Pioneering tree planting approach aims to boost flood resilience and restore nature - Dartmoor National Park Authority

An exciting partnership project helping to re-establish Dartmoor’s ancient woodland pastures and temperate rainforests is underway.

Around 8.5 hectares of native trees will be planted in small plots within a carefully selected area of Harford Moor helping to reconnect existing woodlands so nature can thrive and habitats become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.

The planting uses an innovative approach known as the Miyawaki Method named after its developer, Japanese botanist Dr Akira Miyawaki.

Widely used in other countries, Dartmoor is thought to be one of the first upland trials of this kind in Europe for the purpose of improving flood resilience.

Native Devon trees including oak, downy birch, hawthorn and willow will be planted in small plots across the site. The plots will have different densities of native trees with some plots fenced off to exclude livestock.

Monitoring and research by the University of Plymouth aims to better understand what techniques work best for natural regeneration and, in the longer term, increase temperate rainforests in the valleys while reducing the peak flow of water during floods.

Dartmoor National Park Authority is leading the work through its Headwaters project, a natural flood management programme funded by the Environment Agency and Devon County Council.

Richard Drysdale, Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Director for Conservation and Communities, said: “This project is a great demonstration of how we work together and use bold approaches for Dartmoor’s continued protection. This trial has many benefits for habitat creation, woodland connectivity, climate and flood resilience, commoning and grazing practices – it’s a long list and we’re very excited to be involved.”