Project

Community forest at Compton Castle

Newly planted trees with a wooden fenced barrier in a field — Newly planted trees at Compton Castle | © National Trust / Michael Wright

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 10 hectares of new wooded habitats on the Compton 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.

Here at Compton we've planted nearly 10,000 trees and significantly added to the landscape with a mosaic of new habitats from parklands trees to areas full of orchard trees and deciduous woodland of English and Celtic 'Sessile' oak. Our aim is to bring as much life to these wooded habitats as possible, so as they grow and develop, expect spectacular blossom and fruit displays which will provide habitats and food for wildlife for much of the year.

White blossom buds and open flowers, tinged with pink, on an apple tree branch — Apple blossom in April | © National Trust Images/Ross Hoddinott

What’s being planted?

In the woodlands there'll be a variety of broadleaved trees such as English and sessile oak, hornbeam, beech, wych elm, yew, small leaved lime, sweet chestnut and walnut will be found. To make it more climate resilient, we've added around 10% 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.

Towards the edges of the woodland you'll find field maple, rowan, wayfaring tree, hazel, guelder rose, crab apple, conference pear, hawthorn, blackthorn, spindle, dogwood and holly - all of which will provide shelter and food for a variety of fauna.

Lastly in the parkland we've planted a few examples that grow well in wet conditions, as the valley location can be wet for much of the year. Expect species like the threatened black poplar and vivid aspens.

Newly planted trees in a field surrounded by a wooden fence — Newly planted trees on the Compton estate | © National Trust / Michael Wright

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 wildlife. 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 wildlife to thrive.

Spotted piles of deadwood? These are deliberate and offer opportunities for burrowing insects and fungi to thrive and colonise the new woodlands.

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 on the permissive walk

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 distant view of the north front side of Compton Castle, Devon with fields behind

Discover more at Compton Castle

Find out when Compton Castle 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.

Visit website

Stone buildings stand in front of woodland and farmed fields in a valley on a sunny day.

Article

Things to see on Compton Castle estate

With views over the sloped Devonshire valleys and traditional farmland, the estate at Compton Castle is as historic as the castle. A new project has been established to improve areas of the countryside for nature, while managing the commercial farming.