Torridge District Council takes delivery of new tractor to assist with vital maintenance and conservation work

This week, Torridge District Council added a new tractor to its fleet of vehicles to assist with vital maintenance and conservation work.  The tractor, a New Holland Boomer 55, has a quiet, clean-running engine which will help to save fuel and reduce its carbon footprint.  It has a loader and a flail collector, to help the Council deliver a range of tasks.

The tractor will help the Rangers manage the habitat and improve the condition of the Site of Special Scientific Interest, by enabling them to cut and clear areas of the park at risk of scrub encroachment. The rare plants of Northam Burrows prefer open conditions, and the tractor will help to maintain these so the plants can thrive. It will also be used by the Ground Maintenance team to improve the Council's green spaces for wildlife.

The Council's Ground Maintenance and Ranger teams recently undertook a three-day training course, so they are ready to use the tractor to help with their work this Autumn.

Councillor Bob Hicks, Lead Member for Economy and Estates and Councillor Chris Leather, Lead Member for Operational Services, Torridge District Council, said:

"Our Northam Burrows Rangers and Grounds Maintenance team both do a fantastic job managing, the parks, Burrows and conservation areas.  The new tractor will be a welcome addition to the fleet and the teams are looking forward to putting it through its paces to tackle a range of tasks, to help them look after our beautiful and unique environment."  

Pictured in image from left to right: Robyn, Sam and John from Torridge District Council's Grounds Maintenance Team with Councillor Chris Leather and Councillor Bob Hicks.