THE famous Dartmoor granite railway is getting a spring clean today and the call has gone out for volunteers.

Yarner Wood, near Bovey Tracey, is the spruce-up site where a team of helpers will be clearing a section of the 200-year-old transport system built to take granite blocks down to Stover Canal.

Andy Bailey, community and events officer for the East Dartmoor Nature Reserve, said: ‘The operation is part of the Granite Elements project, which itself is part of the Lottery-funded Moor Than Meets The Eye partnership.

‘We hope to clear about 100 metres of ancient track. The railway becomes overgrown through time and we rely on volunteers to get the work done.

‘We ask people to bring trowels and small brushes, but we’ll provide the shovels and rakes.’

There are two cleaning sessions today, from 10am to noon, and 1pm to 3pm. Hot drinks will be provided and helpers are advised to bring a packed lunch.

Andy said: ‘The ground is steep and uneven in places so may not be suitable for everyone, but we can ferry helpers part of the way if they need some assistance.

‘Parking is free, just follow the signs to the Woodland Centre on the Bovey Tracey/Manaton road. For more information people wanting to attend can call the office today on 01626 832330.’