Woodland Ventures Takes Bold Steps Against Climate Change
Friends Ruan, Hastings, Watty and Thomas from BBC Friends joined forces with Ruan’s father Steff to get involved in a massive tree-planting initiative. The endeavor saw forty thousand trees being planted on the south coast of Cornwall by the National Trust as part of their ambitious goal to plant more than 20 million trees across the nation by 2030.
The trust highlighted that Cornwall is one of the least wooded counties in the UK, emphasizing that trees are crucial for both wildlife conservation and carbon capture. A significant tree-planting event took place at Coombe Farm near Fowey on a Wednesday, attracting families with children to participate.
Rob Bywater-Drake, the area ranger for the trust in south-east Cornwall, explained their approach: “We are enhancing and linking existing habitat features that have become depleted or are not in good condition.” Emily Ruan, 10 years old, took part in planting some of the 1500 trees at Coombe Farm. She planted holly, blackthorn, and chestnut trees because she believes they provide shade, beauty to nature and environmental benefits.
Trudie Ruan added that her family had managed to plant around 20 trees in just over an hour: “I’m glad we’re doing well.” Trudie also expressed excitement about passing on the experience of farming land near Coombe Farm to her children. Hastings, Emily’s friend, stated, “Trees serve as excellent habitats for wildlife and are beneficial to our environment.”
Andy Simmons, National Trust lead ranger for south-east Cornwall, recognized the efforts of volunteers: “We have a fantastic team who come out in all kinds of weather conditions making significant contributions. We appreciate their time immensely.” He went on to explain that not only would these new woodlands combat climate change but also offer crucial habitats for various woodland species like dormice and barn owls.
Volunteers had recently spent the day restaking and replanting about 1000 saplings at Lansallos, which were damaged by Storm Darragh. Over 11,000 trees have been planted in this area with a further planned planting of 6,000 trees during winter at Coombe Farm, building on last year’s efforts.
Next winter and for the following three years, another project will see the planting of around 17,600 saplings at Lanteglos. In total, more than 30 hectares (74 acres) of woodland are expected to be created across these three projects. A National Trust spokesperson elaborated on why this is beneficial: “At Lansallos, we’re aiming to plant the saplings behind the village and between existing woodlands. This will expand our woodland coverage, benefiting nature greatly.
Walkers in the area will also have access via new permissive footpaths as well as established rights of way.”
