In a quiet corner of Devon, nestled by the tranquil waters of Venford Reservoir, environmental enthusiasts are coming together to sow the seeds for a greener future. On Sunday, two celebrated environmental charities—South West Lakes Trust and Moor Trees—are marking a significant milestone in their history, not just with a celebration of their 25th anniversaries, but by leading a joint seed collecting event aimed at restoring Dartmoor’s native woodland.
This unique community-driven effort will focus on gathering native tree seeds from the surrounding areas, including acorns, hawthorn, holly, and crab apples. Volunteers, ranging from seasoned environmentalists to families eager to contribute to the preservation of local wildlife, will participate in a walk through the moorland and woodland at Venford Reservoir, learning about the area’s history while contributing to a long-lasting legacy of habitat restoration and biodiversity enhancement.
The event is not just a one-time occasion—it’s part of a broader effort to transform the landscape of Dartmoor into a thriving, native woodland that can help mitigate climate change, protect wildlife, and connect local ecosystems for generations to come. By the end of the day, the seeds collected will be nurtured and prepared by Moor Trees to be grown into trees of local provenance, ready to be planted back into the Dartmoor landscape.
Restoring Dartmoor’s Landscape: A Historic Transformation
Venford Reservoir, located in the heart of Dartmoor, has long been a place of historical and environmental significance. Once dominated by conifer plantations, which are not native to the region, the area is undergoing a profound transformation aimed at returning it to its natural state.
In 2023, a major step in this restoration took place when the conifer crop around Venford was felled to make room for the reintroduction of native trees. With the help of volunteers and local communities, over 1,000 native trees—such as oak, silver birch, and rowan—were planted, marking the beginning of a new era for the Venford woodland. The newly planted trees are now taking root and forming connections between existing habitats around the reservoir, creating a network of interconnected ecosystems that will support local wildlife, improve climate resilience, and contribute to the long-term health of Dartmoor’s landscape.
According to James Platts, the Chief Executive of South West Lakes Trust, the transformation of Venford represents a key milestone in the mission to bring Dartmoor’s ecosystems back to their natural state. “The seeds collected from Venford will be taken back to the nurseries at Moor Trees where they will be prepared and planted, then grown into trees of local provenance ready to be planted back on Dartmoor, a lovely legacy that will last for years to come.”
This shift from conifer plantations to native woodland is not only a win for the environment but also for the biodiversity of Dartmoor, which has been increasingly threatened by non-native species and the erosion of habitats. The seeds that will be gathered during the upcoming event will go a long way in supporting this vital restoration process, ensuring that the native flora is replenished and that future generations can enjoy a thriving, richly biodiverse landscape.
The Role of Community and Charity in Environmental Stewardship
The seed gathering event is a powerful example of how collaboration and community action can help restore natural ecosystems. Moor Trees, a local environmental charity dedicated to the restoration of Dartmoor’s native woodlands, has played a pivotal role in this transformation. The organization relies on the support of local communities, volunteers, and donors to achieve its ambitious goals of planting native trees and creating healthier ecosystems across the region.
Helen Aldis, the Chief Executive of Moor Trees, emphasizes the importance of these community-driven efforts, particularly the involvement of volunteers who give their time and energy to collect seeds, plant trees, and engage with nature. “Coming together on projects such as the restoration of Venford demonstrates the vital role of charities, volunteers, and local communities in restoring our landscapes. Seed collecting is a wonderful way to be a part of Dartmoor’s future.”
The event not only aims to engage the public in the restoration of Venford Reservoir’s native woodland but also serves to raise awareness about the importance of conservation efforts in the local community. The volunteers who participate in the seed gathering will leave with a sense of pride, knowing that their actions are contributing directly to the long-term health of Dartmoor’s ecosystem.
Seed Collecting: A Hands-On Way to Contribute to Environmental Health
Seed collecting is one of the simplest and most effective ways that individuals can get involved in conservation efforts. The process is an opportunity to engage with the land directly, learn about the species native to the area, and make a tangible contribution to landscape restoration.
Gathering seeds from trees such as acorns, hawthorn, holly, and crab apples allows volunteers to collect materials that will later be nurtured in nurseries before being planted back into the landscape. This cyclical process of seed collection, planting, and growth helps to ensure that Dartmoor’s native species are preserved for the long term.
The practice of seed collecting also plays an important role in maintaining genetic diversity among the trees and plants that make up Dartmoor’s native woodlands. By collecting seeds from local trees, Moor Trees ensures that the new trees planted in the area will have the same genetic characteristics as the existing trees, helping to maintain a balanced and resilient ecosystem.
The Future of Dartmoor’s Native Woodlands
The ongoing restoration of Dartmoor’s woodlands is critical not only for the health of the local ecosystem but also for the wider environmental landscape. As the effects of climate change continue to reshape the world, restoring native habitats has become an urgent priority. The re-establishment of Dartmoor’s native woodlands is one of many steps in ensuring that the region can continue to support local wildlife, promote climate resilience, and provide sustainable benefits for generations to come.
By bringing people together to engage in seed collection, South West Lakes Trust and Moor Trees are not only restoring the landscape—they are also fostering a deeper connection between individuals and the environment. These hands-on events encourage a sense of ownership and pride in the natural world, helping to create a community of passionate environmental stewards dedicated to the long-term health of Dartmoor and beyond.
A ‘Lovely Legacy’ for Future Generations
As James Platts of South West Lakes Trust puts it, the work being done at Venford Reservoir is creating a “lovely legacy” that will last for generations. Through the combined efforts of volunteers, local communities, and environmental charities, Dartmoor’s native woodlands will continue to grow and thrive, providing a healthier and more sustainable environment for both wildlife and people.
As participants gather seeds at Venford Reservoir, they will be contributing to a legacy that goes beyond just planting trees—they will be nurturing an ecosystem that will continue to support biodiversity, climate resilience, and the natural beauty of Dartmoor for many years to come.
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