THE planting of a rowan tree marked the official opening of Lopwell Dam Nature Reserve last Friday.
The dam and surrounding area ? at the upper tidal mark of the River Tavy ? have been officially designated as Devon?s newest Local Nature Reserve.
South West Lakes Trust joined forces with English Nature, South West Water and West Devon Borough Council to protect one of the most unique sites for wildlife in the county.
Cairns Boston, chairman of the board of trustees of SW Lakes Trust, said parts of Lopwell Dam were already Sites of Special Scientific Interest, but the designation as a nature reserve would ensure the lovely area was protected for our children and grandchildren and their children to enjoy for many years to come.
The area contains a salt marsh habitat and a stretch of enhanced semi-woodland on the western shore of the dam. Other habitats on site include freshwater marsh and managed grassland.