A WEST Devon beauty spot is to be designated as a local nature reserve, bringing improved accessibility and education to the community.
Lopwell Dam, on the River Tavy, and its surrounding area have been singled out for the special status by West Devon Borough Council.
The local nature reserve will consist of one hectare of saltmarsh habitat and four hectares of enhanced ancient woodland.
The land, which lies seven miles outside Tavistock, is managed by environmental charity South West Lakes Trust, on behalf of South West Water.
The trust?s newly appointed community liaison officer, Paul Gregory, who will oversee the Lopwell project, said he was delighted the site had been given nature reserve status.
He said: ?It?s a stunning place, and it?s in such a good area, being close to a major city like Plymouth. I think it?s a fantastic idea.?
The latest announcement follows a Wildspace! grant for £70,000 the trust received last year to fund the Lopwell project.
The grant, which came from English Nature in conjunction with the National Lottery new opportunities fund, was aimed at involving the community in the improvement, care and enjoyment of the environment, and to enhance access to the site through information technology.
The money will go towards the transformation of the redundant pump house, on the eastern shore, into an educational and arts
centre.
The centre will be used by local groups, schools and colleges and also for scientific research.
Local arts and crafts will be on display, and it is hoped a webcam offering remote access to wildlife can be set up.
Paul Gregory took up his post with the trust eight weeks ago. He has extensive experience of the marine environment, having been involved with the Cardigan Bay?s bottlenose dolphin population in Wales since 1996.
He has a degree in marine biology from Plymouth University, and an MSc in applied marine science.
He is a keen diver and an accomplished underwater and wildlife photographer, who has had his work exhibited and published in various magazines.