From Pam Newby, Exeter 383262, October 10,2008

Volunteers are being sought for a vitally important habitat management project at Dawlish Warren.

The Exe Estuary Management Partnership and Teignbridge District Council Rangers have organised a special event to control the spread of trees and saplings growing on the internationally important meadows to ensure that they are awash with colourful flowers again next year.

Dawlish Warren is a highly designated National Nature Reserve due to its importance as a bird roosting site for waders that use the estuary, its vulnerable sand dunes and dune grassland and the amount of different species of flora that it supports.

The volunteer day on Saturday 18th October between 10 am and 3.30pm is one of a series of volunteer opportunities being organised by the Exe Estuary Management Partnership.

Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, Cllr Margaret Rogers, who chairs the Partnership, said: "The aim of the events is to allow local communities the opportunity to get more involved with the practical management of the Exe Estuary, meet new friends and get active in beautiful surroundings."

Jenny Lockett, Exe Estuary Officer said "Full instruction of the task will be given as well as a safety brief. All necessary tools and protective clothing will be provided as well as a light lunch".

For more information and to book places contact the Exe Estuary Officer on 01392 382236 or email exeestua@devon.gov.uk

Note to Editors:

For more information contact Jenny Lockett on 01392 382236 or email jenny.lockett@devon.gov.uk