Burrator Reservoir – 3 year on
I’ve been coming to Burrator for many years. On visiting the Centre I didn’t realise how rich the heritage of the area was and have learnt about new places to explore!’
‘It is hard to believe that we (South West Lakes Trust) have almost come to the end of the three year ‘Burrator Historic and Natural Environment Project’ as preparations are underway for Burrator Discovery Centres 2nd Birthday. The project started in July 2013, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, South West Water, Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund, Biffa Award, West Devon Borough Council and South West Lakes Trust.
The overall aim for the project was ‘to preserve the area’s rich heritage and make it more accessible by improving the visitor experience, overcoming barriers, extending the learning programme and by reaching out to a more diverse range of people.’ for which we have carried out the following:
¨ Restored a 100 year old corrugated iron store into Burrator Discovery Centre complete with an interactive interpretation centre for site visitors, a classroom and the SWLT field office.
¨ Improved accessibility by developing a 1.5km easy access trail in the Arboretum along with reinforcements to the boardwalk, and additions of a two way wheelchair accessible entrance gate, nature markers and bench.
¨ Carried out consolidation works to two important historic ruins, Lowery Barn and Longstone Manor.
¨ Designed and installed the following, in line with the results from our community consultation: Exhibits in the Discovery Centre; 32 nature markers around the arboretum; 3 site orientation and noticeboards; and 3 artistic illustrations at Leathertor Farm, Lowery Barn and Longstone Manor, in partnership with a design company, artist, local historical groups and volunteers.
In addition to these capital works, the other half of the projects focus has been to develop opportunities for learning, interpretation and participation for all audiences through the following:
- 32 work experience placements (the equivalent of 430 days)
- 80 School Visits (1051 pupils) covering subjects like mini beasts, habitats, water supply, history, ancient Greek and dinosaurs
- 328 Informal (non-curriculum) learning opportunities of forest schools & wider outdoor learning
- 77 Public Events including monthly evening talks, guided walks and family wildlife watch sessions
- 14 Rural Skills Training Days including coppicing, charcoal making, cleft fencing, cob construction & lime mortar repairs
However, I feel our biggest success has been our volunteers who represent the surrounding area and without whom we wouldn’t have been able to do any of the above. Volunteers have been involved in everything, woodwork, gardening, site maintenance, practical conservation tasks, archaeological preservation projects, education, visitor guides, historical research and much, much more.
Over 2,500 volunteer days have been achieved to date which equates to a staggering value of £125,000 ! Thank you ever so much! Read all about Stephen Barrow one of our volunteers and what he enjoys about volunteering with us, within the Local People pages of this magazine (p14).
If you would like to find out more please pop in and see us at the Burrator Discovery Centre (PL20 6PE), ring 01822 855700 or e-mail heritage@swlakestrust.org.uk
Emily Cannon
Burrator Heritage Learning Officer