The client asked our Habitat Restoration team to restore continuity to a rare temperate rainforest by planting over 1,500 locally sourced trees and shrubs.
Dartmoor tree planting
Client brief
On a beautiful steeped valley on the outskirts of Dartmoor, sits a stunning ancient temperate rainforest bordering agricultural land. The client wanted to ‘fill in’ a section of previously grazed, steep, agricultural land that cut into the temperate rainforest, to join up the existing trees, creating one continuous woodland running through the valley.
The planting had to match the existing species, as well as sourcing trees from local suppliers where they were grown in similar damp and mild conditions as this site.
THRC solution
Having sourced more than 1500 local trees, our team battled gale force winds and horizontal rain and got to work. We planted clusters of pedunculate oaks across the site first, before edging the rides and glades with wood shrubs such as Hazel, Elder and Hawthorn. We then filled in the blank areas with other species such as Wild Cherry, Field Maple and Rowan. Trees were supplied from local suppliers used to growing in warm and wet conditions here in the southwest, and trees planting in randomised clusters to mimick the existing surrounding woodland.
Due to the extensive deer population in the area, the installation of taller than standard guards and support stakes were essential, so these trees will have the best start after translocation and be protected against browsing mammals.
End result
We’re super proud of this one, contributing to the continuation and regeneration of an exceptionally beautiful woodland, and completing the continuation of what will hopefully one day be temperate rainforest.
A new woodland, created with more than 1,500 locally sourced plants and trees – creating a sustainable and revived environment for people and animals.
