THE Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation Group (StOC) has celebrated its 25th anniversary.

StOC is a volunteer conservation group with its base at Taw Bottom Girl Guide Camp, South Tawton. A large part of StOC’s work is carried out on Dartmoor National Park with its sector ranger Ian Brooker. They help to clear and maintain footpaths and bridleways, build bridges, stiles and gates and boardwalks.

Working with Butterfly Conservation StOC helps to clear and maintain nationally important habitats for the threatened marsh fritillary and other butterflies.

The group carries out maintenance of wetland areas and control of gorse and rhododendron and clearance of vegetarian on and around archeological sites. Together with Woodland Trust and National Trust, it assists in the management of the newly acquired Fingle Wood.

In Okehampton StOC carries out tasks at the castle and castle woods, the hospital, Ockment Centre, church and primary school.

Mike Watson from the group said: ‘This anniversary demonstrates a sustained commitment to conservation in our local environment.

‘We have a lot of fun in a very mixed group, including adults with learning difficulties, undertaking diverse tasks in beautiful areas.  This kind of work carried out by volunteers is becoming increasingly important in these times of economic restrictions. We meet every Friday at Finch Foundry Sticklepath at 10am and new volunteers are very welcome.’