BELLEVER GOOD CAR PARK

Forester Pete Verney hopes would-be thieves will be fuming about his new car park design, on Dartmoor.

And he believes visitors will be delighted with the Forestry Commission facility that fits in perfectly with its surroundings.

He took action over the site, in the shadow of Bellever Tor, to safeguard people’s property.

He reckoned the layout of the old Cherry Brook car park concealed vehicles from the main road and made them a potential target for criminals.

Mr. Verney, said: “We’ve moved the site and made sure that every passing motorist can now spot just what’s going on there.

“That should help keep thieves away because they just hate passers-by being able to see what they are up to.

“By using local materials and good landscaping we’ve made it look like the car park’s always been there. It fits in beautifully with its wild surroundings.

“We shall be installing picnic benches later this year so people can enjoy the scenery while having their lunch.”

Mr. Verney said the construction project was carried out by the Forestry Commission in partnership with the Dartmoor National Park Authority.

The car park has been built using local granite. Boulders and low earth banks mark out the bays.

Water running off the hill that overlooks the site has been re-routed through a new culvert and ditch to ensure motorists do not get bogged down.

Mr. Verney’s handiwork looks set to be very popular. An educational geology site next to the parking area attracts hundreds of students every year.

Many people also begin their walks up to the nearby tor from the car park.

Visitors from near and far use the site in late summer when they come to gather ‘wortleberries’ growing on Bellever’s slopes.

Details of other Forestry Commission visitor facilities around the region are listed on the www.forestry.gov.uk website.

NOTES TO EDITORS

For further information please contact Miss Bridgette Hall, Forestry Commission Environment Development Manager, on 01392 832262.

e-mail: bridgette.hall@forestry.gsi.gov.uk