about

timeline

news

tiles

team

East Devon District Council is pleased to propose five sites across the district for planting tree whips. Help us make a difference! Have your say until 28/10/2024

Help to preserve East Devon’s treescape

Add logic to update projects latitude and longitude

To enhance the tree canopy cover across East Devon

Project Intention

To enhance the tree canopy cover across east Devon by establishing new pocket woodlands, small copses and a community <a href="https://tinyforest.earthwatch.org.uk/about" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tiny Forest</a>. &nbsp;This initiative aligns with <a href="https://www.devon.gov.uk/environment/wildlife/devons-local-nature-recovery-strategy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Devon&#39;s Local Nature Recovery Strategy</a>, <a href="https://eastdevon.gov.uk/media/gfhkxgwk/streetscene-service-plan-2024-2025-final.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EDDC&rsquo;s StreetScene Service Plan</a>, <a href="https://eastdevon.gov.uk/climate-change/climate-emergency/council-strategy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">EDDC&rsquo;s Climate Change Strategy</a>, and EDDC&#39;s impending Wildlife Improvement Policy. The new plantings will create a cohesive network of habitats, offering diverse benefits for people, wildlife, the environment, and climate change mitigation. Importantly, the tree plantings are proposed along margins, peripheral boundaries, and in areas less suited for recreational use, conscious to maximise ecosystem services while preserving existing functions.&nbsp; Primary objectives informing the project:<ul><li>Nature Restoration - Increased tree canopy cover will provide valuable habitats for a range of urban and rural wildlife. Offering shelter, food, and nesting opportunities, as well as a network of green corridors for safe travel and movement. &nbsp;Adaptations to grassland management localised to new tree planting sites will also encourage increases in biodiversity, such as wildflower and lichen species.&nbsp;</li><li>Climate Change Mitigation - Increased tree canopy cover will help build climate resilience across east Devon&rsquo;s green spaces. This is achieved through increased carbon sequestration into the soil, prevention of soil erosion, reduced water run-off, buffering high winds, shading and cooling, as well as improved local air and water quality.</li><li>Ecosystem Enhancement/Security - Increased tree canopy cover that is established incrementally will help secure the longevity of the districts&rsquo; tree stock. This is crucial for preventing a future with a diminishing number of veteran trees, thereby preserving the diversity essential for a healthy and functional treescape.</li><li>People - Increased tree canopy cover will enhance the East Devon community&rsquo;s connection to nature, benefiting health and well-being. Greater shade, shelter, and aesthetic appeal will encourage outdoor comfort and engagement across the diverse and distinctive green spaces in the district.</li><li>Research and Education - Increased tree canopy cover invites new opportunities for learning and engagement. Building on the success of a community-oriented Tiny Forest project, EDDC proposes to introduce a second site. In addition to traditional pocket woodlands and small copses, <a href="https://tinyforest.earthwatch.org.uk/about" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tiny Forest </a>planting is based on Miyawaki principles, which enhances tree resilience. Collectively, these efforts will foster community involvement, citizen science, and wider collaboration.&nbsp;</li></ul>

Planting wet-tolerant trees in this flood-prone area by the River Sid will reduce surface water and expand wildlife

Sidford Pitches, Sidmouth

Sidford Pitches, SidmouthLong/Lat: 50.698132,-3.226358This marginal area, prone to flooding from the nearby River Sid, affects the adjacent football pitch and is no longer maintained by the Sidmouth grounds team due to its boggy conditions. Planting trees that thrive in wet conditions will help reduce surface water, aerating and stabilising the soil conditions. Connecting up to the surrounding treeline and boundary hedgerow will also enhance habitat availability and extend a vital wildlife corridor.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1726823835/projects/66ebf7103a4ffe0757e42269/jbz6nqhqhp8wf5xr2lie.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Planting location map">Planting location map

The area is screened by boundary hedges and trees, with young trees to the west, where new plantings will connect


The Byes, Sidmouth

The ByesLat/Long: 50.687972,-3.232742This area is screened from neighbouring properties by boundary hedges and trees, with a copse of young trees to the west that the new plantings will connect to, forming a vital wildlife corridor. Simple adjustments to the mown pathways will improve accessibility, as the proposed tree location is near a popular entrance to The Byes. Complimentary to the nearby meadow, tree planting here will help to form a matrix of habitats that will continue to boost biodiversity.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1726757553/projects/66ebf7103a4ffe0757e42269/ijyxqu3tfvrylgdxywyg.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Planting location map">Planting location map

The proposal aims to fill gaps from past tree losses, boost biodiversity

Lymebourne Park, Sidmouth

Lymebourne Park, SidmouthLat/Long: 50.690532,-3.234019In 2022, a public consultation favourably supported tree planting within this green space. The proposal aims to fill gaps left by past tree losses, boost biodiversity, and to create a more continuous wildlife habitat. New tree plantings will also provide summer shading and winter wind screening for nearby retirement housing, supporting local residents&rsquo; health and well-being.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1727439229/projects/66ebf7103a4ffe0757e42269/cbfvutfrmuck07kcjdxl.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Planting location map">Planting location map

Two planting schemes are planned: a pocket woodland and under-canopy planting

Clapps Lane, Ottery St. Mary

Clapps Lane, Ottery St. MaryLat/Long: 50.747992,-3.281591 and 50.748585,-3.28142Two planting schemes are proposed for this green space: a series of tree copses along the northerly boundary, and smaller, under canopy planting to infill the existing tree line along the southern boundary.Located within a residential area, increasing tree cover will create a more enjoyable space for residents, by cooling ground temperatures and offering areas of shade. Providing new habitat for local wildlife species will also enhance the ecological value of the space, offering vital shelter, food, and nesting opportunities.&nbsp;<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1726824188/projects/66ebf7103a4ffe0757e42269/fqjefvq7ujwvwoucyewl.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Planting location map">Planting location map

Two planting schemes are proposed for this green space

Brixington Park, Exmouth

Brixington Park, ExmouthLat/Long: 50.635336,-3.395514 and 50.634581,-3.39713Two planting schemes are proposed for this green space: a pocket woodland along the western and southern boundaries and a community-oriented <a href="https://tinyforest.earthwatch.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tiny Forest</a> near the north-eastern boundary, close to the play park.&nbsp;Situated in a residential area with currently low urban tree numbers, these new plantings will boost local biodiversity. With clay soils beneath, new tree plantings will support aeration of the ground conditions, reducing compaction and improving drainage. The inclusion of the Tiny Forest will act as an educational and engagement resource, complete with informative signage and organised activities.<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/commonplace-digital-limited/image/upload/v1727439260/projects/66ebf7103a4ffe0757e42269/i11e987po76fh0syqxzw.jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Planting location map">Planting location map