Another major step forward in the long-term restoration of one of Dartmoor’s most celebrated ancient woodlands, Wistman’s Wood, has taken place. Volunteers gathered at the National Nature Reserve in February to plant 800 young trees, continuing the efforts to expand this site which is one of the last remaining fragments of temperate rainforest in the UK. Watch this short film to find out more about the Duchy of Cornwall's vision for temperate rainforest restoration on the estate.
The planting builds on the 450 saplings planted nearby in March 2025 and forms part of the Duchy of Cornwall’s commitment to gradually double the size of the woodland. The work was carried out by volunteers from Natural England, the Duchy of Cornwall, Moor Trees and the Woodland Trust.
The importance of locally grown trees
All the saplings planted were grown from acorns and rowan seeds which had been collected within Wistman’s Wood itself. Through a partnership with the Duchy of Cornwall that began in 2021, Moor Trees raised the seedlings at our Community Tree Nursery in Dartington, ensuring that the new trees are genetically suited to the site. To support successful establishment, the planting took place within fenced exclusion plots designed to protect the young trees from grazing pressure. This approach forms part of a long-term programme to strengthen the woodland’s resilience and enable its gradual expansion.
A landscape of exceptional ecological value
Wistman’s Wood covers just over seven acres in the West Dart Valley and is designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Its ancient, stunted oaks and rich carpets of mosses and lichens make it one of the most distinctive and ecologically important woodlands in the region.
Temperate rainforests are globally rare, with around 90% lost since the Bronze Age, which makes long-term restoration and careful management essential.
Partnership at the heart of the project
Partners involved in the project emphasised the importance of collaboration and long-term commitment:
Emma Magee, Head of Communities and Nature on Dartmoor, The Duchy of Cornwall, said: “We are delighted to have been able to return to Wistman’s Wood and to be working with partners including Natural England and Moor Trees to continue this important work. The continued restoration of this iconic woodland reflects the Duchy’s commitment to building and enhancing nature-rich landscapes. Expanding and strengthening a rare temperate rainforest isn’t a one-off intervention, it requires steady, long-term effort. This work forms an important part of our wider efforts to build the long-term resilience of Dartmoor’s landscape, following the release of our Dartmoor Landscape Vision last year.”
Andrew Bakere, Senior Reserves Manager, Natural England, said: “This strong partnership is driving woodland expansion around our temperate rainforests - rare, unique, and irreplaceable habitats. We’re energised in our mission to support wildlife and repair the very fabric of our landscape. These woods represent our past culture and heritage and are our future defence against climate change. They help manage waterflow from the uplands, reduce storm impacts and protect communities downstream.”
Jess Duffy, Woodland Officer, Moor Trees, said: “It is an honour to be able to support the restoration of this globally significant habitat. Our volunteers are playing an integral part in Wistman’s Wood’s recovery and expansion from gathering the acorns and rowan seeds from the existing woodland, nurturing them into young saplings at our Community Tree Nursery and being part of planting days. It is vital that right across Dartmoor we are able to help restore and create new temperate rainforest habitats. Working in partnership is a really effective way to achieve this.”
Elle Bullimore, Regional Director, Woodland Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to see more trees taking root on Dartmoor this month, continuing work started at Wistman’s Wood last spring to expand this rare fragment of temperate rainforest. With so little of this precious habitat left in Devon, every sapling counts. Thanks to the players of the People’s Postcode Lottery (PPL), the Woodland Trust has been able to provide funding for protective fencing, which will ensure the young trees have the space they need to establish and thrive. This ongoing effort shows what can be achieved when partners, landowners and local communities come together with a shared vision for restoration.”
Looking ahead
With hundreds more saplings now in the ground, the restoration of Wistman’s Wood continues to gather momentum. The project demonstrates the power of partnership and community involvement in restoring some of Dartmoor’s most precious habitats. For Moor Trees, the work at Wistman’s Wood highlights the vital role of local seed collection, Community Tree Nurseries and volunteer-led planting in rebuilding the region’s temperate rainforests.
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