Devon’s Ambitious Plan to Restore the Lost Celtic Rainforest
In a groundbreaking effort to revive one of Britain’s most endangered habitats, Devon Wildlife Trust has taken the first steps toward creating a Celtic rainforest in the heart of Devon. This ambitious project, centered at the Bowden Pillars site above the Dart Valley, near the eco-conscious town of Totnes, aims to restore a landscape that once thrived across the western regions of Britain.
A Rare Habitat Reborn
Once covering vast swathes of the British Isles, temperate rainforests, also known as Celtic or Atlantic rainforests, are now a rarity, accounting for just 1% of the country’s land area.These lush ecosystems, teeming with biodiversity, were vital carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and supporting a wealth of wildlife. Over centuries, deforestation and land use changes decimated these habitats, leaving only fragmented remnants.
The Devon Wildlife Trust is determined to reverse this trend. This winter, more than 2,500 native trees—including oak, rowan, alder, hazel, birch, willow, and holly—have been planted across the 30-hectare (75-acre) site. By the end of the season, the charity plans to add another 4,500 trees, bringing the total to 7,000.
A Community Effort
The project has been a true community endeavor. Over 100 volunteers of all ages have dedicated hundreds of hours to planting trees, braving storms and snow to transform what were once sheep-grazed fields into a thriving ecosystem.
Claire Inglis, the nature reserve officer leading the project, shared her enthusiasm: “It’s been a winter in which we’ve battled storms and snow to plant more than 2,500 trees and begin the conversion of Bowden Pillars to a place which offers a home to nature and is a vital resource for local communities.”
She added, “Crucial in this transformation have been local people who have worked so hard in all conditions to get the trees in the ground. We’ve had youth groups visit to help us, along with people from local communities and our loyal band of south Devon volunteers.”
A Vision for the Future
The long-term vision for Bowden Pillars is a landscape with 70% tree cover, complemented by open glades, woodland rides, and wildflower-rich meadows. While the mature temperate rainforest will take decades to establish, the benefits for wildlife will be immediate.
Inglis explained, “The mix of young trees in among grass pastures and hedges, along with our commitment not to use pesticides and artificial fertilisers, will be better for local moths, butterflies, and bees, along with farmland birds such as yellowhammers and barn owls.”
Key Highlights of the Project
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Bowden Pillars, Dart valley, Devon |
| Total Area | 30 hectares (75 acres) |
| Trees planted (Winter) | 2,500 (with 4,500 more planned by end of season) |
| Tree Species | Oak, rowan, alder, hazel, birch, willow, holly |
| Community Involvement | Over 100 volunteers from local communities and youth groups |
| Long-Term Vision | 70% tree cover with open glades and wildflower meadows |
A Call to Action
The restoration of celtic rainforests is not just a local initiative but a national imperative. By supporting projects like this, we can definately help restore vital ecosystems, combat climate change, and preserve biodiversity for future generations.
To learn more about the Devon Wildlife Trust’s efforts and how you can get involved, visit their website.This project is a testament to the power of community and the enduring resilience of nature. As the trees take root and the landscape transforms, Bowden Pillars will stand as a beacon of hope for the restoration of Britain’s lost rainforests.Restoring Britain’s Temperate Rainforests: A Green Revolution at Bowden Pillars
Nestled on the edge of Totnes, the Bowden Pillars tree-planting project is a beacon of hope for the restoration of Britain’s temperate rainforests. These unique ecosystems, teeming with biodiversity, are home to a variety of wildlife, including birds like the pied flycatcher, woodcock, and redstart. The damp, lush conditions also foster the growth of mosses, liverworts, lichens, ferns, and fungi, which thrive both on the trees and the forest floor.
this initiative is part of a broader nationwide effort led by The Wildlife Trusts, with similar projects underway in Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Pembrokeshire, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. The goal? To revive these vital habitats and ensure their resilience for generations to come.
A Local Effort with Global Impact
The Bowden Pillars project stands out for its community-driven approach.Local residents have played a “crucial” role in the tree-planting efforts, according to the charity behind the initiative. The young trees, raised from seed locally by the Dartmoor-based charity Moor Trees, are protected from deer and rabbits using biodegradable tree tubes.These tubes, made from timber industry offcuts, offer an eco-amiable option to traditional plastic guards.
Helen Aldis, chief executive of Moor trees, emphasized the importance of this approach: “We hope that by including trees that have adapted to an surroundings where temperate rainforests thrive, they will bring the same resilience and biodiversity to this vital and ambitious new planting scheme on the edge of Totnes.”
Education and Accessibility
Currently, public access to Bowden Pillars is restricted to footpaths and bridleways. However, Devon Wildlife Trust has plans to expand access as the site develops, transforming it into an educational hub. This move aims to engage the public in the importance of rainforest restoration and foster a deeper connection with nature.
A Collaborative Vision
The project is a partnership between the Wildlife Trusts and the insurance company Aviva, highlighting the growing role of corporate entities in environmental conservation. Together, they are working to create a sustainable future for Britain’s temperate rainforests.
Key Highlights of the Bowden Pillars project
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Location | Bowden Pillars, near Totnes, Devon |
| Key Species | Pied flycatcher, woodcock, redstart, mosses, liverworts, lichens, ferns, fungi |
| Tree Protection | Biodegradable tree tubes made from timber industry offcuts |
| Local Involvement | Trees raised from seed locally by Moor Trees |
| Future Plans | Expanded public access and educational initiatives |
| Partnership | Collaboration between The Wildlife Trusts and Aviva |
The Bowden Pillars project is more than just a tree-planting initiative—it’s a testament to the power of community, innovation, and collaboration in tackling environmental challenges. As the site evolves, it promises to become a model for rainforest restoration efforts across the UK.
For more information on The Wildlife Trusts’ nationwide efforts, visit their official website. To learn about Moor Trees’ impactful work, explore their projects here.
