The UK is one of the least wooded areas in Europe, with only 13.3% of woodland cover compared to the European average of 46%.[1] In recent years, government policy in the UK has sought to drive woodland creation, with the Environmental Improvement Plan outlining the government’s long-term target to increase tree canopy and woodland cover from 14.5% to 16.5% of total land area in England by 2050.[2]
In the UK, Devon has a valuable natural resource in its existing trees, hedges, and woodlands, contributing to thriving wildlife, scenery, and a multitude of benefits to local communities. The financial value of the all the ecosystem benefits that the woodland resource delivers annually has been calculated as £327million.
However, the county faces multiple challenges including climate change, competing land pressures, and more when seeking to protect, manage and expand its woodland areas.
We began developing the strategy by building an evidence base that would provide a rationale and thorough understanding of local context which involved a review of the importance of trees and woodlands specifically to Devon, as well as a national and regional policy review.
We then undertook:
- Baseline mapping, which led to the production of maps showing the distribution of existing canopy cover and different types of woodland habitats
- A valuation of Devon’s woodlands and ecosystem services through use of our bespoke Natural Capital Model.
These activities informed the development of opportunity maps of areas suitable for woodland creation, and where the wider benefits of woodland creation could be maximised through GIS mapping.
We developed strong local support and interest in the strategy through regular meetings with the project Steering Group and workshops with stakeholders, including local landowners, NGOs, Councils, academics, and other Wildlife Trusts. It is through these relationships that we agreed upon a vision, prioritised targets, and developed an Action Plan. Insights generated from the stakeholders also contributed to seven ‘Guiding Principles’, which defined ideal ways of working with the trees, hedges, and woodlands across Devon.
By the end of the project, we developed a strategy which:
- Articulated a shared vision and guiding principles, with a roadmap of actions that could drive change in the next 5 years
- Identified and recommended delivery mechanisms and opportunities for collaboration to drive a thriving tree and woodland resource for nature, the environment and economy across Devon.
The Tree and Woodland Strategy was approved and adopted by the Devon Local Nature Partnership Board in March 2024 and can be found here: Devon Tree and Woodland Strategy – Devon Local Nature Partnership
[2] Working together to meet government targets for tree planting in England – Natural England