Off-grid woodland centre taking root in ancient Dartmoor rainforest

WORK has begun on a new, sustainable visitor centre at Yarner Wood, which aims to bring more people closer to nature and support conservation efforts on the edge of Dartmoor.

The new centre will replace the site’s ageing visitor centre with a modern facility for education, conservation and wellbeing activities.

Designed to benefit local communities, schools and visitors alike, the building will provide opportunities to learn new skills, volunteer and enjoy the benefits of spending time outdoors.

Planned activities include partnership with the NHS, offering initiatives such as woodcraft for wellbeing and art therapy in nature, as well as opportunities for volunteers to help protect the reserve’s wildlife.

Neil Hornby, chief executive at Natural England, said: ‘It is fantastic to see work getting underway on this inspiring project.

‘The new centre will help more people experience the benefits of nature, while supporting the local community and the conservation of this special place’.

The building has been designed to minimise its environmental impact - the frame is made from Douglas fur donated by the Woodland Trust from its Bovey Valley woods, for example.

The exterior will be clad in four kilometres of western red cedar, a naturally durable timber that requires minimal treatment to remain waterproof.

The centre will operate entirely off-grid, utilising solar power and harvesting rainwater.

Andy Bakere, senior reserves manager, Natural England, said: ‘We are really excited to see work start on this sustainable project.

‘The centre will give people new ways to connect with nature and get involved in conservation.

‘Operating totally off-grid, using solar power and rainwater harvesting will help us reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and work towards Natural England’s net zero goals’.

Yarner Wood is a 365-acre ancient oak woodland and temperate rainforest on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Devon.

It was part of England's first National Nature Reserve and is managed by Natural England.

It is known for its breeding birds, including pied flycatchers and wood warblers, and its summer wood ant nests.