WEST Devon parishioners and supporters recently celebrated the installation of the new Ramsley Common Community Interpretation Board at South Zeal on Dartmoor.

The previous board served many years imparting information on the archaeology and rich copper mining heritage as well as the spectacular views across the village that can be admired from Ramsley Common.

But when it became so faded and damaged that it was no longer safe, local parishioners and the parish council set about finding funding for a replacement.

The new interpretation board has been funded by South Tawton Parish Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Dartmoor Communities Fund, West Devon Borough Council’s Community Fund and Devon County Councillor James McInnes through his locality budget.

The original interpretation board was commissioned by the South Zeal Charter Group in 1999.

Originally designed by Image Makers, the new board has been renewed by Touchwood Design and features two panels, one with a view over the parish and one with a view of what remains of the old copper mine at Ramsley Common.

West Devon Borough councillor and South Tawton parish councillor, Bill Cann, said: ‘This village information board has come about by Dartmoor National Park Authority, West Devon Borough Council, South Tawton Parish Council and Devon County Council working together.

‘That is what it is all about these days, working together to achieve something that is very special to the people in the community and also to visitors.

‘Hopefully these sorts of projects will continue but with spending cuts in local authorities, it may be more difficult in the future.’

Jo Rumble, communities officer for Dartmoor National Park, said: ‘It is great to see the interpretation board back in place on Ramsley Common. The area is well used by both local people and visitors alike, especially as it is promoted in the Four Villages Trail.

‘The local community and parish council do so much to maintain access to the common for everyone by maintaining the network of paths and we are very pleased to be able to help reinstate the information board so that everyone visiting can appreciate the wonderful views and heritage of the common.’

The Dartmoor National Park Communities Fund will again be offering grants across Dartmoor in 2015/16 to help Dartmoor communities to secure and enhance important local facilities or services.

The fund will open to applications in the autumn; for more information contact Jo Rumble at [email protected]