Forestry Commission - News - devon beauty spot gets award for its makeover

Wistlandpound reservoir in North Devon is a beauty spot with a difference – the difference being that it’s not just accessible to rugged outdoor types; wheelchair users can also enjoy the 2km lakeside trail.

A pioneering project has opened up this secluded spot to people of all abilities and now all visitors can enjoy the tranquillity of the forest and test out the innovative exercise equipment at what is the UK's first all-ability 'trim trail'.

The diversity of use of this Forestry Commission-managed site earned it the gold medal for the best multi-purpose woodland at the 2008 Devon County Show, an achievement that forester Jimmy Mann, 56, is very proud of.

“Forestry now has a whole new agenda – it used to be just about harvesting a crop but we can deliver so much more than timber from woodland today.”

Jimmy is Area Forester for North Devon and his team of three (including one part-time recreation ranger) manage 1600 hectares of woodland.

Wistlandpound's 40 hectares is a very small part of their remit, but the project punches above its weight by challenging the team with groundbreaking design and objectives, says Jimmy, who has worked in forestry for 39 years.

“It has definitely forced us to think outside the box more than normal and we are all very proud to get the recognition. It's not just about opening up the woodland, it's about providing quality access to everyone and there’s also the wildlife conservation that we have to manage. I like to think we have maximised the potential of this woodland.”

The Forestry Commission is committed to providing more access to woodland for leisure pursuits and enjoyment of the countryside and wildlife. Other projects in Devon include Haldon Forest Park, which has opened up 3,500 acres of woodland free to the public complete with walking, cycling and all ability trails.

“Even though I say so myself, it does look extremely good and I'd encourage anyone who's in the area to come and enjoy the trail as there is something for everyone,

”

said Jimmy

For more information visit http://www.forestry.gov.uk/website/recreation.nsf/LUWebDocsByKey/EnglandDevonNoForestWistlandpound

Ends

For more information please contact Nikki Cave, Forestry Commission, Peninsula, Buller's Hill, Kennford, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7XR. Tel: 01392 834220

Issued by CSPR on behalf of the Forestry Commission.

Notes to Editors

Wistlandpound won a gold medal at Devon County Show for the best multi-purpose woodland more than 10 years old.
'Discover Wistlandpound' is a partnership project between Forestry Commission, Calvert Trust Exmoor and South West Lakes Trust. Funding for the project was received from many sources including the Heritage Lottery Fund, Devon Renaissance and The Bradbury Trust. The woodland walks, car parks are open daily and the Wistlandpound Discovery Centre is open Wednesday - Sunday. For more information please contact Tom Haynes, Wistlandpound Manager on 01598 763719 or log on to www.discoverwistlandpound.org.uk