Local communities rally behind Devon Wildlife Trust’s plan to create a thriving Celtic rainforest ecosystem.
A major conservation effort to bring back Britain’s lost Celtic rainforests has begun in Devon. Volunteers have planted the first 2,500 native trees in what will become a rare temperate rainforest ecosystem. The project, led by Devon Wildlife Trust, transforms 75 acres of former sheep pasture near Totnes into a landscape that will eventually support the unique plant and animal life in these ancient woodlands.
These special forests once covered much of Britain’s western coastline but now occupy just 1% of the country’s land. Unlike tropical rainforests, Celtic rainforests, also known as Atlantic rainforests, thrive in cool, wet conditions common to Britain’s western regions, receiving more than 200 days of rainfall per year.
The constant high humidity levels create perfect conditions for an extraordinary diversity of life. New research has revealed these forests contain complex underground fungal networks that enhance tree growth and carbon storage. Scientists estimate that mature Celtic rainforests can store up to 50% more carbon than other temperate woodlands, making them crucial allies in fighting climate change.
The characteristic dampness allows rare species of plants to flourish, particularly epiphytes – plants that grow on other plants without harming them. Researchers have identified over 400 species of mosses and liverworts in existing Celtic rainforest fragments, including several species found nowhere else in Europe.
Recent studies have documented over 200 species of wild bees and butterflies in existing Celtic rainforest remnants. The Devon project will create ideal conditions for birds like the pied flycatcher, woodcock, and redstart. The moist environment will also support hundreds of species of mosses, liverworts, and lichens that can’t survive in drier conditions. Many of these species are found nowhere else in Britain.
More than 100 local volunteers, including youth groups and community members, worked through winter storms and snow to plant the first batch of trees. The mix includes native species like oak, rowan, alder, hazel, birch, willow, and holly – trees naturally found in Celtic rainforest ecosystems that support the greatest variety of other organisms. The project has also incorporated traditional forest management techniques, such as coppicing and selective thinning, which historical records show were used to maintain healthy Celtic rainforests for centuries.
Claire Inglis, nature reserve officer at Devon Wildlife Trust, sees immediate benefits for local wildlife in the Celtic rainforest. “The mix of young trees among grass pastures and hedges, combined with our ban on pesticides and artificial fertilizers, will create better homes for moths, butterflies, bees, and birds like yellowhammers and barn owls.”
The decline of Britain’s Celtic rainforests began thousands of years ago and accelerated during the Industrial Revolution, when many were cleared for timber or converted to grazing land. Today, the remaining fragments face threats from invasive species, air pollution, and disease. Climate change poses an additional challenge by potentially altering the precise conditions these forests need to thrive.
The project implements innovative environmental practices. Young trees are protected with biodegradable tubes made from timber industry waste instead of plastic guards. Many trees were grown from local seeds by Moor Trees, a Dartmoor-based charity, ensuring they’re well-adapted to local conditions and maintaining genetic diversity. The project also uses advanced soil monitoring systems to track moisture levels and fungal network development.
Devon Wildlife Trust plans to plant 4,500 more trees this winter, bringing the total to 7,000. Additional planting will continue in coming years until trees cover 70% of the site. The remaining space will become open glades, woodland paths, and wildflower meadows, creating diverse habitats throughout the landscape. Local schools have already signed up for educational programs that will begin once the first sections of the forest are established.
This Devon initiative joins similar Celtic rainforest restoration projects across Britain’s western regions, including Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Pembrokeshire, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. These efforts align with the UK’s commitment to increase woodland cover and enhance biodiversity as part of its climate change strategy.
The insurance company Aviva has partnered with Devon Wildlife Trust on this project, showing growing private sector support for large-scale conservation. While public access is currently limited to existing footpaths and bridleways, the Trust plans to expand access as the forest develops, creating opportunities for research, education, and community engagement.
Although full maturity will take several decades, the site will immediately benefit local wildlife. The project represents an important step in bringing back one of Britain’s most rare and valuable natural habitats, offering hope for the future of these extraordinary ecosystems and the countless species that depend on them.
