Exmoor National Park Authority Champions South West Rainforest Alliance Report and Pioneering Woodland Restoration
Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) is proud to support a report by the South West Rainforest Alliance, which shines a spotlight on the region’s unique woodland habitats. As a committed partner in the Alliance, ENPA recognises the vital importance of temperate rainforests and is taking decisive action to conserve and expand these irreplaceable ecosystems.
The South West Rainforest Alliance report highlights the exceptional biodiversity and ecological value of Exmoor’s woodlands. Hawkcombe Wood National nature Reserve, for example, stands as a testament to the richness of temperate rainforest habitats, supporting a mosaic of rare species and contributing to the landscape’s natural beauty. ENPA is dedicated to safeguarding these habitats for future generations.
In pursuit of ambitious woodland restoration goals, ENPA has commissioned Land Use Consultants (LUC) to identify opportunities for safeguarding and expanding temperate rainforest across Exmoor. This initiative is a key component of the “Exmoor Woodland Futures” tree strategy currently being developed, which benefits from the generous support of Estée Lauder. By working with experts, landowners and stakeholders, ENPA aims to pinpoint areas where woodland expansion will deliver the greatest ecological benefits.
Senior Woodland Officer for ENPA Graeme McVittie said: “Through our landscape recovery program, “Restoring Exmoor’s Heartlands,” we are aiming to expand temperate rainforest mosaic and increase areas of woodland pasture on our land. Wood-pasture is a key component of a rainforest mosaic, which integrates trees and grazing land to create a network of connected habitats. This enhances biodiversity, provides shade and browsing for livestock and provides new opportunities for wildlife to thrive. Our commitment to woodland management is longstanding and we want to continue to build on existing projects, to improve the condition and coverage of Exmoor’s temperate rainforests. These efforts include habitat restoration, invasive species control, and community engagement to foster stewardship of woodland resources. Recently completed projects in the Upper Barle valley include a technique called ‘applied nucleation’ - establishing tree “seed islands”, wood-pasture using cactus tree guards and planting of Kings Wood.
The management plan for Exmoor sets out ambitious targets for woodland expansion:
- Increase canopy cover by 3% by 2030
- Increase canopy cover by 10% by 2050
Much of this new woodland will comprise temperate rainforest, further strengthening Exmoor’s role as a leader in conservation and climate action.
Graeme continued: “We’d like to express our gratitude to all partners, consultants and supporters - especially Estée Lauder - for their commitment to Exmoor’s woodland future. By working together, we can ensure that Exmoor’s rainforests continue to flourish, providing vital habitats, carbon storage, flood management and natural beauty for generations to come.”
For more information and to read the full report, visit:
South West Rainforest Alliance Report
For more information on how you can support woodland creation projects through ‘CareMoor for Exmoor’ visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor