We are excited to be hosting an informative and practical day at Challacombe Farm on Thursday 30th July to help share approaches for an array of woodland creation methods in Dartmoor’s river valleys. On the day we will be joined by Forest Research’s Prof Kevin Watts who will cover methods ranging from active tree planting through to natural colonisation, as well as combinations of the two.
Mark Owen and Naomi Oakley will also share some of the active ways in which they have been enhancing the landscape with a focus on riparian planting during a tour of Challacombe Farm.
The day is designed for landowners, farmers, land managers and advisors and will consider the potential benefits and challenges of creating and connecting woodland in the upper catchments and moorland locations and the suitability of a range of methods within the Dartmoor context.
During the workshop participants will:
- Identify the conditions needed for natural processes to deliver increased tree canopy with a focus on the upper catchments and moorland locations
- Hear findings from recent research on creating woodland through natural processes
- Share practical experiences of riparian planting during a walk around Challacombe Farm
- Provide an opportunity to discuss with experts the opportunities for riparian planting and actions to support natural regeneration on Dartmoor
- Find out about funding and support available
This event has been made possible with funding from the Dart Valley Fund and with thanks to Mark Owen and Naomi Oakley for kindly agreeing to host on their farm. Places are limited and free to attend. The programme will commence from 10am and includes:
Session one – Woodland creation through active and passive approaches
Prof Kevin Watts from Forest Research will draw on recent research and practice guidance to provide a short introductory overview of woodland creation approaches, covering methods ranging from active tree planting through to natural colonisation, as well as combinations of the two.
Session two – A walk to explore recent planting and support for natural regeneration
Mark Owen and Naomi Oakley will explain ways in which tree cover is being increased at Challacombe Farm. They will share both the practicalities and benefits. Together attendees will discuss the approaches in practice (where present), and collectively explore their suitability within the Dartmoor context, including potential benefits and challenges.
After lunch there will be a group discussion on the challenges and opportunities and the opportunity as well as the chance to find out how schemes can be supported and implemented on Dartmoor by the sharing of knowledge and expertise as well as an overview of funding and support available.
Please book to attend online. Attendees are asked to notify Moor Trees asap if they are no longer able to attend so we can release their place to others. Please note the event is being filmed to aid further knowledge exchange.
