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FRIENDS OF COCKINGTON HELP CARE FOR PARK
A new volunteer group with the common aim of caring for Cockington Country Park have been making impressive results.
The group, established earlier this year, has cleared vegetation around Cockington's lakes, opening out views and improving the appearance of the area. The work has also cleared an old footpath leading to a number of exotic conifers planted in the early 1990's through the Conifer Conservation Programme. The area contains rare conifers from the southern hemisphere such as Podocarps, Cunninghamis, Fitrzroya and Taiwania. Some of these plants were in danger of being smothered by surrounding scrub but thanks to some persistent clearance work they are now making a good recovery. The volunteer group was set up by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, who manage Cockington, so that regular Park users can have a say in the work that they feel needs prioritising most and be part of making it happen. The Friends of Cockington group meet regularly with the Trust to discuss the management of the Park. The 450 acre parkland is maintained by a small team consisting of grounds man Jim Spooner and his apprentice Dan Burgin, with the help of the Trust's Countryside Rangers. Estate Team Manager for Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust, Steve Bradley said "It's really rewarding to have so many volunteers give their time to help care for Cockington - they've really improved the grounds surrounding the lakes which were in much need of attention. We hope that the group's enthusiasm continues and are very grateful for their input." The volunteer group meet each Thursday, working under the supervision of the grounds man to complete various tasks. Next autumn pruning work will continue on the opposite side of the lakes to open up further views from the driveway.
Ends.
(Image - Cockington Groundsman Jim Spooner at the area by the lakes where the clearance work has been carried out).
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