A SPECIAL free event for residents in Lydford is being held this weekend, with the aim of learning more about wildlife in the area and drawing up a plan to improve and protect habitats for the future.
The wildlife discovery day on Saturday is being run by the Dartmoor Biodiversity Project, which wants Lydford residents to turn up and tell others about the special habitats and wildlife in and around the village.
Action for Wildlife project officer Frances Cooper said: 'The best source of information about how to help wildlife around Lydford is local knowledge.
'We hope everyone who has an interest in wildlife, or an idea, will come along so that together, we can make sure ideas turn into action.'
The day begins with a wildlife walk and talk, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, a 'nature for real' workshop will be held, when residents can contribute ideas and decide on a plan to enhance wildlife diversity around the village.
The walk, which is about two hours long, will start from Nicholls Hall at 10am. Everyone is welcome, although children should be accompanied by an adult. The route and subjects covered will be determined by those who join in. It will be an opportunity to visit places around Lydford which are already important for wildlife, or which could become important with a little help.
Everyone with an interest in Lydford's wildlife and wild places, whether they are copses, ponds or areas of field or meadow will be invited to share their knowledge.
A light lunch will be provided in the Nicholls Hall between 12.30pm and 1.30pm.
After lunch, ideas will be worked up into a plan to benefit wildlife in and around the village.
Participants can join in all the discovery day or just attend a part it — the event is free and has been funded by a £4,572 lottery grant from the Social, Economic and Environment Development (SEED) programme.
Kate Sclater, New Opportunities Fund regional officer, said: 'The SEED programme is providing opportunities for innovative projects to happen across the South West, which enable communities to improve their environment and their quality of life.'
She said application packs for community groups requiring funding for environmental schemes and projects can be obtained by calling 0845 00 00 121.
For more information about the Lydford wildlife discovery day, call the Action for Wildlife Project on 01626 831027.