Ancient Rainforests Doubled by Royal Estate

Prince William's Duchy of Cornwall has committed to a significant expansion of two ancient temperate rainforests on Dartmoor by the early 2040s. This ambitious plan involves doubling the size of Black-a-Tor Copse and Wistman's Wood, rare oak woodlands within the Dartmoor National Park.

These efforts are bolstered by a new £30 million government fund dedicated to restoring wildlife spaces and ancient woods nationwide. Temperate rainforests, among the Earth's rarest habitats, are primarily threatened by decades of livestock grazing which prevents sapling growth. The Duchy's pledge follows advocacy from groups like the Dartmoor Nature Alliance.

Restoration work is underway, with protective guards placed around young oak stumps and local charities cultivating new native trees from acorns. Moor Trees, for instance, has planted 1,200 saplings at Wistman's Wood over the past two years. Addressing the core issue of grazing, efforts are being made to manage the impact of commoners' livestock on these fragile ecosystems.

Conservationists emphasize that excluding grazing animals is crucial for the regeneration of these heritage woodlands. While welcoming the Duchy's commitment, some advocate for even broader goals, including expanding rainforest areas across all of Dartmoor's shared lands. The woodland itself is described as 'waiting' for reduced grazing pressure to revive.