PARTNERS in the Ruby Country Initiative are still waiting to hear if the project has been successful in obtaining European Objective 2 funding to continue its work. The Ruby Country Initiative, which promotes ?green? tourism for the area of north west Devon and is named after its indigenous ruby red cattle ? reached the end of its current funding phase last year. Devon Wildlife Trust and other partners have submitted an application for Objective 2 funding to continue the project for another three years. The group is growing increasingly frustrated as it waits to hear if the bid has succeeded. Over the past few years the project has brought farmers, food producers and retail outlets, accommodation providers, local attractions and market towns together to create events and promote the area to local people and tourists alike. Events such as food safaris, walking and cycling trails ? and of course the increasingly popular half-marathon the Ruby Run ? have proved a great success. The initiative?s partners (Devon Wildlife Trust, Devon County Council, Torridge District Council and West Devon Borough Council) had planned to have a new team of dedicated staff already in post to run a suite of similar events this summer but this is now looking less likely. Over the last twelve months Devon Wildlife Trust has been answering calls from keen businesses and groups wanting to be involved. Steering group member Emma Davis of Devon Wildlife Trust said: ?We really want people to stay involved with Ruby but without the funding we cannot employ the people we need to get the team up and running and get back out there promoting this beautiful area. Let?s hope we hear soon.?