Project Dates: 15.8.25 to 15.2.27

Habitat Restoration Corridor Pilots

Moor Trees has identified a potential restoration area along the river valleys of Dartmoor, extending over approximately 1,300 hectares suitable for Atlantic Oak Woodland or Wet Woodland. The project is designed as a pilot to explore the practicalities of boosting the natural regeneration potential of native woodland within target river valley locations.

 

Objectives:

To encourage the natural colonisation of a greater diversity of trees and shrubs through land management and availability of existing seed sources along with the strategic planting of clusters of trees – resulting in increased tree cover providing multiple benefits through the restoration of diverse ecosystems, identifying practical approaches appropriate for a Protected Landscape with multiple pressures on land use. The project seeks to reverse human impacts by planting local provenance trees and reintroducing seed sources along the valleys to kickstart more diverse and resilient habitat recovery.

Methodology:

Key methods include marking and protecting naturally regenerating seedlings, implementing management practices at pilot sites that support natural colonisation, such as protective fencing and reduced or removed livestock grazing (especially sheep). In areas with limited existing tree cover, the project will establish ‘island plots’ or strategic clusters of 8-10 species of native broadleaved trees and shrubs to reintroduce a more diverse seed source and create focal points for recovery.

 

Photo credits: Moor Trees