WOODLAND owners have been receiving advice on how to maximise the potential of their land as the latest part of the Taw River Improvement Project.

The project, TRIP, aims to improve the health of the vital river ecosystem through targeted habitat management work, and by reducing the amount of pollution entering the river.

The woodland focus event in Chulmleigh attracted 25 attendees, with speakers from the Forestry Commission, the Ward Forester initiative and TRIP.

They covered areas like how to maximise woodland income, using trees to reduce pollution risk, and an update on available grants and free advisory visits on offer.

Last year, £1.8-million was given from the Environment Agency's Catchment Restoration Fund to carry out the targeted habitat work and pollution reduction over a three-year period.

Funding will also be used to remove obstacles such as weirs, to create joined up habitats, enabling fish and other aquatic animals to move freely between different stretches of river.

The event was organised by the Silvanus Trust. Jane Hart from the trust said: 'It was clear a good deal of business was undertaken and attendees left well informed on local woodland issues and available support.

'Anyone interested in attending the next event should get in touch.'

North Devon's Biosphere Reserve supported the evening as part of its ten-year 'B10' anniversary celebrations.

Biodiversity officer Tom Hynes said: 'Woodlands are such an important part of our biosphere reserve, and sound management is good for wildlife and good for farm incomes as well.'

The TRIP partnership is led by the North Devon Biosphere Reserve and the Westcountry Rivers Trust, and includes numerous partners ranging from the Devon Wildlife Trust and the River Taw Fisheries Association to the Tarka Country Trust.