roundhouse at Cookworthy needs a final touch up. The group would welcome any new volunteers who wish to join them on their regular Friday morning tasks. The work is not strenuous with everyone learning new skills in a good spirit of camaraderie. Members meet every Friday at Finch Foundry car park, Sticklepath at 10am (in almost all weather conditions) before going to the task location for that day.
