National Trust is ‘thrilled’ with £30k for storm repairs

Britain’s oldest civic society has invested £29,700 in the restoration of Sidmouth’s coastline with a grant to the National Trust.

The payment from the Sid Vale Association’s (SVA) Keith Owen Fund will be split over three years and support tree work, butterfly conservation and footpath repairs.

The National Trust appealed for help after heavy storms over the winter brought down trees and washed away coastal paths and steps at Weston beach and Salcombe Regis.

Pete Blyth, its head ranger for East Devon, said: “We are thrilled that we can start the work of restoration this year.

“Woodland management work will include replanting with broad-leaf deciduous trees, repairing the beach steps in Salcombe and Weston, introducing improvements to the footpath access of the area, providing a multi-user trail on Salcombe Hill, and glade management for butterfly conservation on Peak Hill.

“We will be assisted in this work by volunteer rangers and local volunteers to complete this major task over the next three years.”

Handing over the cheque on Monday, Neville Staddon, the SVA’s honorary treasurer, said: “We are happy to help the National Trust in the reinstatement of the coastal landscape within the Sid Valley.”

Voluntary organisations can apply for funding by visiting www.sidvaleassociation.org.uk.