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Last Updated: Wednesday, 6 June 2007, 07:15 GMT 08:15 UK
Burial pit becomes nature reserve
Ash Moor
The Ash Moor pit was built by the government in 2001
A foot-and-mouth burial site in north Devon, which was never used, is to become a nature reserve.

Ash Moor pit near Meeth was built by the government in 2001 to take 900,000 animal carcasses at a cost of £7.5m.

Now the government has agreed a deal to lease it to the Devon Wildlife Trust - who have a set of ambitious plans.

The trust says its blueprint for the site includes restoring the Culm grassland and creating a mosaic of hedgerow, grassland, copse and ponds.

'A people place'

The trust estimates it will cost around £60,000 over the next two years to carry out the work.

The charity has launched a fundraising campaign to raise the money.

"This is a fantastic outcome," said Steve Hussey from the trust.

"This is very much a partnership project, with the local community working with us as volunteers.

"Our primary aim is always the conservation of wildlife, but this will be a people place as well."




VIDEO AND AUDIO NEWS
The multi-million pound pit was never used



SEE ALSO
Devon MP to stand down
29 May 03 |  Devon
£5.6m bill for burial site
10 Nov 01 |  England

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