Earlier this month a group of volunteers joined together near Holne on Dartmoor to continue their tree-panting mission to make a significant impact on the landscape.

This was not an ordinary tree planting day – it was the day that local Devon charity Moor Trees commemorated a major milestone in its grassroots commitment to restore nature on Dartmoor by planting the 200,000th tree in its goal to create and expand native broadleaved woodland.

This significant achievement reflects years of hands‑on effort and dedication from local people, community groups, and landowners working together to restore the rich woodland that once shaped the region. The woodlands that Moor Trees helps to create are special as they feature trees grown from seeds gathered locally in and around Dartmoor that are then nurtured and planted out with care by its team of committed volunteers.

After speeches from landowner and patron of the charity, Kevin Cox, and Moor Trees Chief Executive, Helen Aldis, an oak tree, grown from locally collected seed at one of the charity’s two Community Tree Nurseries, was planted by a few of the younger volunteers, alongside a commemorative plaque. Volunteers then spent the rest of the day planting out 500 more trees at the site.

The charity is clear that this milestone is only the beginning. With the climate and nature crises accelerating, supporting wildlife by reconnecting fragmented habitats across Dartmoor has never been more important. Moor Trees’ work shows how community‑led action can make a real difference. It is calling for even more people, partners, and landowners to join the effort to rebuild resilient, thriving woodlands for the future.

Patron of Moor Trees and Dartmoor landowner, Kevin Cox said: “Working with Moor Trees over the years has helped to transform our land and we’re thrilled to be home to their 200,000th tree. Their focus on local provenance native species and careful ecological planning is helping to reconnect fragmented habitats across Dartmoor, bringing back the wildlife and biodiversity this landscape deserves.

“It’s inspiring to see how community‑powered planting can revive the natural character of the moor and create woodlands that will thrive for future generations.”

Chief Executive of Moor Trees Helen Aldis added : “Reaching our 200,000th tree is a huge moment for everyone involved with Moor Trees. Our fantastic volunteers and the landowners we work with are at the heart of everything we do and make achievements like this possible.

“When we come together with a shared vision for Dartmoor, we can turn aspirations into living, growing woodlands to benefit both society and nature. It’s a privilege to see our trees take root and help shape a healthier, more connected landscape for the future. It is also an important moment to reflect on what has been achieved by the increasing number of people determined to help restore Dartmoor’s natural heritage.”

Volunteers marked the 200,000th tree milestone with celebratory cake and plenty of smiles, a small but joyful moment that reflects the spirit behind Moor Trees’ work. The charity says its success comes from strong collaborations with landowners, community groups, and partners who share a commitment to restoring Devon’s natural landscapes. Together, they are demonstrating that local action can make a real difference for nature and climate.

Looking ahead, Moor Trees is preparing to expand its efforts, with plans to increase the focus of woodland restoration efforts within the river valleys, connecting habitats across the moor. The charity’s long‑term vision is of a healthier, more resilient landscape where nature can thrive once again.

Moor Trees is grateful for the continued support of its volunteers that help out year-round growing trees and creating native woodland to help breathe more life back into Dartmoor. To help make that future possible, Moor Trees is calling on more people to get involved by volunteering time, creating woodland on their land, or supporting the charity’s work through donations www.moortrees.org/donate