WORK is due to finish on a new country park in Exminster.

Teignbridge Council has announced phase one of the new park at the top of Deepway Lane will be open to cyclists and walkers first in June, then for people travelling by car when parking has been provided.

The first 52-acre phase will open on Wednesday June 8.

Car parking for Ridegtop, between Matford and Exminster, is being provided as part of surrounding housing development and spaces will be available later in the summer.

In the meantime, the area is being opened for people who can cycle or walk from Exminster and surrounding areas.

They will be able to enter at the top of Deepway Lane.

Guided ranger walks are being organised for June 8,9 and 12.Dog walks will also be available.

Long-term the future of the park has been secured through an agreement with the Land Trust, a similar arrangement with running Dawlish Countryside Park.

The Land Trust will have the same responsibility for managing the Ridgetop Park site, helping achieve the aim to improve people’s lives through creating high quality green spaces.

The project has been achieved through the South East Devon Habitat Regulations Executive Committee, a partnership of Teignbridge, East Devon District and Exeter City Councils, and Homes England funding awarded via the Housing Infrastructure Fund that was successfully awarded to Devon County Council for their South-west Exeter infrastructure bid.

The Land Trust will manage the site to create new and enhanced habitats as well as securing long-term benefits such as carbon storage, flood relief and pollinator habitats and support the health and wellbeing of local communities and visitors.

Already the wetland area is attracting kingfishers and toads. Meadow areas have wildflower patches while keeping room for dogs to run.

Ridgetop will open in phases over the next couple of years to a full area of 93 acres.

Teignbridge Council’s executive member for planning, Cllr Gary Taylor said: ‘Ridgetop is a fantastic open space for people to enjoy and it is worth walking up the Deepway Lane to enjoy the wonderful views.

‘We are really pleased to have reached an agreement with the Land Trust which will use its considerable expertise and experience to manage the Ridgetop effectively, ensuring it has a positive impact on the environment and local wildlife while attracting local people to enjoy its panoramic green spaces.’

Hannah Bosence, countryside and greenspace officer (South West) from the Land Trust said: ‘Ridgetop is a fantastic open space with some very special views which will allow people to enjoy the countryside. It’s vitally important that our green spaces are well-managed so they can continue to thrive.

‘Part of our ‘place keeping’ philosophy is to motivate people out of their homes by using their green spaces as places to interact with neighbours and local people to hopefully forge better relationships. Encouraging people to connect with the great outdoors at Ridgetop will help divert pressure away from local, special protection areas.’