THE Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation Group has scooped second place in the 2011 winners of Dartmoor National Park Authority's biennial Edward Morshead Award.

The award is made in recognition of significant contributions to National Park purposes, in other words, the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the scenic beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Dartmoor, and the promotion of the understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities.

The Sticklepath and Okehampton Conservation Group, which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary in September, has more than 40 members, was awarded £150.

John Weir, a spokesman for Dartmoor National Park Authority said of the group: 'It has achieved numerous conservation tasks on Dartmoor throughout its long history including boardwalk construction, bridge building, vegetation control, drystone walling, path surfacing, and the clearance of vegetation from medieval sites in the Okehampton area.'

First prize went to Ashburton Primary School. Third prize was awarded to the Dartmoor Tinworking Research Group which has undertaken considerable work at Brimpts, near Dartmeet. This has involved clearing of vegetation from important mining remains, maintaining mining structures, undertaking research, maintaining a trail with interpretation around the mine, and leading tours of the mine.

Highly commended certificates also were awarded to Moorskills, the Dartmoor Cairns Repair Project and the Dartmoor Trust Leat Partnership Scheme.