National Trust launches project to revive rainforests in North Devon

The National Trust has initiated a groundbreaking project to revive temperate rainforests in North Devon.

The ambitious endeavour involves the planting of over 100,000 trees during this winter season across three strategic sites: Arlington Court, Exmoor, and Woolacombe/Hartland.

This extensive tree-planting effort aims to reclaim approximately 50 hectares (123 acres) of temperate rainforest, one of the UK's most endangered habitats, as well as other wooded habitats.

The planting distribution includes 50,000 trees at Arlington Court, 38,000 on Exmoor, and 20,000 at Woolacombe/Hartland, with further planting planned for the years ahead.

Temperate rainforests, also known as Atlantic or Celtic rainforests, are characterised by a consistently wet climate, providing a home to rare ferns, mosses, liverworts, lichens, and unique wildlife such as pine martens, pied flycatchers, and stoats. Additionally, these rainforests play a pivotal role in safeguarding the UK's biodiversity and combating climate change.

Over the centuries, the expansive temperate rainforest, once stretching along the western seaboard of the UK, has significantly declined due to factors such as air pollution, invasive species, and diseases like ash dieback. John Deakin, Head of Trees and Woodlands at the National Trust, emphasised the urgency of action to prevent the extinction of unique plants dependent on this habitat.

The project focuses not only on preservation but also on expansion. By planting on the edges of existing woodlands, the National Trust has aimed to ease pressure on delicate vegetation and facilitate the evolution of woodlands for the future.

Beyond promoting temperate rainforests, the tree-planting initiative contributes to improving access to nature for local communities. At the Arlington estate, this effort aligns with a larger vision inspired by Miss Rosalie Chichester, aiming to create a living landscape where both nature and people can thrive.

Bryony Wilde, Project Manager for the National Trust at Arlington Court, highlighted the transformation of grassland fields into a dynamic mosaic of habitats, including wood pasture, tree shelterbelts, hedgerows, orchards, and species-rich grassland. This multifaceted approach has sought to restore the natural process and promote the flourishing of wildlife.

Community engagement is a key aspect of the initiative, with National Trust ranger teams, contractors, and local community groups, including primary schools, health and wellbeing organisations, and corporate groups, actively participating in the planting process.

The project's success has been made possible through contributions from the Trust's Plant a Tree fund, HSBC UK, and Utility Warehouse. Stuart Burnett, Co-CEO of Utility Warehouse, expressed pride in supporting the revival of temperate rainforest habitats in North Devon and emphasised the importance of restoring biodiversity and tackling climate change.

The Plant a Tree fund, launched in 2020, has raised over £2.8 million for tree-planting projects across the country, completing 51 projects and planting over one million trees to date. This winter, an additional 25 projects will commence, planting over 350,000 native broadleaf trees and hedging plants to create new woodlands and hedgerows.

The Plant a Tree projects play a crucial role in the National Trust's commitment to plant and establish 20 million trees by 2030. To support these tree-planting ambitions, individuals can visit https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plant-a-tree.