Tree’s for Devon – Autumn webinars
This autumn, the Woodland Trust is delighted to present a trio of tree talks on behalf of the LNP’s ‘Trees for Devon’ initiative. Along with Devon Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust, we will be hosting a series of online webinars on the themes of woodland creation, ash dieback and woodland restoration.
Creation
From why to how: Expanding Devon’s woodlands with the right tree in the right place
Speakers: Heather Elgar, Woodland Trust and Kate Tobin, Forestry Commission
There is a welcome surge of interest in tree planting in response to the climate emergency. In this webinar Heather and Kate will consider critical issues such as: choosing the right species and the right places to plant; understanding markets; regulations and incentives; the role of natural regeneration; the impact of pests and diseases; and protection of existing wildlife habitats.
Ash dieback
Ash dieback and Saving Devon’s Treescapes
Speakers: Rob Wolton from the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum and Rosie Cotgreave from Saving Devon’s Treescapes
Devon’s treescapes are stunning and crucial habitats for so much wildlife. But they have been in decline for many decades and are now facing a new threat from ash dieback. A disease that is sadly estimated will kill at least 90% of Devon’s ash trees in the coming years.
The Saving Devon’s Treescapes project, a new initiative led by Devon Wildlife Trust on behalf of the Devon Ash Dieback Resilience Forum, is here to provide hope and action in the face of these alarming changes. In this talk Rob and Rosie will explore what we know so far about ash dieback as well as looking into what is being done to save Devon’s treescapes.
Ancient Woodland Restoration
Ancient Woodland Restoration in Action – 5 years at Fingle Woods
Speakers: David Rickwood from the Woodland Trust will be joined by a number of the forestry contractors who are involved in the restoration
Ancient woodland is the UK’s most biodiverse land habitat (having been present since at least 1600) and is the natural world’s equivalent of a Grade I listed building. It now covers just 2.4% of the UK and almost 40% of what we have left has been replanted with non-native trees, causing dense shade across the woodland floor, making it inhospitable for native plants and animals. However, careful restoration can remove these threats, enabling natural regeneration of native trees and plants and helping wildlife to thrive.
Fingle Woods is one of the largest ancient woodland restoration projects in the UK. David Rickwood, the Project Manager, will take you on a virtual guided tour of the site that will share best practice and provide an opportunity to see restoration in action, including Heavy Horses and mobile sawmilling.