VOLUNTEERS have cleared a Bovey Tracey woodland of rubbish left by inconsiderate visitors.
The parcel of land lies off Le Molay Littry Way and was gifted to the Town Council several decades ago.
It was once an open field but nature has taken over and the plot now boasts maturing trees and other plants.
Informal paths are used by dog walkers and youngsters who create dens away from prying eyes.
A nearby resident, Simon, is a nature lover who carries out conservation work with groups such as Natural England and Wildlife Trusts.
But when the woodland strolls on his doorstep were becoming blighted by rubbish he approached the Town Council with a view to getting the site tidied up.
The result was an offer of litter-picking equipment and a promise to dispose of the waste if volunteers did the clearing.
On Saturday October 17, a small group of willing helpers, including Mayor Cllr Sheila Brooke, were taken into the wood where they found piles of plastic bottles, broken glass, car parts, a tarpaulin and damaged furniture.
Within little more than an hour they not only had the rubbish cleared but had learned something about the site’s wildlife value and its developing ecosystems.
‘It’s an area I’ve been wandering around since I moved here 30 years ago and it’s a lovely natural habitat,’ said Simon.
‘But over the last four to five years, the rubbish has accrued and it just seems like a good time to hit it hard and get it all cleared away so nature can do its work.’
Wildlife Advisor Albert Knott was also taking part, telling his fellow volunteers why wildlife and rubbish don’t mix well.
‘The bottles we’ve been picking up, mammals can go in them and die,’ he said.
‘Birds get rubbish caught around their necks and some of the foodstuffs that might be here could be bad for the animals that eat it.
‘Once people start to drop litter, others see it as a rubbish dump and then it becomes a place where they get rid of things.’
Cllr Brooke said: ‘I’ve been a bit shocked by how much rubbish was here, we just weren’t aware. ‘It’s very disappointing that people have been abusing this lovely spot but hopefully they’ll now get the message and it’s something we’ll try to keep on top of.’
Speaking about the volunteers she added: ‘This is Bovey, this is why we love it here. If there’s a problem people find a solution, we’re really grateful to them.’ The site is proposed in the current Local Development Plan for a new Primary school for the area. There is currently an ecological assessment being undertaken around the site, which will last for up to 12 months.
The land was bequeathed to Bovey Tracey Town Council on the understanding it would be used for community benefit.
Plans for a supermarket were tabled approximately 20 years ago but dropped following public criticism.
An ongoing environmental assessment is considering the land’s true wildlife value and the results, expected next year, will help inform a decision about whether it might be suitable for a new school and sports facilities.
For more information email info@boveytracey.gov.uk or call 01626 834217.
More news
-
Water safety improvements planned for Bovey Tracey’s Mill Marsh Park
WATER safety in Bovey Tracey’s Mill Marsh Park is set to be taken up a notch with the introduction of new lifesaving equipment and public information boards.
Added: 16 October 2026
Remembrance Sunday in Bovey Tracey
This year’s Remembrance events in Bovey Tracey are set to begin at 9.
Added: 09 October 2026
Eco heating system at Bovey Tracey’s Riverside centre will cut emissions and bills
A NEW eco-friendly heating system at Bovey Tracey’s Riverside Centre will cut carbon emissions and looks set to cost the town’s tax payers nothing, members have been told.
Added: 10 September 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council awards £2,000 grant to discount food scheme
THE charity that operates a weekly discounted food scheme has been awarded a £2,000 grant by Bovey Tracey Town Council.
Added: 10 September 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council agrees to appoint contractor for £60,000 Heathfield play park improvement scheme
BOVEY Tracey Town Council has agreed to appoint specialist contractors to carry out a £60,000 makeover of a tired play park in Heathfield.
Added: 10 September 2026
£20,000 CCTV installation in Bovey Tracey at no cost to residents
A £20,000 CCTV scheme looks set to be coming to Bovey Tracey with none of the installation costs being landed on residents.
Added: 10 September 2026
The Riverside Community Centre in Bovey Tracey looks set to get an artistic makeover, led by the town’s teenagers.
Creation of a ‘youth-friendly space’ in the building, owned by the town council and supported by the National Lottery, was recommended by officials from Devon Communities Together who had helped monitor The National Lottery Funding objectives.
Added: 03 September 2026
Grounds man Roger Rance - 25 years commitment to Bovey Tracey
WHEN unexpected redundancy forced welder/fabricator Roger Rance into early retirement at the age of 55, positive changes were to follow.
Added: 12 August 2026
Bike maintenance point available free to cyclists in Bovey Tracey
CYCLISTS passing through Bovey Tracey can make use of a new £1,200 bike repair point donated by members of South Devon Cyclists Touring Club (SDCTC).
Added: 09 July 2026
Local resident signs up as Deputy Town Clerk in Bovey Tracey
LOCAL long term resident Sonia McCauley has joined the small team at Bovey Tracey Town Council where she now serves as Deputy Town Clerk.
Added: 06 July 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council sets aside cash for improved Heathfield play park
BOVEY Tracey Town Council has confirmed its determination to improve community facilities in Heathfield by setting aside sufficient reserves to deliver a £60,000 children’s play park.
Added: 23 June 2026
Bovey Tracey Town Council calls on developers to finish existing construction before project extends
BOVEY Tracey Town Council has called on developers to complete the first phase of new homes at the Longston Cross site before starting work on more than 100 others.
Added: 11 June 2026
For older news articles please click here to view our news archive.