VISITORS to Fingle Woods, near Drewsteignton, are now able to make use of a new 6km cycle track through the woods thanks to a £128,000 investment from Devon County Council and the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA).

The track, constructed by Tim Cox Services, is the first of many improvements to the visitor infrastructure from the Woodland Trust and National Trust, which jointly maintain the 825 acre site in the Teign Valley.

The total cost of the track was £160,000, with the bulk of the cost being covered by a £128,000 grant from Devon County Council and DNPA's 'Granite and Gears' project, funded by the Department for Transport's Cycle Ambition Grant Fund.

David Rickwood, Woodland Trust site manager for Fingle Woods, said: 'The funding from Granite and Gears has helped us create a riverside track that is sympathetic to this very special place. Local people are beginning to explore the track with many families venturing not only by bike, but also on foot and with children in buggies.'

Adrian Colston, National Trust general manager on Dartmoor, said: 'We are delighted to have received funding from the Granite and Gears project as it has significantly improved the access along the river for visitors. It is now a brilliant family cycle ride, smooth and flat in a beautiful place.'

Cllr Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council cabinet member with responsibility for cycling, said: 'Devon is a cycling county and I'm delighted that we've been able to work closely with the Woodland Trust and National Trust on this family-friendly trail at Fingle Woods.

'It is another exciting addition to the Granite and Gears project which is establishing a network of walking and cycling routes in some of the most scenic parts of the county, improving access to Dartmoor and helping the local economy.

'This route has been made possible with funding we received from the Department for Transport which demonstrates that the Government recognises our work to improve sustainable transport links.'

The two charities have now raised over £4-million of a £5-million funding target which covers the site's acquisition and long-term restoration.

The charities have received funding support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, Viridor Credits Environmental Company, Garfield Weston Foundation, a number of charitable trusts and individual donors.

Find out more about the charities' plans at http://www.woodlandtrust">www.woodlandtrust. org.uk/fingle-woods