Devon Wildlife Trust bought the site in 2002

The Bovey Heathfield Local Nature Reserve was badly damaged before Devon Wildlife Trust purchased it in 2002.

During the project, funded by English Nature's Wildspace! scheme, more than 60 tons of rubbish, including cars and washing machines, have been removed.

Now English Nature has classed its condition as "recovering", with wildlife beginning to flourish.

'Real success'

This is highlighted by the return of the nightjar to breed on the site after a gap of 10 years.

Also the rare Dartford Warbler is strengthening its hold on the site and volunteers have been surveying its habitat this year.

Seventeen different species of dragonfly have also been recorded at the site.

Stephen Carroll, DWT's Bovey Heathfield community officer, said: "It has been a tough three years and we still get some vandalism.

"But overall the project has been a real success for both the local people of Bovey Tracey and Heathfield as well as the rare insects and birds that are now protected."

The charity is now seeking new funding to help continue the project.