The local context

The North Devon UNESCO Biosphere is home to some of the most distinctive treescapes in the UK, from ancient oak woodlands and species-rich hedgerows to traditional orchards and emerging agroforestry systems. These habitats are vital for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the local economy. The Trees, Hedges and Woods theme contributes directly to the delivery of the North Devon Nature Recovery Plan (2021–2025)—the area’s overarching strategy for tackling the ecological emergency. This work focuses on expanding woodland cover, restoring hedgerows, and developing a thriving woodland economy through initiatives like the Devon Woods project.

Our Agenda

• Increase tree canopy cover across the Biosphere to 20% by 2030 through natural regeneration and diverse planting.
• Restore and manage ancient woodlands, hedgerows, and orchards to support biodiversity and ecosystem services.
• Promote agroforestry and wood pasture as part of sustainable farming and climate adaptation.
• Protect and celebrate Devon’s temperate rainforests, including coastal oak woodlands and moorland combes.
• Encourage community engagement in tree planting, hedge management, and citizen science.
  

Devon Woods

The flagship Devon Woods project is a landscape-scale nature recovery programme focused on expanding and improving woodland, hedgerow, and orchard habitats across the Biosphere. It supports:

• Creation of 1,000 hectares of nature-rich woodland and 500 hectares of agroforestry.
• Restoration of ancient woodland sites (PAWS) and improved management of existing woodlands.
• Revitalisation of hedgerows, aiming for 95% to be in favourable condition by 2030.
• Community orchards and traditional fruit tree planting, enhancing habitat for pollinators and birds.
• Species recovery, including hazel dormice, pied flycatchers, and Devon whitebeam.

The project also addresses key challenges such as invasive species, climate change, and habitat fragmentation, while promoting green jobs, training, and local timber production.

Learn more about Devon Woods.