Home / Environment / Duchy of Cornwall Pledges to Double Ancient Woodland
Duchy of Cornwall Pledges to Double Ancient Woodland
26 May
Summary
- Ancient temperate rainforests on Dartmoor are in poor condition.
- The Duchy of Cornwall committed to doubling woodland size by 2040.
- Campaigners advocate for reduced grazing to aid regeneration.
Remnants of Bronze Age temperate rainforests on Dartmoor, like Black-a-Tor copse, are critically endangered by grazing. These unique habitats, once covering 20% of the British Isles, now survive only in protected pockets.
Campaigners from Dartmoor Nature Alliance are advocating for increased temperate rainforest coverage across the national park. Responding to this call, the Duchy of Cornwall, a significant landowner, has committed to doubling the extent of duchy-managed Atlantic rainforests on Dartmoor by the early 2040s.
This initiative includes expanding Black-a-Tor copse and Wistman's Wood. The efforts are bolstered by £30 million in government funding for habitat restoration across England. Success hinges on managing grazing pressure to allow natural regeneration and planting new saplings.
Natural England reports highlight grazing as the primary concern suppressing woodland regeneration at Black-a-Tor copse. Community engagement with the approximately 200 commoners holding grazing rights is crucial for the future of these ancient woodlands.
