A vision for a tree-rich Devon

The following image shows how a typical Devon could look in 30 years’ time, with additional tree cover. Actions to ‘protect’, ‘manage’ and make a ‘positive change’ have enabled additional trees to be accommodated without compromising existing habitats or heritage.

The farmland remains as productive agriculture with an increasingly diversified business, meanwhile, the landscape character has been enhanced. The vision includes trees and hedges which have been planted, and trees and scrub which have regenerated naturally.

A shared vision for 30 years’ time

Hover, click or tap the numbers on the image for more information.

a drawing of a landscape with lots of trees
Wetlands Smooth horizon and long view Archaeological site kept free of trees Tussocky grassland Wet flush habitat Medieval field patterns Dynamic woodland and moorland edge Ancient woodland restored Regeneration of scrub Hedgebanks New copse Hedgerow trees New wet woodland Coastal scrub Productive woodland increased Woodland extended Agroforestry New parkland trees New hedges and hedgebanks Local timber supply Orchard extended New riverside path

Wetlands

Actions to ‘protect’ landscape

Important wetlands on valley floor retained

Smooth horizon and long view

Action to ‘protect’ landscape

Smooth horizon left clear of trees, open character and views of moorland retained

Archaeological site kept free of trees

a drawing of a stone circle

Action to ‘protect’ landscape

Archaeological site kept clear of trees

Tussocky grassland

Action to ‘protect’ landscape

Open tussocky grassland retained as bat foraging habitat

Wet flush habitat

Action to ‘protect’ landscape

Wet flush habitat retained

Medieval field patterns

Actions to ‘protect’ landscape

Medieval field patterns remain distinct and recognisable

Dynamic woodland and moorland edge

Action to 'manage' landscape

Dynamic edge between woodland and moorland creates upland habitat mosaic

Ancient woodland restored

Action to 'manage' landscape

Ancient woodland sites restored from plantations

Regeneration of scrub

drawing of trees

Action to 'manage' landscape

Regeneration of scrub up upland valley reduces downstream flooding

Hedgebanks

Action to 'manage' landscape

Hedgebanks restored and gaps in beech shelterbed replanted

New copse

drawing of trees

Action to 'manage' landscape

New copse in filed corner, linking with woodland and hedge network

Hedgerow trees

Action to 'manage' landscape

Hedgerow trees established every 40m on average

New wet woodland

Action to 'manage' landscape

Mosaics of new wet woodland / scrub / rush pasture established on valley floor

Coastal scrub

Action to 'manage' landscape

Regeneration of coastal scrub provides habitat and helps to stabilise cliffs

Productive woodland increased

Positive landscape change

Productive woodland increased. Extended well-managed woodland is now made up of a resilient mixture of species helping to protect against pests and diseases. The healthy woodland helps provide many Public Goods such as flood alleviation, clean air and carbon sequestration.

Woodland extended

Positive landscape change

Woodland extended and linked into hedge network to create wildlife corridors

Agroforestry

Positive landscape change

Agroforestry methods are adopted, introducing trees to support farm productivity. Includes new woodpasture habitat managed through grazing

New parkland trees

drawing of a large house and trees

Positive landscape change

Reinstated avenue and new parkland trees enhance setting of listed building

New hedges and hedgebanks

Positive landscape change

New hedges and hedgebanks planted to strengthen and respect historic field pattern, with priority to planting along contours to slow water runoff and limit soil erosion

Local timber supply

a lorry with timber on

Positive landscape change

Strengthened rural economy through local timber supply chains with increased use of local timber. This helps to ensure the carbon is locked up for generations, and wood is used as a substitute for carbon-emitting materials such as concrete and steel.

Orchard extended

drawing of fruit trees

Positive landscape change

Orchard extended and includes a range of fruit and nut trees

New riverside path

Positive landscape change

New riverside path

Devon’s landscapes today

New schemes may comprise a single type, or mixture of types, for example a medium-sized planted woodland with scrub regeneration at the edges.

See our Step by Step guide to establishing more trees