A WEST Devon conservation group this week issued a call for more volunteers to help them continue the unique work they do. The Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation Group (STOC) is almost 18 years old and continues to provide a valuable service to various organisations in and around the Okehampton area. STOC's recent projects have included work on the nature area at Okehampton Primary School, improving access to Okehampton's Old Park and maintenance of the Celtic round house at Cookworthy Forest Centre. In recent months, their work in clearing the 13th century settlement at Meldon Quarry has been carried out under the supervision of National Park ranger, Ian Brooker. This task is still ongoing but, in clearing an area of gorse, the group have found clear signs of former long houses in an area that would have been occupied by several hundred people. The group, which take part in a vast array of projects, have now started to develop their experience in the construction of boardwalks. Peter Williams, a member of STOC, said: 'The boardwalk construction at Pixie Moor and later at Cookworthy Forest centre, have given the group a reputation for a certain expertise. 'This has now resulted in another boardwalk being constructed in the nature area of Okehampton Primary School.' STOC have also been celebrating recently, after a grant from an Okehampton charity that enabled them to purchase a new trailer. Mr Williams added: 'We were delighted to be awarded a substantial amount of EX20 lottery money to purchase a new trailer. 'The old trailer had seen the best of its days and was declared unroadworthy. A new means of transporting all the tools and equipment used for the group's various tasks was, therefore, becoming urgent and STOC is most grateful for this generous donation.' The group is mostly made up of retired men and women but there are also younger people, as well as people with learning difficulties, who give up their time for the benefit of the community. The work they undertake is not strenuous and members are never asked to do anything beyond their capabilities. Anyone who is interested in volunteering is urged to come along to Finch Foundry in Sticklepath on Friday mornings or call Mr Williams on 01837 840757 for further information.