Moor Trees, in partnership with the Woodland Trust, is calling on local people, organisations and landowners to get behind an important new project to help identify the location of priority tree species on Dartmoor and surrounding areas by taking part in the ‘Great Dartmoor Tree Search’.The activity is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
To support the ambitious tree planting goals in the local area this project is seeking to improve the availability of local seeds particularly for a selection of trees which are hard to source from tree growers in the UK. Having access to local provenance trees is really important for healthy and resilient woodlands. Genetic variation is high within populations of native UK trees (often exceeding the variation between populations), indicating a high capacity to adapt to change given the right conditions, such as regular cycles of natural regeneration.
What is tree provenance?
The provenance of tree seed describes its geographical origins. When planting trees of any species, selecting an appropriate provenance is an important decision which can influence tree survival, ‘performance’ (for any given objective), longevity and reproductive potential. A key aim of provenance selection is to find seed that will be well-adapted to the prevailing conditions in which it needs to grow. Moor Trees specialises in growing local provenance trees and only collects seeds from Dartmoor and the surrounding area to use in woodland creation and regeneration projects in the local area. The seeds are gathered and then processed and germinated in the charity’s two community tree nurseries by its staff and team of volunteers before being ready to plant out in two to three years’ time.
What species are needed?
The 2024 Great Dartmoor Tree Search includes identifying the location of guelder rose, small leaved lime, whitebeam, large leaved lime, wayfaring tree, wild service tree, wych elm and more.
What information is required and how will it be used?
Participants in the Great Dartmoor Tree Search are encouraged to use the free app iNaturalist to identify and mark the location of the priority species. The information can then be shared on the project’s dedicated page on iNaturalist. Alternatively participants can email Moor Trees the grid reference or what three words (W3W) of the location
Once the sites have been identified by their location Moor Trees will assess the suitability of the location for seed collection. As not all sites will have public access Moor Trees will discuss with the landowner the potential for seed collecting either by our trained staff or depending on the location arrange to bring a team of volunteers. No members of the public are expected to collect seed from any of the locations as this must only be done with the consent of the landowner and following necessary protocols for seed collection for use in tree production.
Activity will also include the identification and registration of seed stands (where appropriate and agreed with the landowner) and the development of an interactive map to track and monitor seed gathering across Dartmoor by Moor Trees and other organisations.
Why is it important?
Tree provenance choice is a vital tree-planting decision, with potential benefits, risks and long-term consequences. When planning new woodland or tree planting it is important to select a suitable UK provenance to promote adaptation and resilience, and to reduce the pest and disease risk from imported seeds, saplings and trees.
Ways to get involved
Moor Trees, in partnership with the Woodland Trust is encouraging the local community to help in the identification of priority tree species to increase the supply of new trees for use in woodland creation schemes. People are asked to explore local woodlands and hedgerows (with permitted access) to identify using their own knowledge or the app iNaturalist trees from our priority list. Professionals and landowners working in or owning woodland are also encouraged to take part especially from within ancient woodland.
Taking part is simple
- Download the free iNaturalist app
- Start identifying tree species
- Photograph and tag a successful find
- Share with Moor Trees on the dedicated iNaturalist group or via email
