Project

Community forest at Greenway

Enjoy the views around The Lodge at Greenway, Brixham, Devon — The views around The Lodge at Greenway, Brixham | © National Trust / Mike Henton

This year we are delighted to be working in partnership with Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest, and with grant funding from Defra’s Trees for Climate fund we’ll create, restore and connect around eight hectares of new wooded habitats on the Greenway estate, to include a combination of deciduous woodland, wood pasture and parkland.

‘Bigger, better and more joined up’ is our mantra, and since 2015, the English Riviera portfolio (which includes Bradley, Coleton Fishacre, Compton Castle and Greenway) has been working to meet the aims of the National Trust’s Land, Outdoors and Nature strategy; creating and restoring priority habitats, ensuring nature recovery and improving biodiversity, carbon sequestration and natural flood management.

At Greenway we've planted nearly 3,000 trees and significantly added to the landscape with a mosaic of new habitats from parklands trees to wood pasture and deciduous woodland. Our aim is to bring as much life to these wooded habitats as possible, so as they grow and develop, expect spectactular blossom and fruit displays which will provide habitats and food for wildlife for much of the year.

Close-up image of open, white, five-petalled blossom flowers with white stamens and yellow pollen — Damson blossom in April | © National Trust Images/John Miller

What’s being planted?

In the woodlands there'll be a variety of broadleaved trees such as english and sessile oak, hornbeam, beech, yew, small leaved lime, scots pine, sweet chestnut and wild cherry will be found. Towards the edges of the woodland you'll find field maple, hazel, hawthorn, blackthorn, spindle and holly, which will provide shelter and food for a variety of fauna. In the wood pasture there'll be a mix of these alongside the local Dittisham plum (or Dittisham ploughman), crab apples and conference pear.

Lastly, in the parkland we've planted a few example of non-native trees that have shown to grow well in the UK without becoming invasive or a source of disease, such as red oak, tulip and black walnut. This will sit alongside naturalised species like the common walnut and locally abundant Monterey cypress whose size may attract prominent nesting opportunities for osprey in years to come.

Child and adult planting a tree in a field — Tree planting on the Greenway estate | © National Trust / Lauren Hutchinson

Why are we planting these?

By aiming for a diversity of species, fringed by flowering and fruiting trees and significant open areas, we can create wooded habitats used by a wide range of wildlfe. The transitional areas between open grassland, shrubby woodland edges and high canopy woods should teem with life in years to come and provide a rich source for wldlife to thrive.

What are the other benefits of this project?

Aside from the positive climate impact of introducing more trees and plants, the project will have several other valuable outcomes, including:

Habitat creation – from lichens to small mammals, insects and birds.
Foraging opportunities, thanks to the interspersal of fruiting trees with broadleaved varieties.
Connectivity – wooded highways which are vital for creatures such as bats
Slowing the flow of water across the estate reduces the risk of flooding and soil erosion.
Creation of shade for wildlife, livestock and humans.
Opportunities for people to connect with nature through improved access as we introduced a new bridleway and install new seating.

How can I get involved?

We can all play our part to help to create new habitats and take climate action. Whether it’s a window box or a bird box, a small wildlife pond or bug hotel, why not see where you could make some space for nature around your garden.

A tree-lined path leads to Greenway House in Devon, the white exterior Georgian house, with visitors walking outside the front.

Discover more at Greenway

Find out when Greenway is open, how to get here, the things to see and do and more.

Plan your visit

The Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest will stretch across different parts of the city and surrounding countryside. It will be a mix of community woodland, private woodland, on street trees, urban woodland, wooded habitat corridors and hedgerows.

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