Yeo Valley Woodland receives top honours in Devon Woodland Competition

Yeo Valley Woodland has clinched two prestigious titles in the Devon Woodland Competition. The woodland, which offers spectacular views over Barnstaple, was awarded the titles of Best Community Woodland and Best Overall Woodland.

The announcement of these accolades took place at the Devon County Show on Friday, 17 May.

Andrew Moulton, Parks Manager at North Devon Council, proudly accepted the winnings on behalf of the council's parks team and the dedicated Friends of Yeo Valley Woodland community group.

The Friends of Yeo Valley group received a £500 prize for winning the Best Community Woodland category, while the Newman Perpetual Challenge Trophy was bestowed upon Yeo Valley Woodland for its outstanding overall contribution to woodland conservation.

Judges Mark Prior and Ross Kennerley praised Yeo Valley Woodland for being “an excellent example of a well-developed community woodland.”

The woodland, which was planted primarily by school children and volunteers 14 years ago, has thrived under the care and dedication of its local community.

The judges said: “There is an enthusiastic 'friends of' group who meet and have work parties regularly. The site is generally well-used and also has arranged events throughout the year. The local council provides good support, as evidenced by the large additional new woodland planted adjacent to enlarge the site and bring the accessible woodland to the local hospital site.”

Expressing his pride in the achievement, Parks Manager Andrew Moulton said: “I am incredibly proud of Yeo Valley Woodlands' achievement in winning the Devon Woodland Competition. This award reflects the tireless work of our dedicated volunteers and the commitment of the parks team. Without the Friends of Yeo Valley volunteers group, there would be no community woodland! Their joint effort and passion for this space have transformed it into a cherished community asset.”