VOLUNTEERS have helped plant another 800 trees at a Dartmoor nature reserve.

The planting at Wistman’s Wood National Nature Reserve is part of efforts to extend one of the South West’s last remaining fragments of temperate rainforest.

This follows the planting of 450 saplings at the site in March 2025.

The Duchy of Cornwall joined partner organisations Natural England, Moor Trees and the Woodland Trust on site to support the continued restoration of this iconic woodland on Dartmoor, as it works to gradually double its size.

The planting took place within fenced exclusion plots designed to protect young saplings and encourage successful establishment.

It forms part of a long-term programme to strengthen the woodland’s resilience and enable its expansion.

Saplings grown from locally gathered acorns and rowan seeds at Wistman’s Wood have been raised by Moor Trees at its Community Tree Nursery, through a partnership with the Duchy of Cornwall that began in 2021.

Wistman’s Wood is an ancient oak woodland covering over seven acres in the West Dart Valley on Dartmoor.

It is designated as a National Nature Reserve (NNR), Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in recognition of its ecological importance.

Temperate rainforests are globally rare habitats and only about eight per cent remain in Devon and Cornwall, making careful long-term management vital.

Emma Magee, Head of Communities and Nature on Dartmoor, The Duchy of Cornwall said: ‘The continued restoration of this iconic woodland reflects the Duchy’s commitment to building and enhancing nature-rich landscapes.

‘Expanding and strengthening a rare temperate rainforest isn’t a one-off intervention, it requires steady, long-term effort.’

Andrew Bakere, Senior Reserves Manager, Natural England said: 'This strong partnership is driving woodland expansion around our temperate Rainforests - rare, unique, and irreplaceable habitats.

‘We’re energised in our mission to support wildlife and repair the very fabric of our landscape. These woods represent our past culture and heritage and are our future defence against climate change.

‘They help manage waterflow from the uplands, reduce storm impacts and protecting communities downstream.’

Jess Duffy, Woodland Officer, Moor Trees said: ‘It is an honour to be able to support the restoration of this globally significant habitat.