Hard-working volunteers help to create a new path through Holyford Woods at Seaton

VOLUNTEERS have spent a day creating a new path through woodlands near Seaton.

Members of the Axe Vale and District Conservation Society (AVDCS) and the Holyford Woodland Trust carried out the project at Seaton Down Copse.

Although it was a perfect day to be in the woods, the nature of the work was pretty tough – digging out steps and levelling out very stony ground, on a steep wooded valley.

But it means the circular route through Holyford Woods is now almost complete and will be officially opened at the annual Bluebell Day which is based at neighbouring Horriford Farm, on May 4.

Holyford Woods became the 1,000th site to be designated a local nature reserve by English Nature - now Natural England - in 2004, and is owned by East Devon District Council, being leased and managed by Holyford Woodland Trust in a partnership arrangement.

EDDC’s nature conservation officer, Steve Edmonds, said: “The hard work put in by the volunteers from AVDCS and the Holyford Woodland Trust is simply invaluable to us, due to the difficult nature of getting machinery in and around the woods.

“Thanks to their help, a new pocket of the woods will be open for visitors to enjoy – and we look forward to it being walked officially for the first time by members of the trust and visitors at Bluebell Day”.