MOOR Trees, a Dartmoor-based charity, marks a significant milestone in its effort to restore local woodlands by planting its 200,000th native tree, with continued plans for restoration and growth.

On Sunday, February 15 a group of volunteers joined together near Holne on Dartmoor for a day of planting trees, but it was no ordinary tree planting...

It was the day that the charity were able to commemorate a major milestone in its grassroots commitment to restore nature on Dartmoor by planting the 200,000th tree, reflecting 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 have helped 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 the charity’s 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.

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 is 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 said: ‘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 is 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’.

And 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.

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.