THE hard work of the Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation Group has helped to open up a glorious new view of Dartmoor.

The STOC group met at Gidleigh Tor on December 18 to help with a clearing programme around the tor.

Having been hard at work on clearing the area of thick gorse and undergrowth, the sitka spruce trees around the tor are now allowed to be felled. The trees, planted in 1960, are now part of a felling programme which will see the view restored and a more natural habitat restored.

Four rescued Dartmoor ponies are helping with the programme, keeping unwanted undergrowth down.

Karen Longworth, involved with the project, said: 'A great day was had by all with the help of STOC. The transformation of the land around Gidleigh Tor being cleared of gorse and undergrowth is a great improvement to this beautiful part of Dartmoor.'

The next working party will be in the spring. Anyone wishing to join in can contact Karen Longworth on [email protected]">[email protected]