The 1st Plympton Scouts joined Moor Trees to become part of the nature recovery effort on Dartmoor, planting native trees at Jubilee Field in Princetown. The Scouts wanted to leave a lasting gift to Dartmoor, a landscape they regularly explore and enjoy.
Young people leading the way in nature restoration
The three day planting effort saw volunteers plant 2,400 native trees to help restore a 500 metre historic hedge bank which will support wildlife and strengthen the recovering lowland meadow at the site. The involvement of the Scouts and their families on the final day was a fantastic opportunity to engage young people in hands on conservation.
Steve Edwards, 1st Plympton Scouts leader, said: “1st Plympton Scouts are celebrating 50 years of the building of our Scout hut. The chance to take our young people out on to the Moors, help the environment and hopefully leave a legacy that will last another 500 years was too good to turn down. The Scouts thoroughly enjoy the time outside and adding to a landscape we use regularly is so rewarding, and it is great to be able to give them these unique experiences.”
The Scouts’ contribution reflects their long standing connection to Dartmoor and their commitment to outdoor learning. Planting a new hedgerow that will grow for years to come offered them a meaningful way to celebrate their group’s history while helping to shape Dartmoor’s future.
Dave Lewis, Moor Trees Operations Manager, said: "We’re incredibly grateful to the 1st Plympton Scouts, their families and our other volunteers for their time and energy planting trees with Moor Trees and the Duchy of Cornwall. The Jubilee Field hedgerow will benefit both the local community and help to restore nature on Dartmoor. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the Scouts to learn about our native tree species and new skills in creating a healthy hedgerow. The enthusiasm and action of these young people strengthens the community both living and spending time on the moors and helps us to breathe more life back into Dartmoor by planting native trees grown in our Community Tree Nurseries.”
A community effort supported by the Duchy of Cornwall
The project was made possible through more than £10,000 of funding from the Duchy of Cornwall, which supported volunteer days, habitat restoration, and the use of plastic-free biodegradable guards, stakes and ties.
Emma Magee, Head of Communities and Nature for Dartmoor at the Duchy of Cornwall, said: “The Duchy is committed to supporting nature recovery across its communities. We are delighted to have partnered with Moor Trees and local volunteers to get trees in the ground at Jubilee Field. By restoring hedgerows we are supporting biodiversity, helping people connect with nature, and creating habitat that will benefit both people and wildlife for years to come.”
Hedgerows are essential for wildlife, providing food, shelter, and corridors for movement across the landscape. The newly planted hedge includes a diverse mix of native species such as Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Alder Buckthorn, Spindle, and Crab Apple, chosen to offer year round ecological benefits.
The event was supported by the Scouts’ local MP, who also attended the tree planting. Rebecca Smith, Member of Parliament for South West Devon said: “I was really pleased to join members of the 1st Plympton Scout Group as they planted 500 trees to mark the 50th anniversary of their Plympton base, Cottles Lodge. The group was invited by the Duchy of Cornwall to join in the initiative on Dartmoor and it was fun to pop along to help. Projects like this show the difference a community can make when we work together, and it was great to be part of such a hands-on celebration of both our Scouts and the beautiful countryside we’re lucky to call home.”
Together, these efforts have created a new and diverse hedgerow that will grow into a thriving wildlife corridor and be a lasting symbol of community action on Dartmoor.
Please help support Moor Trees to create and restore native woodland on Dartmoor
