Working together with Dartmoor National Park to Restore Ancient Woodland.

Canonteign Falls are delighted to be working with the Dartmoor National Park on their Restoring Ancient Woodland project.

A nationwide programme on behalf of Dartmoor National Park Authority, Defra, English Nature, the Forestry Commission and the Woodland Trust the project aims to restore and enhance Dartmoor’s ancient woodland that is a unique and irreplaceable habitat, rich in wildlife and cultural heritage.

In the past, significant areas of ancient woodland were felled and re-planted with non-native conifer species. Valuable wildlife and cultural features often survive amongst the conifers and, with care, these features can be protected and native woodland habitats encouraged to expand. Perhaps the greatest current threat to Dartmoor’s ancient woodland is neglect and a lack of management. Another significant threat is the invasion by rhododendron and cherry laurel, which infests over 100 ancient woodlands on Dartmoor.

Richard Knott, Restoring Ancient Woodland Project Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: “This is an important new project which aims to protect and enhance Dartmoor’s ancient woodland by meeting landowners, finding out what they want from their woodlands, and helping them to achieve their aims. Obtaining income from woodland under an active management regime does not have to be at the expense of wildlife value or archaeological importance.”