A CHANCE to help preserve a fascinating feature of Dartmoor is being offered to the muscled-up public this weekend.

National Park ranger Simon Lee is hoping for some extra manpower as he sets about repairing the Haytor reservoir leat.

Previous voluntary ‘help me out’ ventures – which began in the new year – have included improving the Hayor habitat of the rare bog hoverfly, benefiting the environment of butterflies at beautiful Becka Brook valley and conserving the granite tramway at Haytor.

Haytor reservoir leat is marked on the first edition Ordnance Survey map published in the 1880s and pre-dates any modern housing in Haytor Vale.

It is thought the modern South West Water reservoir was constructed over the original take-off point on the River Lemon.

A national park spokesman said: ‘The leat flows across common land before passing under the road and into enclosed land.

‘It is the section of leat flowing across the common that needs some work to improve the flow and help prevent flooding on the road to Haytor Rocks.’

He added: ‘Conservation work days like this are a great way of getting healthy exercise in a fantastic environment and meeting like-minded people, as well as helping look after this special place. People will also learn more about Dartmoor’s industrial and prehistoric archaeology, wildlife habitats, rare species and moorland management.’

Anyone interested in taking part in the Second Sunday Volunteer Day should amail slee@dartmoor. gov.uk  or call 07711 104541.

Booking is essential as tools and equipment need to be organised.