A DISUSED trail running beside the River Tavy is to be re-opened after 30 years for horse riders, carriage drivers and other country lovers thanks to the hard work and dedication of Bere Horsewatch Group.
The Horsewatch Millennium Trail was initiated by the small group — part of a national network which is police-backed — who wanted to provide safe, off-road riding on the Bere Peninsula.
They planned the work, raised funding from organised rides to pay for the work and provided the labour for the project.
The trail starts from Bere Ferrers and has level access, wonderful estuary views and an exciting river crossing which is passable by horses only at low tide said Bere Horsewatch member Jill Etherington.
Vehicles will be prohibited from the trail which has historical origins, being used in the past by farmers to take their produce to market in Plymouth using ponies and traps.
Work on the trail, which has been disused for over 30 years, started last autumn and was completed within three months.
'The trail starts from Bere Ferrers, being about one mile long and crossing Chuck's Ford,' said Jill Etherington. 'A circular route can be followed by re-crossing the river at Lopwell Dam, returning to Bere Ferrers via a quiet country lane.
'Parts of the trail are accessible only at low tide. The river crossing should be attempted only at low tide, when the river is running low and not in spate.'
To date, the route has been ridden successfully by more than 40 riders. Walkers will need Wellington boots as the trail is muddy in places.
Local residents will be joined by Mayor of West Devon Christine Grills, and county councillor Gretta Madigan to officially re-open the trail on August 1.aTHERE'S a special event on offer this weekend in Tavistock aimed at beating summer holiday boredom and introducing families to the art of fly-fishing.
Fishing is one of the country's most popular sports, but the British Trout Association has reported a decline in the number of young people taking part.
Abigail Underhill, owner of Tavistock Trout Fishery in Devon, said: 'School holidays used to be a busy period for public fisheries, but it now seems many children are missing out on the outdoor life.
'This summer we are calling on young people to get away from the television, get some fresh air and learn a new skill at the same time.
'It's great to see the look on a child's face when they catch their first fish, and success can often signal the start of a life-long hobby.'
To encourage first time fly-fishers to have a go, Tavistock Trout Fishery is holding a special open event this weekend.
Children of 14 or over plus interested adults can have a free taster session, where they will be provided with a rod for 15 minutes with expert tuition — and any trout caught during this session with be charged at a reduced rate.
Essentials for fishing are warm and weather-proof clothing including wellies, sunglasses and a hat, either for protection from the sun or to keep the head warm! The only other requirement is a steady arm and good co-ordination.
The taster sessions are on offer between noon and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday — free tea and coffee will be available.
Cllr Grills said: 'It is thanks to the hard work and dedication of a handful of local people that this trail is now available for the benefit of horse riders and carriage drivers in the area.
'Collaboration between the county council and parish council has been the key to the success of this project,.
'I hope that many people will now take great pleasure in exploring this wonderful area.'
Permission and advice were given by Devon County Council, English Nature, the Environment Agency, the British Horse Society and the British Driving Society. Help and support came from local residents and the parish council, together with additional funding and advice from the Tamar Valley Countryside Service.