Mel Stride MP has praised the hard work of the Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation Group (STOC) and Highways England for making major environmental improvements at Blackhall Farm between Okehampton and Whiddon Down.
Announced yesterday, the team picked up the Big Biodiversity Challenge – Maintenance and Management Award for creating a wetland area, laying new hedges and managing woodland. Their efforts have resulted in a much-improved habitat for birds, invertebrates, aquatic species, dormice and other small mammals as well as a significant increase in wild flower species which will benefit pollinators. The scheme will also have potential benefits for habitat connectivity.
Mr Stride said:
“This project is a brilliant example of how local volunteers can work with public bodies – in this case Highways England who owned the land – to deliver major environmental improvements in an affordable and sustainable way. All those who contributed their time and energy should be very proud of their achievements.”
The project has so far taken three years and will continue for the foreseeable future with plans to install a bee bank and plant woodland bulbs in the coppiced area.