Local volunteers from the National Trust South Devon Countryside Volunteer Ranger Service have received a complete new set of tools to carry out work along the Coast Path, thanks to generous sponsorship from the Dart Marina Hotel & Spa. The volunteers are now able to continue much-needed improvements to steps and drainage along the South West Coast Path between Dartmouth and Little Dartmouth, as well as ensure easier access to the popular Civil War fort and woodland of Gallants Bower. In return, Dart Marina now has its own map board, along with walk leaflets for guests and sponsored walks on the South West Coast Path website.

Paul Downing, manager of Dart Marina Hotel, said: “Everyone at Dart Marina is immensely proud that we have been able to do our bit.  It has given us all such a positive feeling to be able to help the local volunteers who work on the Coast Path and we’re also thrilled to have done something to benefit local people who love to walk that stretch of the path.  It feels like it is simply the right thing to do and it has given all our team a feel-good factor.  We are also proud to tell our guests that we have helped in some way when they ask us about walks along the South West Coast Path.”

National Trust South Devon Ranger Simon Hill, added: “The generous provision of new tools for our Dartmouth Volunteer Ranger Service by the Dart Marina Hotel will enable our local volunteers to continue to improve the routes up to Gallants Bower and out on to the South West Coast Path for the benefit of all visitors to the area. If anyone would like to get involved with our volunteer ranger service they should get in touch on 01548 562344. We are always looking for more pairs of hands.”

Caption: from left: Joanne Myram; Adrian Kyte (Volunteer Ranger – National Trust); Simon Hill (South Devon Countryside Ranger – National Trust); John Slater (SWCP); Paul Downing (Dart Marina - Hotel Manager); Andrew Morrow (Volunteer Ranger – National Trust); Sally Langworthy (Dart Marina – Reception Manager); Jerry Neville (Volunteer Ranger – National Trust)