A NEW Local Nature Reserve at Roadford Lake was last week officially designated by West Devon Borough Council. Managed by conservation charity South West Lakes Trust and owned by South West Water, the Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is a tranquil area of approximately 34 hectares located in the north-east of the 734 acre Lake. Celebrating the reserve designation with guests from the area, South West Lakes Trust chairman, Cairns Boston said: 'This is another excellent example of partnership working. 'The Trust is constantly looking for ways in which to improve habitats and protect the countryside it manages. 'Together with West Devon Borough Council and South West Water, we have ensured that this special area will be managed with wildlife in mind for decades to come.' David Incoll, West Devon's chief executive, said: 'The borough council is delighted to have yet another Local Nature Reserve in its area. 'We congratulate South West Lakes Trust on its dedication to environmental protection and we are very happy that this asset can be enjoyed by the local community. 'I'm sure that everyone will share our delight that this particularly tranquil area has official recognition for its conservation value.' Richard Hughes, finance and regulatory director of South West Water, joined Cairns Boston and David Incoll in planting trees to commemorate the occasion. He said: 'We welcome this official designation for an area where the delicate balance between nature conservation and public access has been achieved so successfully.' Visible from a viaduct which crosses Roadford, part of the reserve is accessible from a public footpath which allows access to part of the site, while the majority of the area is kept quiet for nature conservation, especially to protect nesting and migrating birds. Visitors can also use a bird hide, provided by the Devon Bird Watching and Preservation Society. During the summer as the water levels draw down valuable mudflats are exposed and the original stream bed which supplies the lake can be seen. The LNR designated area includes Southweek Wood which has good conservation and wildlife value and a wealth of features of interest. Habitats include swamp, marshy grassland and woodland including coniferous and broadleaved, old coppice and mature trees. Dormice have also been recorded in this area.
