University works on pioneering tree planting approach aiming to boost flood resilience and restore nature

The initiative builds on several years of work by academics and students linked to the UK’s temperate rainforests
Atlantic oak woodland at Piles Copse on Dartmoor, UK, was studied to better understand oak regeneration into upland pastures (Credit - Lloyd Russell, University of Plymouth)

Researchers at the University of Plymouth are part of a new partnership project which will help to re-establish Dartmoor’s ancient woodland pastures and temperate rainforests.
Around 8.5 hectares of native trees will be planted within a carefully selected area of Harford Moor, helping to reconnect existing woodlands so nature can thrive and habitats can become more resilient to the impacts of climate change.
The tree planting uses an innovative approach known as the Miyawaki Method, and while this approach has been used elsewhere, the planting on Dartmoor is thought to be the first upland trial of its kind in Europe for the purpose of improving flood resilience.
Locally native trees including oak, downy birch, hawthorn and willow will be planted in small plots across the site. The plots will have different densities of native trees with some plots fenced off to exclude livestock.
Dartmoor National Park Authority is leading the work through its Headwaters project, a natural flood management programme funded by the Environment Agency and Devon County Council.
The University’s role in the project work builds on extensive research in recent years examining some of the UK’s temperate rainforests.
On Dartmoor, that work has included exploring the most effective ways for them to thrive and support climate mitigation, as well as gathering the opinions of landowners and graziers about tree regeneration within the landscape.
Working closely with the partners to design the trials, the University’s monitoring and research as part of the new project aims to:
  • Better understand how tree planting can support enhanced natural establishment of trees within tree-diminished landscapes;
  • Determine how quickly restoration methods can reduce water run-off and flood risk; and
  • Examine how, in the longer term, these planting approaches may support biodiversity and carbon storage.
Led by Dr Thomas Murphy , Lecturer in Environmental Sciences, the monitoring will involve deploying a range of sensors within and outside the plots to measure factors including soil moisture, soil temperature, near surface air temperature and humidity, and rainfall levels. Students on the MSc Environmental Consultancy programme will also be involved in the monitoring work.
The researchers will also be designing ways for the general public to get involved in the initiative, by monitoring both tree performance and the impacts of the test plots on wider natural regeneration of temperate rainforest habitats.

This project is the result of many years of hard work.

We have been working with partners to design a replicated woodland plot experiment which will allow us to test the ability of native woodland creation to support flood management, biodiversity, soil carbon and aid conservation and restoration of rare Temperate Rainforest habitat. The project will also design a range of citizen science approaches to support wider public engagement with science and woodland restoration monitoring.

Thomas MurphyDr Thomas Murphy
Lecturer in Environmental Sciences

Volunteers planting young trees on Dartmoor Thomas Murphy
Spanning more than 700 hectares, Harford Moor lies to the east of the River Erme near Ivybridge. Rich in archaeology and shaped through thousands of years of farming practices and other uses, the upper reaches are rich carbon stores of peat, while the ancient and special woodland of nearby Piles Copse is filled with rare lichens, mosses and liverworts.
In its varied landscape, the steeper valley sides are ideal areas for tree regeneration. Trees with deeper root systems can help soak up and slow water from rainfall on its journey to the river.
The project is also being supported by local charity Moor Trees, of which Dr Murphy is a trustee, whose mission is creating and expanding native broadleaf woodlands on Dartmoor.
Since its creation, Moor Trees has planted more than 165,000 trees and currently provides the opportunity to over 250 volunteers each year to reconnect to nature and enhance their wellbeing.
Groups of volunteers will plant the trees throughout February and March using native saplings grown in their community tree nurseries from locally collected seed.

This project is a great demonstration of how we work together and use bold approaches for Dartmoor’s continued protection. This trial has many benefits for habitat creation, woodland connectivity, climate and flood resilience, commoning and grazing practices – it’s a long list and we’re very excited to be involved.

Richard Drysdale
Director for Conservation and Communities, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Fenced livestock exclosures at the edge of oak woodland at Piles Copse where efforts are ongoing to encourage woodland expansion (Credit - Thomas Murphy, University of Plymouth)
 

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