National Trust puts down roots of its first major community woodland

National Trust puts down roots of its first major community woodland - National Trust

A National Trust ranger plants the first of 90,000 trees which will make up the National Trust’s first community woodland at Wembury, Devon (2)©National Trust Images, Paul Harris

The National Trust is putting down the roots of its first major community woodland, with 90,000 trees due to be planted over the next three years.

The conservation charity aims to create a 120-hectare future-proof woodland at Wembury Barton Farm on the stunning south Devon coast – equivalent in size to 168 football pitches. This will not only become a haven for wildlife but also for individuals and the wider community around Plymouth.

With tree planting now underway, the existing 36 hectares of woodland at Wembury will be expanded by 84 more hectares of new planting over the coming three years, forming a rich mosaic of woodland and wood pasture. Nearly four kilometres of new hedgerow and banks will also be planted. The area will also sequester a significant amount of carbon as the trees mature.

A wide range of people will be able to access and enjoy this woodland on a network of new multi-user and other paths, bringing them closer to nature and helping to improve both mental and physical well-being.

The project has been made possible thanks to Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, of which the National Trust is a partner with Plymouth City Council, South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council and the Woodland Trust. The project is funded by Defra’s Trees for Climate programme.

Richard Snow, National Trust Countryside Manager at Wembury, said, “A woodland of this scale can really start to address the climate emergency and create nature-rich habitats, while also providing accessible places for people to appreciate and treasure. It’s all about the right trees in the right place. Here at Wembury, the dream is becoming a reality as a carefully planned mix of native trees and wood pasture creates a lasting legacy, which will forever be a special place in the landscape.”