Lemon Wood, The Linhay (Haytor Vale)

The site was previously forested with a non-native conifer plantation with few native plants or trees due to the heavy shade. Along one edge, however, is the upper reaches of the River Lemon, with valuable areas of Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus), Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) and a multitude of ferns.

Originally scheduled for planting 05/06, it took longer than expected to gain a good price for the timber, but eventually the conifers were cleared and by the end of February 2007. A steep sided Coombe emerged into the light and gave a dramatic feel to the edge of the neighbouring Ancient woodland. Unfortunately, our insurance does not cover volunteer planters abseiling down these very steep sides, so the steepest areas will be marked out for natural woodland regeneration and open glades.

A large deer fence was erected to exclude the deer from eating the young trees, with local provenance saplings being sourced from our nurseries. Plenty of volunteer planting days followed, including some weekends in a local camping barn.

Local schools were involved and a woodland association was set up to ensure long-term care of the site by local people. The Tavistock Task Force also helped to clear the invasive non-native species from areas around the edge of the old plantation area, such as sweet chestnut, sycamore, beech and rhododendron.

In subsequent years the new woodland will be taken care of by the woodland association (a dependent branch of Moor Trees) to ensure that pest damage and over-growth of the saplings by other species is controlled. At this stage we will also produce a management plan with the landowners to help ensure the survival of the woodland for years to come.

We will also be surveying parts of Lemon Wood to record the amazing transformation that has only just begun!