THE next step in an innovative project to recreate an historic leat in the centre of Okehampton has taken a step forward with the installation of a new but historically authentic sluice gate.
The leat used to run from the East Ockment river to the corn mill. Work to recreate its passage is part of a larger project to provide an educational resource and beautiful environmental feature right in the heart of the town.
The new sluice gate has been made by local craftsmen Dave Gillespie and Dave Denford.
Judy Pride, CARD worker based at the Ockment Centre, said: ?Putting in the gate is just the first step in the project to increase the biodiversity of the area. I don?t really know anything about sluices so I didn?t know what we were going to get, but it?s stunning!?
Judy said the leat, which has been re-lined with stone from Meldon Quarry, will provide a gentle flow of water, creating an area about 100 metres in length where specific types of flora and fauna will flourish.
?By prior arrangement, children will be able to come and dip in the leat and investigate the water course in a safe environment. We have two fantastic rivers in Okehampton but we all know how dangerous they can be. This will provide a safe flow of water which will encourage a wide range of wildlife,? said Judy.
She said two shallow pools and ?beaches?, both allowing access for the disabled, will be created to enable close investigation of the leat.
Education packs will be prepared and there will also be interpretation boards, containing information which can be changed according to season or prevailing weather conditions.
?We?re also providing a viewing platform with seating for the general public, so they can sit down and watch the birds and the water,? said Judy.
She said the whole project is being supported by local craftsmen and artists and hoped it would celebrate a fantastic town centre, environmentally friendly resource to be enjoyed by people of all ages.