THE formation of Dulverton Weir and Leat Conservation Trust in 2016 was celebrated by over 100 supporters at its annual garden party, raising over £2000.

It was hosted by Dr Sarah and Dr Jospeh Blackburn in their garden in the former station in Brushford.

Among those present were Lord and Lady Dulverton, and Deputy Lieutenant of Somerset Rear Admiral Ian Moncrieff.

For the first time this year, the event was supported by senior members of Somerset West and Taunton Council – the current owners of the weir – including chairman of the council Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey.

Representatives from Exmoor National Park Authority and Somerset County Council were also present.

As well as showcasing potential design solutions and new aerial pictures, the trust used the garden party to show some of its work with children in 2019.

This included working with Chris Guest of Exmoor Fly Fishing to support local school pupils Tilly Fisher and Annabelle Christian, from Kingsmead School, Wiveliscombe, in gaining their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards.

Tilly and Annabelle are carrying out a survey on insect activity in Dulverton Leat and they were able to present results so far to garden party attendees. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme finishes later this year and the trust will making the full results of the survey available in due course.