Champagne corks were popping for Ruby Country, and not just to celebrate New Year. The Ruby Country Partnership has secured funding from The Greater Dartmoor Local Enterprise Action Fund and from the Leader 4 Torridge and North Devon Local Action Group for a three-year period. It has also secured a three-year licence with the Forestry Commission to take over the majority of the Cookworthy Forest Centre, near Hallwill Junction, from 1 March.
 
The successful joint funding bid will enable the Ruby Country Partnership to employ a part-time co-ordinator to work with Devon County Council on the Ride the Ruby Country project to develop a bridleway link between Okehampton’s Granite Way and Cookworthy Forest, in the heart of Ruby Country. This is part of Devon County Council’s plans to develop activity-based and sustainable tourism by providing new and improved equestrian and recreational trails within the rural area of Ruby Country. The Ruby Country Partnership and its co-ordinator will work alongside local businesses and communities to make the most of the economic and recreational opportunities.

“This is a great opportunity for new or existing businesses, landowners and farmers to gear up for this new and exciting development in tourism.” said Richard Reid Company Secretary of the Ruby Country Partnership. “We will be advertising the post of co-ordinator as soon as certain conditions applied to the funding have been met, and hope to be fully up and running in March.”

In addition Ruby Country Partnership has arranged a licence with the Forestry Commission, to take on the majority of the office space at Cookworthy Forest Centre for a minimum of three years. This will enable the Partnership to create a focal point for Ruby Country, in the heart of the area. It is planned to create a central venue for visitors and the local community to promote the activities available in Ruby Country, such as walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing and watersports. Local businesses will also benefit from office space available to rent. The Forestry Commission will retain three offices within the building.

“Ruby Country has always lacked a focal point and now with a Centre being created at Cookworthy Forest, with a long-term agreement with the Forestry Commission, we feel we have the basics to develop a sustainable future for Ruby Country” said Richard. “There have been a lot of behind the scenes discussions and negotiations over the last few months of 2009 and at last we feel we have achieved a position that will take us on through the 2010s”

After refurbishment, the Partnership aims to attract businesses with such benefits as office rental, hot-desk facilities, virtual office support and conference and training facilities. “Cookworthy offers a unique combination of easy-access, modern office facilities and its tranquil forest setting, making it an energising place to work.” said Richard. “Having such a facility in the area means businesses can cut down on travel time to a similar facility in an urban location, and can even benefit from combining work with recreation on the doorstep. Full details of the facilities will be publicised in due course, but in the meantime, anyone interested can contact me through This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 01409 221650 for more information.”

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“Despite the UK's ever-growing population there are thankfully still places where you can get away from it all and be at one with Mother Nature. Indeed, our happy hideaway here in Ruby Country, in the very heart of beautiful Devon, offers you not only great fishing in quiet and secluded surroundings but also luxurious yet eco-friendly accommodation in our well appointed, disabled-friendly, purpose-built, three-bedroom lakeside lodge.” reads the introduction to Peace and Fish website.

Ray and Lyn Fursdon, the owners of Higher Shorston Lakes and Lodges, Staddon Road, Holsworthy are delighted to have won a gold award from the English Tourist Board to join their coveted 4 Star rating for self catering accommodation.

The recent Enjoy England Gold Award for Excellence is a great achievement for Ray and Lyn especially as only two years ago they were fighting the planners to accept their proposals. “We seemed to be getting nowhere when we were encouraged to attend a local development framework workshop organised by the Ruby Country Initiative. Here we had a chance to meet and talk to senior planners and discuss our proposals. This meeting helped open the door to more constructive discussions and the eventual successful planning approval” says Ray.

They both agree that membership of Ruby Country is well worth while as there is always somebody to help and encourage with these sort of issues as well as being linked into the ever growing and successful Ruby Country website. With over 1800 visits to the site per month over the last 9 months Ray and Lyn consider their listing on the site is being viewed and bookings have been forthcoming. 

Lyn said “We are very proud of our award and it just goes to prove that with a little help from Ruby Country and perseverance on our part goals can be achieved. With our additional two, two bedroom lodges, under construction we are striving to achieve the same high standards which will attract further visitors helping the economy in and around Ruby Country which can only be for the good”

Click the PDF icon to download the latest copy of 'Ruby Read'

A purpose-built new children's centre for Holsworthy will be officially opened on Friday (April 24). The new £450,000 centre has been built next to Holsworthy Primary School.