Natural England

A new section of the historic Templer Way route, near Bovey Tracey, has been opened recently as part of Natural England’s Environmental Stewardship Scheme.

The permissive footpath follows the remains of the tramway, which was built in the 1820’s, to transport granite from the Haytor quarries to the Stover Canal.

The new path now passes through two old orchards, which have traditional varieties of eating apples and a wealth of biodiversity, including some nationally rare lichens.

This weekend (13th and 14th October) people are invited to walk the new half-mile footpath, guided with help from a leaflet explaining the historic and wildlife values of the area. Once at the orchards, free dessert apples are available for picking and taking home.

Natural England adviser, Martin Longley, said: “We hope as many people as possible will take this opportunity to enjoy the new section of the Templer Way and learn more about the plants, wildlife and history of the area.”

To start the walk, take the Haytor road from Bovey Tracey (B3387). Continue past the Edgemoor Hotel and after about three-quarters-of-a-mile take the lane on the right signposted Yarner Lodge - Private Drive (grid reference SX785780). Then turn immediately right into the field and follow the signs to the car park at the far end.

Turf and vegetation have recently been removed from the tramway to expose the granite rails.

The orchard trees are undergoing sensitive restorative pruning to increase their productivity, whilst preserving the rare lichens.

These works have been funded by Natural England through the Higher Level Stewardship Scheme.

Notes for Editors:

1 - Natural England is the Government agency that works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas

2 - Environmental Stewardship is an agri-environment scheme which provides funding to farmers and other land managers in England who deliver effective environmental management on their land.

The scheme is intended to build on the recognised success of the Environmental Sensitive Areas Scheme and the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Its primary objectives are to:

• Conserve wildlife (biodiversity)
• Maintain and enhance landscape quality and character
• Protect the historic environment and natural resources
• Promote public access and understanding of the countryside
• Natural resource protection

3 - The Templer Way is a route for walkers linking Haytor on Dartmoor with the seaport of Teignmouth. Further information at http://www.devon.gov.uk/templerwayleaflet.pdf

4 - Apple varieties in the orchard are: Cox’s Orange Pippin, Worcester Permain and Russets.

ISSUED ON BEHALF OF NATURAL ENGLAND BY THE GOVERNMENT NEWS NETWORK SOUTH WEST. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT WAILIM WONG ON 01752-635053 OR 07748-654468.