A TAVISTOCK initiative to improve three areas of the town over a four-year period has been completed thanks to 4,300 hours of voluntary effort.
Tavistock Conservation Project has delivered the initiative at a cost of £23,435.
Volunteers have consistently supported project staff since 1996 in the plan to create wildlife habitats. They have provided easy access to the canal footpath, known as Drakes Walk, the Viaduct Walk local nature reserve and the Bannawell Wildlife Area.
Their efforts have included pond digging, weed removal, drainage, grass management, hedgework, tree planting and footpath improvement.
Over the period, the £23,435 costs have been supported by West Devon Borough Council (£6,000), Tamar Valley Countryside Service (£2,000), South West Water (£1,000), Tavistock Town Council (£50).
The bulk of the backing came from the European Regional Fund — some of the £11,717 is still pending final formalities. The balance was met by project funds, currently supported by the National Lottery Board.
The TCP will be managing the Viaduct local nature reserve in the future with support from the borough council and English Nature and work will continue along Drakes Walk and the canal under the direction of South West Lakes Ltd.
Treasurer George Swayne said Tavistock Town Council's plans for the Bannawell Wildlife Area were still unclear.