The Trees

Ordinance Survey Map Ref: SX 516 624

Address: Coombe Barton, Bickleigh, Devon

This small coombe is on a tributary of the River Plym between Plymouth and Shaugh Prior. It links to large ancient woodland sites that have been cleared and planted with conifers, but do have some remnant trees and their associated species holding on. The site, although only 1.8ha, will help bolster these species' hold in the area and does contain some veteran Oak and Ash trees. Planting will begin in the 06/07 season and will be Moor Trees' first woodland site outside the Dartmoor National Park.

Ordinance Survey Map Ref: SX 716 622

Address: Court Gate Orchard Farm, Harbourneford, Devon, TQ10 9DT, etc

This site is in the village of Harbourneford close to the river Harbourne on the southern edge of Dartmoor National Park. The farm was once an intensive beef producer, but has now become a showcase for a variety of small mammal, insect and bird habitats created by Wildlife World , the owners of Court Gate. Moor Trees planted over 4600 trees with local groups and volunteers over several weekends during winter 05/06. This has created a greater diversity of plants and a more natural landscape. Planting was carried out in ways that mimic natural woodland regeneration and it is hoped that further work will enable the site to become a local nature reserve wihtin 20 years.

Ordinance Survey Map Ref: SX 716 622

Address: Hillyfield Farm, Harbourneford, Devon, TQ10 9DT

Hillyfield Farm at Harbourneford near South Brent, was Moor Trees' first planting of the 2004 season, with 1480 trees planted over 1.6ha and many volunteers it was a great success. During three weekends in November over 100 volunteers, including groups from the Ivy Project in Exeter and BTCV Millenium Volunteers, learnt how to plant oak and ash trees whilst creating a new and vitally important native Atlantic Oak wildwood that will help breathe new life into a depleted old wildwood remnant next door.

Ordinance Survey Map Ref: SX 771 755

Address: The Linhay, Haytor Vale, Devon, TQ13 9RS

The Linhay site is an exciting 25-acre woodland creation and natural regeneration scheme near Haytor, bordering the River Lemon on Dartmoor. With the help of Moor Trees' Woodland Services, the project aims to plant a mix of local provenance native trees and link with adjoining Ancient Semi-Natural Woodland to improve biodiversity and local natural habitats. It will also provide education and training for local people and visitors.

Until recently, the site was forested with a non-native conifer plantation with few native plants or trees due to the heavy shade. Along one edge, however, is the upper reaches of the River Lemon, with valuable areas of Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and a multitude of ferns.

A large deer fence has been erected to exclude the deer from eating the young trees and Moor Trees' are busy with restoration activities and preparing the site for planting this winter. Local provenance saplings are sourced from the Moor Trees' nurseries.

Ordinance Survey Map Ref: tbc

Address: Middle Heltor Farm, Dunsford, Devon, EX6 7EH

This site is situated on a high edge of the Teign valley near Dunsford, with views to Exmoor and Wales on a clear day. In the winter of 2004/05 Moor Trees' planted two extensions totalling 2.1ha (5.2 acres) to the existing ancient woodland of 5.1ha (12.6 acres). There are many ancient woodland remnants in the lower-upper reaches of the Teign Valley, the most famous of which is Dunsford Wood for its wild daffodils. Some like this one, however, are isolated by conifer plantations around them and it is vitally important to extend and link them to give a chance of survival to the huge diversity of plants that are found here. Planting was difficult, with bramble, bracken and nettles to contend with, but it was worth it to see the new trees come into leaf alongside the tens of thousands of bluebells. Maintenance at this site is crucial to ensure that the young trees are not swamped in the early years by the bracken and bramble.

Ordinance Survey Map Ref: SX 688 690

Address: Scorriton Deer Farm, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ13 7SL

Over 4,500 trees have been planted on 2.91 hectares on Scorriton Down near Buckfastleigh on the edge of the southern moor of Dartmoor. The planting scheme took two years to develop. The new woodland connects ancient woodland from the River Mardle across the Down to similar quality woodland on the Holy Brook on the other side of the Down. Linking and expanding these wonderful old woodlands is a central theme of the work because most have become small, fragmented and, as such, vulnerable to losing their diversity of plants and animals.

Ordinance Survey Map Ref: SX 713 764

Address: Southcombe Barn, Widecombe in the Moor, TQ13 7TU

At the edge of the high moor, this beautiful planting site rests against a small copse and moorland stream that flows into the East Webburn river below. In partnership with the Dartmoor National Park Authority, Moor Trees planted a small extension to the copse in March 2006 involving the local primary school. At an altitude of over 1100ft, this is the highest planting site to date and a true Upland Oakwood.