Councillor Percy Prowse (Chair of DCC), Hannah Bosence (Land Trust), Councillor Martin Wrigley (Leader of TDC), and Councillor Emma Morse (Chair of South-East Devon Habitats Regulations Partnership).
The unveiling of a sundial on Saturday (12 August) marked the main opening of the picturesque 52-acre Ridgetop Park which is created to help secure worldwide crucial wildlife websites at Dawlish Warren, the Exe Estuary and the East Devon Pebblebed Heaths by offering enticing, alternative outside locations to go to.
Representatives of the organisations who have actually supported the Teignbridge District Council led development of Ridgetop – Devon County Council, the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Partnership and The Land Trust – revealed the sundial, viewed by locals from surrounding housing advancements.
Residents and visitors had the ability to delight in cream teas and other drinks in addition to sign up with Ranger led trips of Ridgetop, participate in other enjoyable activities and see the on-site heritage analysis display screens, created to motivate individuals of any ages to engage and discover their natural environments and the park’s landscape functions.
Since Ridgetop, situated in between Alphington and Exminster, opened for regional individuals in 2015, gain access to has actually mostly been by bike or on foot as there was just one little carpark, constructed by Vistry Homes.
A 2nd parking lot constructed by Cavanna Homes has actually just recently opened at Stapleton Way, making it simpler for individuals from additional afield to delight in the terrific views, exercise their dogs and check out the acres of open space in addition to the wetlands which are home to Kingfishers, harvest mice and toads.
A brand-new pedestrian and cycle bridge, roadway enhancements and a brand-new neighborhood building are likewise being supplied in your area, led by Devon County Council, thanks to their effective financing quote protecting the assistance of Homes England.
Ridgetop will broaden even more in the coming years along with extra car parking, although visitors are motivated to continue to cycle or walk to Ridgetop if they can. Ridgetop is simply 3 kilometres from the brand-new Marsh Barton rail station, by means of the Riverside Valley Park.
As with Dawlish Countryside Park, the long-lasting upkeep of Ridgetop will be the duty of the reputable land charity, the Land Trust with the objective of protecting brief and long-lasting advantages for regional neighborhoods and their environment through high quality green space websites.
Teignbridge Council Leader Councillor Martin Wrigley, said: “Ridgetop is a fantastic place for people to relax, exercise, enjoy the fresh air and the outstanding views. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in delivering this wonderful park which is a great example of organisations working together for the benefit of local communities.”
Devon County Council Chairman Councillor Percy Prowse said:
“It’s an honour to be part of this official opening at Ridgetop Park. This new green space, which has been converted from agricultural land, is home to a variety of wildlife thanks to new habitats which have been established here. The park is already proving popular with local people since it opened to the public last year, and it’s easy to see why when you look at the spectacular views and explore the heritage of the local area.”
Councillor Emma Morse, Exeter City Council’s Portfolio Holder for City Development and Chair of South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee, said: “We are really pleased to see residents, visitors and their dogs enjoy this important green space. Ridgetop provides a perfect place to enjoy a quiet stroll or to walk your dog whilst enjoying the incredible views. Dog walkers can join Devon Loves Dogs’ free ‘Waggy Walks’ there and receive lots of useful information. The new Park gives people more room to roam which will make a big difference to highly protected habitats and species at important wildlife sites nearby. As our population continues to grow, our work to protect wildlife at the same time ensuring the health and wellbeing of local people by providing new open, green spaces for them to enjoy.”
Hannah Bosence, Countryside Officer of the Land Trust, said: “We are delighted to see Ridgetop open to the wider public and become more accessible. The rangers from Teignbridge District Council have sensitively created this expansive site to have links to local history and heritage and it’s now home to some exciting wildlife too. It’s a good walk to the top, but the views are worth it!”
