Beat a path to Efford Marsh fun day

People living in and around Efford could become trail blazers at an event designed to give them the lowdown on all the good things happening at their local nature reserve.

Efford Marsh will be the place to be next Friday for people who want to get involved with nature around them as well as help shape the future of their area.

Metalworkers Gary and Thomas Thrussell will be a holding copper beating workshop to show people how to transform metal into something beautiful and functional.

The workshops form part of the Saltram and Plym Valley Heritage Trail and the father and son team have been commissioned to deliver some of the 17 designed way-markers. Sculptures and benches will also be produced by four artists working with local schools and community groups.

The trail is a partnership project led by Plymouth City Council, costing £60,000 in association with Sustrans and the National Trust, but is just one of the projects happening at Efford Marsh.

Plymouth City Council has been clearing back the paths to make it easier for people to move around the reserve. The team now has funding to improve access and encourage more people to visit and they want to hear what walkers, local families and schools think.

Councillor Brian Vincent, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “An incredible amount of great work is happening in Efford and there is, rightly, a sense of pride and achievement in the community. We are getting greener and healthier and at the same time celebrating where we live and having fun. “

Other activities for the day included a glass-making workshop hosted by Roberta Ayles. For the smaller Efford residents, there are nature activities from OPAL and the Council's Stepping Stones team, such as stream dipping and a treasure hunt.

The trail is part of a wider and long term project to improve the links between the Saltram and Plym Valleys and to create new parkland. Work has already started on a new right of way beneath the A38 flyover at Marsh Mills that will better link Plympton to the beautiful and popular route along the Plym River.

The fun gets underway at 2pm and runs until 5pm. People can drop in any time. Meet at the open space between Deer Park Drive and Military Road.