Dawlish Countryside Park will now be managed by a national land management charity, after Teignbridge District Council gave the Land Trust a 999-year lease.

The charity had previously produced plans for the site and its management before it was opened to the public in 2017.

Dawlish Countryside Park's 26 hectares reportedly attract more than 200,000 visitors each year. It has a variety of circular walks, wildlife habitats, and birdwatchers can expect to see skylarks and cirl buntings in the park.

Land Trust Chief Executive Euan Hall said: "Well-managed green spaces play a very important role in protecting people's physical and mental wellbeing and we have seen over the last year what a positive impact they have had on communities throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

"After having been involved with the scheme for five years, we are delighted to begin our long-term management of Dawlish Countryside Park.

"For the foreseeable future we'll be working hard to ensure that Dawlish continues to provide a vital service to the people it serves and create significant economic and social value for the local area."

Council leader Alan Connett said: "We're delighted that the agreement reached with Land Trust will ensure local people and visitors can enjoy Dawlish Countryside Park into the next millennium.

"The agreement safeguards the vital habitat regulations and our greenspace rangers will continue to be involved, ensuring that their expert input and experience is maintained."

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