TWO volunteers from Sustrans, the organisation that promotes sustainable travel, spent the morning of January 15 clearing fallen leaves and other growth from the cycle path on either side of Wilminstone viaduct near Tavistock.

A spokesman for Sustrans said as leaves accumulated on the tarmac, they mulched down to form a compost, into which plants were only too eager to root themselves, eventually breaking up the surface and restricting the width of the path.

'Where plants like brambles have established themselves, shifting them is quite heavy work with shovels and brooms, but on this stretch the work could be done effectively with the petrol driven leaf blower loaned by Sustrans.

'These cycle routes are well used by local people and attract visitors.

'They were constructed by Devon County Council but, apart from an annual cut and removal of large obstructions, the maintenance is carried out by volunteers from Sustrans and other organisations.

'Without this work the paths would soon become overgrown. Tavistock Wheelers are very active but new volunteers are always needed.'

The next skirmish against the brambles will be on January 24 at 10am on the cycle path near Harford Bridge. This needs shovels, secateurs and strong arms for about two hours.

If anyone can help then, or in the future, they can contact Sustrans via the website, sustrans.org.uk, email [email protected]">[email protected] or give Jane Miller a ring on 01822 614821.